[Tom Vaught]

Richard Maskin Owner of Dart Heads in Michigan has passed away.

Royal Oak - Richard Maskin, 74, of Royal Oak, Michigan, died on October 16, 2021. Way too young to die. His family owned a Pontiac Dealership just like my family's Pontiac Dealership.

https://www.freep.com/obituaries/det106711

"Richard was a legend of the motorsports world. He began his career as a lot man and mechanic at his family's Pontiac dealership, before becoming a professional drag racer. In 1972 Richard made the leap to NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Pro Stock, where he won multiple championships and set national records as a driver and crew chief.

A true mechanical mastermind and entrepreneur, Richard founded Dart Machinery in a humble Oak Park garage in 1981. He spent the next 37 years growing Dart into a globally recognized aftermarket manufacturer that helped to revolutionize the auto industry, with its premium aftermarket cylinder heads and engine blocks. Dart parts have won multiple NHRA Pro Stock world championships and dozens of national events.

Richard was inducted into the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2015, and in 2019 was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the NHRA in recognition of his contributions to the sport and industry."

RIP Richard. You were one of a kind.

Tom V.