Drag Racing Innovator Mike Magiera Passes Away

It is a sad day in drag racing history today as fans, drivers and everyone else involved in the sport are mourning one of the greatest innovators the sport has ever known. Indiana native Mike Magiera, who was the aerodynamic genius behind the front and rear wing on today’s 300+ MPH producing Top Fuel dragsters, recently passed away at the age of 67.
Although an official cause of death has yet to be announced, many iconic names in the NHRA including Terry McMillen, Scott Palmer and Billy Torrence among others are remembering and revering the man that they consider a leader in drag racing technology.

“Mike was a real pioneer in aerodynamic technology with Top Fuel Cars, IndyCars, and even NASCAR,” said McMillen. “One thing that you can say about his wings that they never failed. His technology was so far advanced that he could build wings on these cars today and can do a much better job due to the regulations and rules. To lose a guy like that with the brain power that he had in aerodynamics is just devastating.”

McMillen isn’t the only driver who swears by Magiera’s wings.

“He did a lot of stuff in the 70’s and 80’s and did a lot of work with “Big Daddy” Don Garlits,” said Palmer. “He was and continues to be one of the smartest men I have ever met and even invested his own time and money to keep us going. What a huge loss to the world. I will miss the conversations we had. He was truly a genius, and it was a privilege to have him as a friend.”

Magiera is survived by the love of his life, Judy Parmley, whom he met on the most romantic day of the year – Valentine’s Day 1970, as well as many nieces and nephews that reside in Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi and North Carolina. Magiera was also a wonderful companion and a second father to countless people who love and miss him very much.

We at RacingJunk.com send our condolences to this legend’s friends, family as well as his entire racing family.