THREE GENERATIONS OF TEXAS POWER
POSTED: 2006-12-20 09:47:11 EMAIL TO A FRIEND PRINT VIEW




Three Generations of Texas Power

By Manny Sousa

Drag racing families have always, and will always be, an integral part of the International Hot Rod Association. Proving that a good core of strong values, hard work and determination will lead to a successful venture, the Folk family out of Durand, IL, and the Cummings family from Hammond, LA are just two examples of how important the family is to drag racing…and how important the members of those families are to each other as well as to the sport of drag racing in general.

The Gregorys, from San Antonio, Texas, are another successful drag racing family upholding this tradition. Consisting of three generations of racers, the Gregorys have already made their mark in the great state of Texas. Robert Gregory Jr. is a long-time veteran of the quarter mile and is also the family patriarch whose interest in racing was triggered by his first ride which he would use to do battle against other gassers from the area. Gregory reflects back to the days of greased hair and doo-wop music remembering how simple drag racing was in it's early stages.







“In 1956, I had a '56 Chevy that I ran in D/Gas." Gregory said, fondly remembering the car that paved the way for his drag racing endeavors. "We would run at an old airfield and we would get handicapped starts which were determined by what class you ran. We didn't have a tree, or timing system. We would just line them up, launch at the drop of a flag and race to the finish line where two flag men were placed on either side of the track to declare a winner! “

Of course, the actual equipment on the '56 Chevy was a far cry away from the state of the art machinery that inhabits your local drag strip in the here and now,” Gregory added. "We didn't even have slicks at the time, so we would use a tire we would order from Southern California called SOCAL Slick Retreads, which were a primitive version of today's slicks."

Today Gregory brandishes a more modern piece of machinery. He pilots an '03 Undercover Chassis dragster, propelled down the 1320 with 555 cubic inches of Scott Shafiroff power.

"We do all our own work on the cars,” he said. “We keep with the maintenance, and we get a lot of help from good friend, and engine builder, Tommy Costales."

All those years of experience were not in vain. At 71 years of age, the eldest Gregory has taken down some major scores in the bracket racing world.

"In 2002, I won the Super-Tens Race at San Antonio, which was worth $10,000 dollars. I was also the Track Champion for San Antonio in Electronics for the Summit Super Series." Gregory stated.

Add to those accomplishments a runner-up at the Gunslinger Shootout in 2002, also at San Antonio, and it's safe to assume Bob Gregory Jr. has no desire to take it lightly on the young guns. Since Gregory Jr. has been drag racing since the earliest days of the sport, it is no surprise that his passion has trickled down to not only his son, Robert Gregory III, but also to his Grandson, Robert Gregory IV… who has already proved to be a terror at his local tracks in only three short years of driving.

Recently, Grandfather and Grandson had to face each other in the final round of the prestigious Ironman Classic at San Antonio Raceway. It was one of those rare moments in the drag racing world where close relatives would do battle for all the marbles. Although bragging rights went to the elder Gregory, Robert IV has already achieved a slew of accomplishments at the early age of 19.







After running Jr. Dragsters with a fair amount of success, including a King of the Hill victory in 2001, Gregory IV started racing the Top Sportsman class at local tracks. Driving an '03 Mullis with an alcohol-fed small block, he started winning right away at age 16, bagging a 10K Super-Ten runner-up and two T/S victories. Gregory IV followed this up with the 2004 Angleton Raceway Electronics Track Championship, and in 2006 went on a tear, capturing six T/S victories including three in a row at one point!

With the extremely tough competition in today's racing, combined with the mechanical technology that makes "dead on the dial" a cliche from any announcer, the results of Gregory IV are very impressive. The fact that he is still two years away from enjoying a victory brew cannot bode well for his competition. In acknowledging the accomplishments of the Gregory family, it must be noted that success does not extend to just the track.

Sandwiched between Robert Gregory Jr, and Robert Gregory IV is of course, Robert Gregory III. Robert Gregory III is a successful businessman who is the President of the Assured Project Management Group as well as Executive VP of the International Alliance Group. He is also a veteran of SCCA Open Wheel racing and a Porsche Club driving instructor.

It would be safe to assume that Robert Gregory III has no problem behind a steering wheel. Despite a frantic schedule, he still manages to find time to race his '02 Undercover Dragster here and there.

"The past couple of years have proved to be a very busy period at work, so I didn't get to race as much as I would have liked. I hope to get out to the track a little more in the upcoming year." offered Gregory III.

Future plans for the Gregorys involve more local racing as well as giving a few Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by Mr. Gasket events a try. Robert Gregory Jr. plans to continue to run at San Antonio Raceway, competing in E.T. events including the Summit Super Series.

"I prefer to stay local." added Gregory Jr. "San Antonio Track Manager Todd Zampese and his crew do a great job, and they treat the racers very well, so as far as I am concerned, that's home!" "I love running IHRA. I like how they treat the racers and we always have a great time while attending IHRA events."

Gregory Jr. is not a big fan of throttle stop racing, but has not ruled out running the E.T. Bracket Event held at the eMax Drag Racing Series, Amalie Oil Nationals held at San Antonio in the upcoming 2007 season. The Gregorys would like to give thanks to some people who have proved to be a great asset in their racing ventures.

"We would like to give thanks to Ronnie Santhuff, my adopted little brother at Santhuff Shocks,” Gregory Jr. said. “Also, we would like to thank Gary Durbin from Gulf Coast Graphics, and Roy Rogers at 1+1 Carburetor for all of their help."

While talking with Robert Gregory Jr., you can sense the pride he has for his family and its accomplishments. Families like this are, indeed, what makes the IHRA what it is…an organization who’s foundation was built on the values of families much like the Gregorys that, in turn, make the whole IHRA racing community one big family. So in your racing travels this forthcoming season, if you happen along the Gregory family from San Antonio, be quick to say "Hello". You will be greeted by some friendly people who love their sport and who are proud to carry the IHRA banner. Just try not to be as quick in lining up next to them. It could make for a short weekend!

I read that. I was wondering if it was our Gregory's.

yes !!!