NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Photo courtesy of SEMA

High-performance aftermarket giant Bob Vandergriff Sr., father of former NHRA national event winner Bob Vandergriff Jr. and grandfather of current NHRA star Jordan Vandergriff, passed away Aug. 19. He was 84.

Vandergriff, longtime owner of Heman Hedders and a respected advertising salesperson for NHRA National Dragster and the NHRA, Petersen Publishing, and McMullen Advertising, was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2003.

Vandergriff purchased the struggling exhaust system manufacturer in 1978 — putting up his mortgage and selling his cars and stocks — to help fund the purchase and built Hedman Hedders into one of the most successful companies in the industry. Hedman Hedders was recognized with the PWA Manufacturer of the Year awards in 1982 and 1988, and Vandergriff was recognized as the 1989 SEMA Person of the Year.

He went on to purchase JR Headers in 1982 and Trans-Dapt in 1991 and was on SEMA’s Board of Directors for years.

"My father introduced our family to the NHRA and the world of drag racing in the 1970s," said Bob Jr. "He supported our family’s racing efforts both personally and through his companies, always encouraging us to pursue our passions.

"He certainly lived his life on his own terms, and he will be deeply missed. The last couple of years have been difficult, but we find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace and in a better place."

Vandergriff is survived by his wife, Beth, daughter Elfie, sons Bob Jr. and Kevin, stepdaughter Kim and stepson Brian, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by son Chris, and by Martha, his wife from an earlier marriage.