Scott Geoffrion, 1965-2006

SCOTT GEOFFRION, 1965-2006

Scott Geoffrion, a two-time NHRA Pro Stock world championship runner-up and nine-time national event winner, died May 8 of an apparent heart attack in Southern California. He was 40.

Geoffrion was hospitalized Sunday night for observation with breathing problems and a fever stemming from ulcers in his esophagus and was stricken the following day.

Geoffrion, who drove for Warren Johnson from 1987 through 1991 before joining David Hutchens' Wayne County Speed Shop/Dodge Boys team with Darrell Alderman, reached the final round 28 times in a career that spanned more than 200 races from 1987 through 2004. He didn't score his first victory until his 10th final round, in Memphis in 1993, where he defeated Pro Stock legend Bob Glidden. His most recent win was in 1997 in Topeka.

Geoffrion logged six top 10 points finishes, including world championship runner-up finishes in 1992 and 1994. He scored a career-high six victories in 1994, yet finished second to Alderman. He finished third in 1993 and fourth in 1991.

Geoffrion sat out the 2001 season after being released from the Dodge camp following three lackluster seasons, but resurfaced in a Ford with new team owner Hurley Blakeney and scored his final top 10 finish in 2003, a season in which he was runner-up twice.

"Scott will be remembered not only as a fierce competitor in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, but as a friend to so many in the Pro Stock community," said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. "Everyone at NHRA is shocked by the news of his unexpected passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to Scott's entire family."

According to his family, wakes will be held Thursday in California and Monday, May 15, at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, N.J. His funeral will be Tuesday, May 16, at Immaculate Conception Church, 900 Darlington Ave., Mahwah, N.J., at 10 a.m. The services are open to the public.

Geoffrion is survived by his children, Kyle and Alexa; brother, Rick; sister, Michele; and parents, Richard and Jeanne.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Drag Racing Association of Women, www.drawfasthelp.org.

-nhra