Legendary Dayton drag racer turns 90

Party at Marion’s Piazza to honor ‘Ohio George.’
"Ohio George" Montgomery poses next to four of his cars, the red, 1969 Mustang Mr. Gasket Gasser, the 1933 Willys Malco Gasser and the 1967 Malco Gasser Mustang, but the car he is leaning on, the MultiMaverick, he never raced. This photo is from the book "Ohio George Montgomery, Drag Racing's Gasser King."

"Ohio George" Montgomery poses next to four of his cars, the red, 1969 Mustang Mr. Gasket Gasser, the 1933 Willys Malco Gasser and the 1967 Malco Gasser Mustang, but the car he is leaning on, the MultiMaverick, he never raced. This photo is from the book "Ohio George Montgomery, Drag Racing's Gasser King."
Local News
By Skip Peterson
Jan 21, 2023
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Dayton’s legendary drag racer, “Ohio George” Montgomery will turn 90 on Jan. 25, and his family, friends and fans are gathering to honor him. Organizer Dave Thomas said they are expecting 75 to 80 people to join “Ohio George” at the Marion’s Piazza at 3443 N. Dixie Drive at noon on Wednesday. “Everyone is welcome, the more the merrier, " Thomas said.

Montgomery was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in the class of 2020, joining his friend and fellow drag racer Don Garlits, as well as legends A. J. Foyt, Mario Andretti and Richard Petty. He was also honored as the grand marshal of the Dayton Concours d’Elegance.

Nationally recognized as the best of the “gassers” when he raced, Montgomery took the country by storm with his powder blue 1933 Willys gasser, winning numerous NHRA championships and setting 22 NHRA speed records. He was not only the driver of the car; he built the cars and built the engines. His speed shop in Huber Heights is the oldest continuously operated speed shop in the U.S.

"Ohio George" Montgomery leans on the counter at his speed shop in Dayton. On the left are model car kits of his 1933 Willys Gasser. Contributed photograph by Skip Peterson

Credit: Skip Peterson

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Credit: Skip Peterson

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About the Author

Skip Peterson