Don Carl Gay, former professional funny-car racer known as the "Texas Teenager" and considered a pioneer by the National Hot Rod Association, was laid to rest Tuesday in Dickinson.
He died June 30 of heart disease at his home in League City. He was 60. As a teen, Gay watched dozens of races at the now-closed Houston International Raceway in Dickinson. The 15-year-old saw opportunity when his parents were out of town one weekend. Gay boldly drove off with the blue 1958 Bonneville that graced the showroom floor of his father's car dealership and won his first race.
Subject ID: 75312
MoreDon Carl Gay, former professional funny-car racer known as the "Texas Teenager" and considered a pioneer by the National Hot Rod Association, was laid to rest Tuesday in Dickinson.
He died June 30 of heart disease at his home in League City. He was 60. As a teen, Gay watched dozens of races at the now-closed Houston International Raceway in Dickinson. The 15-year-old saw opportunity when his parents were out of town one weekend. Gay boldly drove off with the blue 1958 Bonneville that graced the showroom floor of his father's car dealership and won his first race.
At that moment, Gay knew hot rods were for him. He just had to break the news to his parents. "When my grandparents got back into town he showed them the trophy," said Gay's son Don Gay Jr. of New York City. "He kind of got in trouble for taking the car out there, but they OK'd his racing."
A year later, Gay became one of the youngest drivers in drag-racing history to win a national title. He ultimately worked his way up to funny cars, or altered factory cars.
Subject ID: 75312
Subject ID: 75312