(GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)
- In 1969, he founded Dan Olson Racing Products in Fresno and it quickly became the go-to shop for racers from coast to coast.
- Olson's passion for the racing industry touched many racers and team owners during a remarkable 55-year career.
- Olson won the NHRA Top Fuel Championship with driver Tony Schumacher in 1999. He was inducted into the International Hot Boat Association Hall of Fame in 2023.
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Kingsburg-born Dan Lynn Olson — whose name was synonymous with go-fast equipment in drag racing — died July 31 at age 79.
In 1969, he founded Dan Olson Racing Products in Fresno and it quickly became the go-to shop for racers from coast to coast. For example, the shop advertised its oil pans as “the world’s fastest.”
As the shop’s website explains, “In Dan’s early years as an engine builder, he realized that the oil pan did far more than just hold oil. He discovered the importance of controlling the oil with proper baffling while it was in the oil pan. He learned that by adding a kick-out, more power could be gained by keeping oil away from the crank assembly.”
Olson’s passion for the racing industry touched many racers and team owners during a remarkable 55-year career.
Two pinnacle moments stand out. In 1999, Olson won the NHRA Top Fuel Championship with driver Tony Schumacher and, in 2023, he was inducted into the International Hot Boat Association Hall of Fame for his contributions to drag boat racing.
Among Olson’s other career highlights:
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- In the ‘70s, he tuned many Top Fuel drag boats, winning several titles and tuning the first drag boat to break 200 MPH. During this time, he expanded his product line to include custom oil pans, zoomie headers, wings, and marine oil coolers.
- In the ’80s, he helped tune a Funny Car for longtime friend and legendary driver Ed “The Ace” McCulloch. Their teamwork produced five victories at the NHRA U.S. Nationals.
NHRA Funny Car Ed “The Ace” McCulloch. (Dan Olson Racing Archives) - In ’93 he teamed up with Rance McDaniel of Fresno and they produced an NHRA Winston Top Fuel title with McDaniel becoming he seventh member of the exclusive 300 mph club.
- In 2004 Dan tuned three-time Top Fuel champion Gary Scelzi of Fresno in Scelzi’s second season in Funny Car. Scelzi became the first driver to reach 330 mph.
Olson is survived by his wife, Sandy; his children, Tina and her spouse Eric Engelman; and Brian and his spouse Melanie Olson; his grandchildren, Logan Engelman and his girlfriend Lexi Lanfranco; Mackenzie Engelman, and her fiance Anthony Gonzalez; Olivia and Eden Olson; and his sister, Sherry Zander.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at Pardini’s, in Fresno.
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