Hugh Richard Bradshaw was known to most all who knew him simply as Dick, passed away December 11th, 2024. Born April 21, 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana; Dick was a self-employed tool and die maker for 55 years owning Bulldog Performance for 20 years after working for International Harvester and Chrysler, according to his obituary.

It continues, “[Dick] was U.S. Army Veteran, an avid enthusiast of the NHRA Nationals, spending time at Lucas Oil Raceway and coaching for over 50 years in various sports and various ages.” What this leaves out is Dick’s behind-the-scenes impact on the world of aftermarket Mopar performance products.

Never one to seek the limelight, Dick quietly tooled away during the 1980s designing, shaping and casting new engine block, cylinder head and intake manifold designs. His talents were called into employ by Russ Flagle, founder of INDY Cylinder Heads. Albeit a rocky relationship, the two collaborated enough to equip INDY with a treasure trove of unique performance parts to catapult the brand ahead of far larger manufacturers.

Some might remember Muscle Motors’ ill-famed announcement of “The Block,” a versatile designed iron block that permitted for either Hemi or Wedge machining. This was Dick’s creation contracted through the engine builder, a design that fell back into Dick’s lap when Muscle Motors underwent restructuring.

That block (and several other casting designs) were manufactured through Dick’s Bulldog Performance brand. Well into his 70’s, Dick quickly became overwhelmed by demand and sold Bulldog Performance’s assets. In my time knowing Dick, he was never happiest than in his tool and die shop occupying the detached garage at his home.

That is except for on the basketball court. Despite his short frame, Dick had a love for coaching basketball and regularly spun stories of coaching high school basketball over the years (and where the “bulldog” for Bulldog Performance originated from). As much as he enjoyed drag racing, he loved coaching young men to wins on the basketball court.

Dick and his wife of 48 years; Guadalupe (Lupe) opened their home to me several times, letting me stay overnight on occasion and inviting me to dine with their children and grandchildren. Dick would be exactly what you’d define as a “good ol’ salt-of-the-earth kind of guy.” He loved to create, to see people succeed using whatever he could equip them with, and share in their victories.

Memorializing Dick here in Mopar Connection Magazine is tough, as I feel deserves to be known better despite being one who never sought fame (although he sure appreciated a hearty expression of gratitude when due). Dick is survived by Lupe, his wife; their (4) children; Chrissy (John) Smith, Richey Bradshaw, Suzie Oliva and Bill (Gracie) Bradshaw; a sister; Betty Lou (Dave) Patchett and his (12) grandchildren.