Legendary Drag Racer Malcolm Durham Passes

Malcolm Durham passed away June 22, 2006 after a battle with lung cancer. Durham, named No. 48 on NHRA's Top 50 Drag Racers list in 2001, was a pioneer in the Super Stock, FX and Funny Car classes. He raced frequently in the Atlanta area during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was also commonly known as drag racing's first black superstar and had great success with his string of Strip Blazer racers.

I had the pleasure of seeing him race several times at Southeastern International Dragway (Dallas, GA) and at the Atlanta Speed Shop Dragway(Covington, GA). He also match raced frequently at Yellow River Drag Strip (Covington, GA) in the late 1960s.

I've been fortunate enough to talk with Mr. Durham several times over the last few years at nostalgia races (and drag racing reunions) and it was always a great experience. Another hero gone but not forgotten.

Services info is pending. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to oncology units or to the American Cancer Society.

Our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Durham.

R.I.P. Malcolm Durham

NHRA.com Article
NHRA Top 50 Drivers
GeorgiaDragRacing.com photos
NHRR Honoree