Alan Bradshaw and Vis Viva “Living Force Energy” will celebrate the late Darrell Russell’s life by debuting the “Tribute to a Champion - Never Forgotten” special edition Top Fuel dragster at this weekend’s 12th annual O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals. Vis Viva driver Alan Bradshaw, a friend of Darrell and his family, also will wear a custom helmet and firesuit commemorating the event. Darrell’s parents, Gwen and Burnell Russell, and his brother Chris Russell will also be in attendance as guests of NHRA.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled that Darrell is being honored in this way,” Chris Russell said. “This was something Darrell would have been very proud of, and the fact Alan will be driving the car is a perfect fit.”
Like many racers, Darrell began his driving career in the Sportsman ranks competing in a Super Comp dragster for a number of years before eventually moving up to his family-owned Top Alcohol Dragster. With Chris tuning the car and Gwen and Burnell serving as crewmen, Darrell won a total of 26 national and divisional NHRA events along with four divisional championships in 1994, 1996, 1998 and 1999.
In 2001, Darrell was offered the opportunity to drive for Top Fuel legend Joe Amato and he didn’t have to wait long for the success he had become so accustomed to in the sportsman ranks to follow him into Top Fuel. He won in his professional debut at the Winternationals in Pomona, Calif. becoming one of only three drivers in the history of NHRA to accomplish such a feat. He would go on to win the 2001 Rookie of the Year award, and eventually add a total of six Top Fuel victories to his credit in his three-and-a-half-year journey in the class. He also never failed to qualify for a Top Fuel event in which he was entered.
As part of the tribute, a special car unveiling will be held on the starting-line prior to Friday’s first Top Fuel qualifying session.
Also, the book about Russell entitled “Broad Smiles, Quarter-Miles,” which was written by long-time friend Rob Geiger, will be available for purchase at Bob Vandergriff’s merchandise trailer for $24.95 during this event. A
limited number of books will be sold on a first-come basis with all proceeds from book sales being donated to DRAW.
“I’m glad that Darrell’s fans will have an opportunity to buy the book at this event,” Burnell said. “It really is a great testament to Darrell’s life. Rob did a fantastic job writing it.”
Bradshaw’s special edition helmet and firesuit will be available separately on eBay beginning late Friday night. The crew’s special-edition uniforms will be available for auction in the weeks following the event. All money
raised by the auctions will be donated to Racers for Christ. More details will be sent out as plans are finalized.
“For my family this is a way to give back to those that helped us in our time of need,” Chris said. “Both DRAW and RFC are incredible organizations that provided us tremendous support. The money we raise will hopefully help them continue to support others like they helped us.”
Friends and fans of Darrell are encouraged to stop by the Vis Viva “Living Force Energy” pit for a special edition handout card, and to share their favorite stories with Gwen, Burnell and Chris.
“We want this to be a celebration of the life of my brother,” Chris said. “Darrell would have turned 40 this year, and this gives us the perfect opportunity to commemorate that. Darrell touched so many people, and did so
many good things in the sport. That is what I want people to think of when they hear his name. I hope this weekend we can accomplish that.”
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