13 replies to this topic

[Gary Donahoe]

With great sadness, I pass along the news that Southern California slot racer Phil Nyland has died.

 

Phil started slot racing in the mid-sixties with buddies Bryan Warmack and John Tore Anderson. Over the last several years, Phil has been active in racing Retro, 1/24, and 1/32 hardbody cars at Buena Park and, more recently, Electric Dreams.

 

Phil was also a mainstay at Dennis Samson’s home track events and, after retiring from Toyota Racing Development (TRD), built his own routed wood track at his home in South Orange County.

 

A confirmed bachelor, he had vintage cars in his garage and beautifully restored dirt bikes in his spare bedrooms.

 

An intense but always fair racer, Southern California has lost one of the good guys. He will be missed by many.

[eshorer]

I raced side by side with Phil more times than I can count, especially with Hardbody racing at Buena Park Raceway, and more recently at Electric Dreams, racing 1/32.

 

When we shared a podium, it was usually the case that I was on one of the sides with Phil in the middle.

 

I have never known a more fierce competitor, and there’s no question that his racing always pushed me to race at my best ability.  He’ll be missed by many of us.

 

Eddie

[Tim Neja]

Phil was a very good racer and friend!!

 

We both have a love of hot rods – he had a /56 and I have my '55 Chevys. 

 

Phil was a very kind man who was also very intense when driving slot cars. 

 

His favorite saying was "There are no friends at the driver's panel when the power comes on!!"

 

He will definitely be missed. RIP, old friend!! 

[Mike K]

Phil was a great racer and an even better human being.

 

I met Phil over 30 years ago when I introduced my 10-year-old son to slot cars. Phil was one of the first guys we met and an absolute gentleman who helped us get acquainted with the hobby.

 

I was fortunate to race with Phil in SoCal at many raceways and home tracks.

 

He will be missed by those who knew him or raced with him. I'm so sorry to see him gone from our presence.

 

Godspeed, Phil. Rest in peace.

[Bryan Warmack]

Rest in peace, my friend.

[Tim Wood]

I got to know Phil in the last couple years.

 

Fierce competitor but always fun to race with Phil.

 

He invited me to race at his house a few times and sorry I missed the fun.

 

We talked about dirt bikes he loved to ride as I did . 

 

Hope you are racing whatever you like now, Phil. RIP, friend.

[MG Brown]

Is Phil's obituary available anywhere online? I did do some searching but came up empty-handed.

[Cheater]

I've asked about an obit as well, but no one has seen one.

 

With Phil being a "confirmed bachelor," I suspect there is not anyone who will publish an obituary for him.

[Jay Guard]

Does anyone have a picture of Phil?

[MSwiss]

[MG Brown]

I've asked about an obit as well, but no one has seen one.

 

With Phil being a "confirmed bachelor," I suspect there is not anyone who will publish an obituary for him.

 

I have heard from more than one person (incidentally since COVID) that obits aren't written anymore as a "matter of course."

A case in point was a person that I used to socialize with was reported through mutual friends as having been deceased (at a shockingly young age, I might add). I had no way of verifying since no obit was printed or online, and no "services" were scheduled. I eventually confirmed the passing, but it would have been much easier if they had published an obit or death notice.

[Gary Donahoe]

In my opinion the photo posted by Mike Swiss does an excellent job of capturing Phil's personality.

 

As a very private person, who lived his life to his own rules, and likely underestimated how many people care about him, it will not surprise me if a traditional obituary is not posted.

[eshorer]

Mill Conroy was taking care of Phil in his last weeks and may be able to piece together something for us. 

 

Meanwhile, a Phil story for you: 

 

I told the following story to Phil, and I know he wouldn’t mind my sharing it here.

 

Years ago, while racing on Dennis Samson’s home track, I inadvertently (or so I say) took out Phil's car on one turn. Two months later, while racing at Buena Park Raceway, Phil’s car barreled into mine, taking me out. Two laps later, he came up on me and expertly nerfed me out again! When I asked him what that was all about, he said, “Remember when you took me out at Dennis’s? I never forget!” 

 

We laughed about that a number of times. 

 

Eddie

[Mr Dynamic]

Very sad to hear this news. Here is Phil in 2015 during the 2nd Chance Hardbody GTP Enduro. Rest in peace .

 

 

See you in the next universe!

 

Best wishes, 

 

Captn Zombie