Driver, owner

The “Superman” nickname came from a bar fight, but the scrappy San Antonio native was one of the fastest Top Fuel and Funny Car drivers of his era. He found fame fielding a pair of Der Wienerschnitzel rails in the 1960s for himself and Leroy Goldstein. Nicoll never won an NHRA national, but was a frequent finalist, including three straight in 1970, culminating in his famous U.S. Nationals showdown with inductee Don Prudhomme. They were neck-and-neck at the stripe when Nicoll’s clutch exploded, sawing the car in two, footage featured for years on the opening of ABC Wide World of Sports. Nicoll was back racing the following week. He transitioned to Funny Cars shortly thereafter, where he became a force in match racing. Over his career, Nicoll had a hand in developing Lenco and Crowerglide-style transmissions and double-walled headers. It’s reported he won 19 AHRA events, but records are scarce. Nicoll was named Drag News 1970 Top Fuel Driver of the Year and received a Lifetime Achievement Wally at the 2012 Hot Rod Reunion.