![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/16173534/highlights-banner-blue-300x94-1.png)
- 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.
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Kingsburg-born Dan Lynn Olson — whose name was synonymous with go-fast equipment in drag racing — died July 31 at age 79, according to a Facebook post by family members.
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.
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/15082023/Dan-Olson-Tony-Schumacher-and-the-Exide-Top-Fuel-Team-to-the-1999-Top-Fuel-Championship.jpg)
Among Olson’s other career highlights:
-
- 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.
- 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.
In retirement, Olson enjoyed traveling the country to watch grandson Loren Engelman compete in trap shooting events.
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 will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pardini’s, 2257 W Shaw Ave., in Fresno.
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/15082010/dan-olson-boat.jpg)
RELATED TOPICS:
Detroit Judge Who Ordered Teen Into Jail Clothes, Handcuffs During Field Trip Is Sidelined
1 hour ago
Mexico’s President Will Send a Diplomatic Note Over US Funding for a Mexican Anti-Corruption NGO
1 hour ago
Stock Market Today: Wall Street Ticks Higher After Inflation Data Clears the Way for Cuts to Rates
2 hours ago
Additional Charges Filed Against Reedley Bio-Lab Operator for COVID-19 Test Kit Fraud
2 hours ago
16-Year-Old Charged in July 6 Homicide of Madera Teen at Quinceañera
12 mins ago
Categories
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/15132411/A-16-year-old-was-charged-this-week-with-the-murder-of-13-year-old-Jacob-Munoz-who-was-fatally-stabbed-during-a-July-6-fight-outside-a-quinceanera-in-Madera-Calif-1024x538.jpg)
16-Year-Old Charged in July 6 Homicide of Madera Teen at Quinceañera
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/15134617/This-image-provided-by-The-Scripps-Institution-of-Oceanography-shows-a-team-of-researchers-and-science-minded-snorkelers-working-together-to-recover-a-dead-oarfish-from-La-Jolla-Cove-Calif.-Satu-1024x538.jpg)
A Rarely Seen Deep Sea Fish Is Found in California, and Scientists Want to Know Why
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/15125447/Judge-Kenneth-King-listens-during-a-probable-cause-hearing-April-2-2015-in-Detroit.-AP-File-1024x538.jpg)
Detroit Judge Who Ordered Teen Into Jail Clothes, Handcuffs During Field Trip Is Sidelined
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/15122712/AP24215592904009-1024x576.jpg)