For those of you who may have attended NHRA drag races in the 60’s and 70’s, or watched old footage, you may have remembered the “CanadianIndian” performing his rain dance before each event. Well the CanadianIndian is in fact 76 years young, currently rebuilding his 40/41 Willys coupe to tear up the 1320 again, only after successfully making it through his bypass surgery a few years ago. The CanadianIndian is named Bob Beezer referred to as, Beezer or Beez, by his friends. Some time ago while I was attending at a swap meet with Beezer, I asked Beezer the nature of the rain dance and how he became known as the CanadianIndian, his short story was as follows; Beezer was a member of the “Peaceful Pacers” from Ontario, Canada during the late 1950’s who would often attend ,Detroit area drag facilities. During the Peaceful Pacers attendance, local drag racers from the
Detroit area would refer to the Canadian drag racers as a bunch of Indians. Well Beezer wanting to live up to the perception, he decided why not dress up as an Indian just to cause a little more commotion in the Detroit area. Beezer was subsequently hired by Mrs. Parks to perform his rain dance before each NHRA event until it rained at one event, Mrs. Parks then fired Beezer ! Beezer subsequently donated his dress to the NHRA Museum, however; due to today’s world of political correctness, his dress was never on display. Three years ago, Beezer brought his dress back home and it is restored it to its glamour. For those who have had the privilege of meeting Beezer, as I have numerous times as he is almost a next door neighbour, you will not forget this colourful character. Beezer along with three other Peaceful Pacers and friends sat in my basement a few years ago for a day and watched old drag racing footage. This was an event which will be etched in my mind with the colourful commentary provided by Beezer and his buddies.
Beezer is once again attending NHRA events on the west coast, performing his colourful rain dance, to ensure it will not rain.
It should be noted, Beez recently lost his great wife "Joan" who was one of the first ladies of drag racing who obtained an NHRA, drag racing license. "Joan" will be missed and was a Grandmother everyone should have ! She will remain, very much a lady !
-- Edited by Candy-Man on Thursday 18th of April 2013 01:58:44 PM
Great story, much appreciated. Remember seeing pictures of him doing a rain dance at a strip somewhere, it was quite awhile ago.(May have been Kohler?)
Congrats to Beazer , for still being able to get out there and run with the others!!
We saw him a couple of years ago on the starting line at Shannonville while we were waiting for a run.It was just one more thing that made that Flatout Race weekend so much fun. Ed
Great to hear Bob is still a very active 70 ish person. I havent talked to him in about 5 years, while at the Barrie event. Did he live on Manitulan Island awhile back? All the best Bob.
Canadian Drag Racing Icon,thanks for posting! 