NHRA News: Darrell Russell Auction nets more than $270,000 (11/14/2004)

Darrell Russell Auction nets more than $270,000

11/13/2004

The Darrell Russell Memorial Auction absolutely shattered pre-event expectations as final tallies of Saturday's live and silent auctions netted more than $270,000.

With an overflowing crowd jamming both the silent and live auction tents, the bidding was every bit as fast and furious as the racing action on the track at Pomona Raceway. Drivers spent the day imploring fans to attend the auctions and place bids and the So-Cal faithful responded in record numbers.

"We were completely overwhelmed by the response," said Rob Geiger, NHRA.com Senior Editor and one of Russell's closest friends, who helped organize the affair with Larry and Ali Dixon. "We were planning to raise somewhere between $60,000 and $80,000 so for us to more than triple that is phenomenal.

"It says a lot about the positive impact Darrell made on all of us. The drag racing community at large really came together for this and we can all feel proud of the fact Darrell's wife Julie will be taken care of for the foreseeable future. It's important that we take care of our own and we did just that last night."

The big ticket item of the night was a Darrell Russell autograph engraved glass-topped coffee table made of connecting rods. The bidding started at $1,000 and quickly reached $10,000 before it came down to a bidding war between the Schumacher camp and Kenny Bernstein's group. Finally, Bernstein won the item with a top bid of $14,000. As soon as the bidding closed Bernstein approached the stage and presented the item to Geiger.

"The minute I saw that piece I knew I was going to get it for Rob," Bernstein said. "It wouldn't have mattered what the final price was, I was buying it. Rob and Darrell were best friends and you hardly ever saw one of them without the other. I know that table will mean more to Rob than anyone else."

Other high-dollar items included the autographed body work of new Pro Stock Bike champion Andrew Hines, which went to Terry Vance for $10,000. A custom Darrell Russell-themed golf cart was sold to John Force, who promptly gave the cart to Darrell's widow Julie for use on her farm.

Personal items from Darrell, firesuits and helmets from several drivers, and paintings and framed photographs also brought in lots of bids with most pieces selling for between $3,000 and $5,000.

Legend Shirley Muldowney bought a leather jacket signed by numerous Indy winners for $3,500 and gave it to NHRA announcer Bob Frey, who together with Alan Reinhart were emcees of the event.

"Everyone was so generous it was amazing to see," Geiger said. "Larry and Ali asked for help and everyone responded like never before. I know Darrell was looking down on us last night. I could feel his presence and he was plenty happy. I'm thrilled we were able to do this for Julie.

"The list of people that need to be thanked is endless but I know we couldn't have gotten it done without some key people like Larry and Ali Dixon, Gabrielle Stevenson, Melanie Troxel, Julie Scelzi, Sonnie Herbert, Maj. Phil Toretti, Steve Parry, Brian Lihani, Sharai Steinbacher, Frank Hawley, Paula Gewertz, and Karenina Sydney. Plus our huge group of auction day volunteers. This was a huge effort. Thank you all so much."

Up next, the auction will continue with an online portion that is still being formed. At last count, there were more that 30 items on the online list. People wishing to participate should check back with NHRA.com in the days to come for complete details.

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