MoParty 2023 Complete Coverage

09/17/2023

MoParty 2023 Complete Coverage

09/17/2023

Hemi Under Glass Pays Tribute to a Legend: Bob Riggle's Legacy Soars

The thunderous roar of an iconic legend echoed down the drag strip at this year's MoParty, paying a heartfelt tribute to the late Bob Riggle.


The historic "Hemi Under Glass" Plymouth Barracuda, a vehicle synonymous with exhibition wheel standing, made a spine-tingling pass down the Beech Bend Raceway. This poignant moment was a celebration of the remarkable legacy of Bob Riggle, the man who fearlessly defied gravity behind the wheel.


Originally conceived by Hurst Corporation as a way of promoting the A/FX class. The "Hemi Under Glass" is a piece of automotive history. This series of Plymouth Barracudas, nine in total, modified for the daring act of wheel standing, captured the imagination of audiences for decades. Powered by a claimed 2,500hp Chrysler Hemi.


Riggle, originally from Mansfield, Ohio, took the reins from "Wild" Bill Shrewsberry in 1966, becoming the heart and soul of this awe-inspiring wheel stander. Riggle's performances were nothing short of legendary, thrilling crowds at drag racing events nationwide with his quarter-mile wheelstand displays.


On June 26, 2016, during the taping of an episode of "Jay Leno's Garage," the Hurst Hemi Under Glass Barracuda rolled over. Remarkably, neither Riggle nor Jay Leno suffered injuries, but the iconic Plymouth bore the scars of the accident.


On September 8, 2023, the world lost Bob Riggle at the age of 88. He left behind a legacy that forever changed the landscape of drag racing and automotive entertainment. His name will forever be synonymous with the daring feats performed behind the wheel of the "Hemi Under Glass."


The pass down the drag strip at MoParty was more than just a thrilling spectacle; it was a tribute to a legend. It embodied the indomitable spirit of Bob Riggle and the enduring legacy of the "Hemi Under Glass." As the Barracuda roared down the strip, it was a moment of remembrance and celebration, a fitting tribute to a man who fearlessly defied gravity and left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport. Bob Riggle's spirit lives on in the thunderous echoes of the "Hemi Under Glass."

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