George Montgomery (drag racer)

George Montgomery (nicknamed "Ohio George") is an American gasser drag racer.[1]

Montgomery won an NHRA national title in a gas class seven times, once in A/G, four in A/GS, and twice in AA/G (supercharged).[2] He was also thrice Gas Eliminator champion,[3] meaning he had the quickest gasser at the meet.

At Detroit Dragway in 1959, he drove his Cadillac-powered 1933 Willys to an A/G win, with a pass of 11.94 seconds at 124.65 mph (200.60 km/h); he also took Little Eliminator.[4] He repeated at Detroit in A/GS in 1960, with a pass of 12.36 seconds at 107.65 mph (173.25 km/h); he again took Little Eliminator.[5]

In 1961, at Indianapolis Raceway Park, he took the A/GS title with a pass of 10.91 seconds at 130.63 mph (210.23 km/h).[6]

Changing classes to AA/G, Montgomery won again at Indianapolis in 1963, now with Chevrolet power,[7] recording a pass of 10.45 seconds at 129.00 mph (207.61 km/h), and also took Middle Eliminator.[8] He repeated the class win there in 1964, with a pass of 10.20 seconds at 138.88 mph (223.51 km/h).[9]

Changing classes, to supercharged 427 SOHC power in AA/G, for 1966, Montgomery again won the national title at Indianapolis, turning in a pass of 9.58 seconds at 153.58 mph (247.16 km/h).[10] He repeated the win there in 1967, clocking 8.92 seconds at 134.32 mph (216.17 km/h).[11]

He also drove the AA/G Ford Prefect he named The Gasser Passer.[12]

In 1967, Montgomery was offered a new Ford Mustang, and promptly retired the ill-handling Willys.[13] The Mustang gave him Super Eliminator wins with passes in the mid eights at speeds over 160 mph (260 km/h),[14]

Montgomery was a continuing favorite among touring match racers, often facing "Big John" Mazmanian and K. S. Pittman, among others.[15]

Montgomery was also inducted to the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.[16]

He will be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America on March 17, 2020.[17]