10 replies to this topic

[MSwiss]

I just heard, via Michael Iga, that Gary Orahood, of GTO fame, has passed.

While not active in slot racing, recently, Gary could be classified as one of slot racing's more colorful figures.

May he rest in peace.

[Bill from NH]

I met Gary during the '97 Nats. He was quite a character. He will not be forgotten.

[Dave Reed]

One of the great guys from when I was racing in the '80s and '90s. Used his Madman frame with lots of success.

 

RIP. Gary. You will be missed.

[Phil Donaldson]

I had a couple Madman chassis back in the late '80s, they were awesome.

 

RIP, GTO.

[Jim Lange]

Godspeed, my friend. RIP.

[B.C.]

Another one gone. This is happening far too often.

 

I had the opportunity to race against Gary in the mid-'80s.

 

As others have said quite a character. Very intense.

[team burrito]

Another great guy has passed away.

[Alan Dodson]

Just the mention of his name brings back memories of some really good times and great racing! Gary and Don Perko were always outstanding competitors and lot of fun to be around!

 

I wish I had done a better job of keeping in touch. He will be missed.

[Mbloes]

Here is a GTO Eurosport chassis from the '90s. You can see the lasercut "GTO" in the center:

 

 

Here is a two-piece one after someone told me that I could lighten it:

 

 

RIP.

[Bill from NH]

Lee Gilbert sold an Eurosport chassis like the first photo in the late '90s before he came out with his later designs. That doesn't surprise me, since both Gary and Lee lived in the same part of Washington state at that time. I don't know who cut them for Lee, but old issues of SARN have a few photos of them. Some have been resold on eBay in the past five years, too.

[Mbloes]

I believe they were partners, either formally or informally, on this before going their separate ways.

 

Lee used that basic chassis design successfully for years.