Tom Hoover

[Thunderlugs]

I can't let this day pass without saying some words of appreciation about Tom Hoover, the man who's incredible abilities, along with his partners in crime The Ramchargers, made it possible for all of us here, to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Tom Passed on this day, April 30th 2015.
Thank you Tom!

 

[Budnicks]

yep thanks Tom
he was a true/real devote MoPar Icon/Engineer Racer for damn sure

RIP Tom

 

[moparedtn]

Yep and he was quite approachable and friendly in person to boot...
in fact, first time I spoke with him at the Nats many, many moons ago, I didn't
know which Ramcharger I was speaking with!
As Mr. Hoover walked away, my friend said "you know who that was, right?"
Nope, not a clue. No name tag...
"That was TOM HOOVER!"
I felt about 2 inches tall at that point. True story.

You better believe I knew who it was next time, though.

 

[Darter6]

HE was a very humble man. He never thought once about the achievements and what his accomplishments means to the Mopar community. I am very thankful that I got to spend some time with him in the early 2000's.
I asked him did he ever think the 426 Hemi would be what it is today ? His answer was "Just doin' my job."

 

[65wgn440]

I was lucky enough to attend a private Ramcharger's Reunion get together (about 20-25 people) that a local Dodge dealership owner hosted. Tom Hoover basically ran the show. He brought in his home slides and gave a long presentation with them. Then he joined the other guys for a Q & A session. Great night ! I got to have a nice talk with Jim Thornton that night also. My buddies daughter was his main caretaker when he passed away a few years ago. Oh and BTW, I got to wrench on a '66 Hemi Belvedere that Tom Hoover owned and then sold to the local dealership owner.

 

[64BEL]

An amazing man from the greatest generation. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but from everything I've read, he was a man of class all the way.

 

[Dodge33]

RIP Mr. Tom Hoover.. When I grew up, a lot of these guys were my Idols, and I
truly enjoyed building plastic models of these racecars and others. I remember to
this day, when I was about 7-maybe 8 years old, my uncle Tom had many cardboard
barrels full of plastic models, all very old.. just thinking, if I only knew what a lot of
that stuff is worth today? I do not know what/where he got them all at, and back in the
day, I did not have two quarters to rub together.................

 

[oldkimmer]

Tom was my idol also. The things he done for the Mopar Community will never be rivalled. Rest In Peace Mr. Hoover. Kim

 

[super-bee_ski]

AMEN!

 

[YY1]

I had a similar experience several years ago at Don Garlits.

Spoke to him and a few others for about half an hour.

Just thought he was a guy that knew a lot about Mopars and racing.

Only months later did one of my friends matter of factly mention who it was.

 

[moose1]

 

[moose1]

Forgot to write comments with my pics! Saw Tom Hoover's '66 'Net at woodward in '15. So cool same colour and year as mine - but that's where the similarities end! Check out the '57 Plymuth wheel discs.

 

[chargervert]

My friend and I had lunch with him at Carlisle. I wish we could have talked more with him, but he was having trouble remembering the details about some of the Hemi engine technology that we were asking him about. Super nice guy,for sure.

 

[Johnpat]

Tom Thanks for all your input through the years,
RIP.

 

[1 MEAN66]

Larry Sheppard no slouch either. early 70's I use to call Chrysler's performance parts department all the time. Phone number was listed in the back of the Direct Connection parts book. Always seem to get him on the phone. Ordered ( always n/c) a bunch of "performance parts bulletins" still have them even in the original package. factory hop ups to engine tranies etc. of course using factory parts : part no.'s and how to install and/or modify. Even stuff for the slant motors.

 

[YY1]

His big block book was my bible.

Didn't know he would answer if you called.

I'd have called but his text was so complete I didn't need to.