[Finding a good, high resolution of the man himself online is darn near impossible. But there’s no shortage of pictures of his ’68 SS/AH Plymouth Barracuda or ’67 Plymouth GTX. So in keeping with this theme, we shared this great shot of Bob’s ‘Cuda absolutely hanging them out. –Ed.]
Growing up in Southern California, there wasn’t much in the way of Mopar representation (at least in the scale that you find the other two brands). The two names that did rise to the top of everyone’s list when it came to SoCal Mopar racing were Dick Landy and Bob Mazzolini.
While Landy had dialed back on his racing and focused on DLI (Dick Landy Industries), Mazzolini never let off of the throttle. Sure, Bob Mazzolini Racing grew into a major distributor of go-fast parts and race engine and rear end services, but Bob himself refused to hang up the helmet.
So that’s why its hard to think that the Mopar community has lost yet another superstar in our constellation. Customers were regularly entreated to hear Bob’s voice on the other end of the tech line. Whether inquiring about setting shock rebound rates or header fitment, Bob was there to take your call.
From competitive race cars to reliable street machines, Bob Mazzolini was there to help. Even if it was assisting a fellow competitor. That’s just the kind of guy he was. And we suppose there’s no better salute to a man’s character than that.
In a recent post on Facebook, Dave Sprague eulogized Mazzolini on the Pacific Nostalgia Drag Racing page, stating:
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Bob Mazzolini on July 14, 2026.
Bob was one of the true legends of Mopar drag racing. For more than six decades, he dedicated his life to racing, building engines, restoring some of the most iconic Chrysler-powered race cars ever built, and helping countless racers find success on and off the track.
Bob’s racing journey began in 1963 and eventually led him to Southern California, where he built Bob Mazzolini Racing into one of the most respected names in the Mopar performance world. Whether you were competing in NHRA Super Stock, Pro Stock, or simply building your dream Mopar, Bob was the person racers trusted. His knowledge of HEMI and Max Wedge combinations was second to none, but what people will remember most was his willingness to share that knowledge with anyone who asked.
His cars won races. His engines powered champions. His parts and expertise reached racers around the world. But beyond the accomplishments, Bob earned something even more important, the respect of generations of racers who knew they could count on him for honest advice, quality work, and a genuine passion for the sport.
Bob never stopped being a racer at heart. Even after decades in the business, he remained deeply involved with the Mopar community, continuing to build, restore, race, and support the hobby and sport he loved.
Anyone who knew Bob probably remembers the saying that appeared on his T-shirts: “How much horsepower can I have and still go to heaven?” It perfectly captured his sense of humor and his lifelong passion for making Mopars go faster.
The drag racing community has lost one of its true ambassadors. His legacy will live on through the cars he built, the racers he helped, and the friendships he made along the way.
Please keep his wife Fran and the entire Mazzolini family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Thank you, Bob, for everything you gave to our sport. We know you found the answer to your famous question.
