October 4, 2013 (Sheraton Fairplex, Pomona, California)—Off-road racing professional, friend and driving force Frank DeAngelo earned induction into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame at the annual banquet. A 35-year career advocate for off-road racing and motorsports, Frank DeAngelo has worked with both BFGoodrich® Tires and Jackson Motorsports. Frank’s induction is the first under the “Special Achievement” category!
The morning after the induction of Frank DeAngelo into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, BFGoodrich® Tires and Jackson Motorsports hosted the Frank DeAngelo Breakfast. This unique gathering brought together prominent members of the off-road racing community. They spoke candidly about the extraordinary contribution Frank DeAngelo has made to the sport—and to the entire off-road racing community. Witness this historic moment and learn more about Frank DeAngelo and other off-road racing legends—through their reflections and stories!
[Open the ‘Frank DeAngelo Breakfast’ coverage to full-screen 1080P viewing!]
At left, Tom Sullivan opens the Frank DeAngelo Breakfast at the Sheraton Fairplex on October 5, 2013. Nearby, the Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo is about to begin, yet the most notable members of the off-road racing community are in this room!
Racers and colleagues reflect on Frank DeAngelo’s 35-year career. Frank worked ten years directly for BFGoodrich® Tires then owned a motorsports business for a decade before moving to Jackson Motorsports Group, where he has work with the BFGoodrich® Racing account for the past 15 years…At left is Walker Evans, right is Ivan Stewart with the Normans. Roger Norman recently took the reigns of SCORE/HDRA to assure many more years of Baja racing and other off-road racing access.
Rod Hall enjoys breakfast with Del Albright (left), while Robbie Pierce shares the microphone to honor Frank DeAngelo. The community of racers, fierce competitors on the race course, came together to share their appreciation and gratitude with Frank DeAngelo. Hear what they have to say!
Frank DeAngelo has made a huge contribution to the sport of off-road racing! The racing community owes much to his professional and personal commitment around motorsports safety, competitiveness and the career successes of many racers. Hear what these legends have to share!
Five Inductees Honored on October 4, 2013
Larry Bergquist—A prominent figure in off-road motorcycle racing back to the first “Mexican 1000”, Larry earned a reputation for dedication and success. Bergquist’s commitment to the sport produced a winning racer. He was also a founder of the Buzzard’s MC. Larry Bergquist selflessly ran groups to help preserve the desert.
Bob Chandler—Creator of the monster truck industry and Bigfoot #1. Bob Chandler’s many years of innovating have contributed safety technology and saved lives. Chandler’s team also supports important causes like Make-A-Wish Foundation and children’s hospitals.
Frank DeAngelo—Frank is the first person to be inducted into ORMHOF under the “Special Achievement” category. Frank DeAngelo’s efforts in the desert and short course racing community number 35 years. Beginning as a semi-truck driver for BFGoodrich® and working his way to executive director of motorsports programs for Jackson Motorsports Group, Frank has helped many individuals and organizations along the way. His work with the BFGoodrich® pit program has set the standards for effectiveness, organization and safety under extreme conditions.
Jerry Herbst—Founder and backer of Herbst Motorsports, Jerry began this program for his sons. Jerry and his team have been instrumental in the development of the 37”, 39” and 42” BFGoodrich® project tires. Herbst Motorsports has dominated the SCORE and “Best in the Desert” race courses with many class, season and overall championship victories. Jerry Herbst has provided assistance to off-road organizations, helping to keep them safe and progressive.
Bob “The Weatherman” Steinberger—In 1972, Bob found his place within desert racing. Frustrated by the silence between race vehicles and pit crews, the “Weatherman” began driving to the top of the highest mountain in Baja each race to provide communications and ensure that all racers have a connection with their pit crews. Bob Steinberger is also the founder of PCI Race Radios and a longtime member of CORVA. He is a past president for FAIR, a race team owner, pit crew member and race retrieval volunteer.
Congratulations to each of the inductees!