TRIBUTE

1939 – 2023

By Kayla Zadel

“ A life so wonderfully lived deserves to be wonderfully remembered ,” Jeff wrote in a statement . “ Please know that when we are able , we will be sharing his memories , his achievements , and the magnitude of influence that he has had on this industry . My father loved this way of life that we [ chose ] in the racing community .”

Bob began welding as a teenager in high school and went to work as a professional welder upon graduating . While working as a welder , the pioneer in race parts manufacturing was also spending time with the company machinists mastering that trade as well .

Stange began competing at nearby Union Grove Raceway in a 1950 Ford Coupe , gradually

modifying it as time and money permitted . His friends saw his talent as a welder and began asking him to do rear-end and suspension work on their cars . From there , Stange set up a machine shop in his mom ’ s garage . As the business grew , he moved and established Stange Machine and Engineering in 1964 .

Stange realized in order to keep growing , he would need to advertise and began putting together print ads . A copy editor saw the name Stange Machine Engineering and thought it was a misspelling . Therefore , Strange Engineering was born .

Strange Engineering debuted at the 1973 Winternationals when 14 of the 16 Funny Car qualifiers used its parts . Then in 1983 , Team Strange was formed . It consisted of Chris Karamesines in Top Fuel , Austin Coil and Frank Hawley ’ s “ Chi- Town Hustler ” in Funny Car , and entries in five other categories .

Strange Engineering has more than 50 years of manufacturing experience in the performance industry , from racing axles , rear ends , spools , suspension units , and struts to front and rear disc brakes and billet magnesium blower drives . Jeff Stange now leads the family-owned company .

Strange Engineering has been awarded Manufacturer of the Year several times and was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2010 under Bob ’ s guidance . Stange received the Car Craft Magazine Ollie Award – an award that recognizes people who have significantly contributed to the sport of drag racing throughout their careers . He was also honored as a Car Craft Magazine Hi-Riser in 1973 .

Jeff continued to explain that they will provide details on Bob ’ s services when they are available .

“ We ask for privacy for our family at this time , but I want to thank everyone for their calls and heartfelt messages ,” stated Jeff . “ Each memory you have shared has been treasured .” DI

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