‘Fast Fred’ Dannenfelzer
1937 – 2023
A STAR OF BONNEVILLE AND EL MIRAGE PASSES
‘Fast Fred’ Dannenfelzer, 86, passed away suddenly on Sept. 11, 2023 at his home in Santa Barbara, California.
He is survived by his wife Patricia, two daughters Debbie and Shari, his son-in-law KC Leggitt Polk, and Grandchildren Kyle Dannenfelzer (Debbie) and Kalyssa and Kaden Polk (Shari and KC).
Fred Dannenfelzer was born and raised in Santa Barbara, to Phillip and Thelma (Dickscheidt) Dannenfelzer, where he lived his entire life. His father had established Pyramid Tile Co. in 1928. The company had thrived for many years in the Southern California development boom doing tile, masonry and marble projects.
Fred had a natural flair for mechanical things, and as a young teen was crazy about building and flying control line stunt model airplanes. Still in junior high school, he started devouring the new Hot Rod Magazine every month and was swept up in the hot rod and racing craze in Southern California and very soon, the rest of America.
As soon as he had a driver’s license Fred got an old Pontiac and hot-rodded the straight six flathead engine with aftermarket parts then offered. He jumped into street racing but after getting some tickets, decided he’d best knock that off.
Out of high school Fred followed his Dad into the tile and masonry trade, joining the union and going to work as a helper. He learned the trade quickly and qualified as a journeyman. He was a true craftsman in the industry his entire adult life before selling the company and retiring in 2000.
When he gave up street racing, Fred went into drag racing on the So Cal strips in the ‘50s, learning fast like the other racers about blown fuel Chrysler Hemis by building and driving his own equipment. From drag racing he was attracted by California long-distance desert motorcycle racing, in the 1960s until the early ‘70s, until a fairly serious crash convinced him this was TOO dangerous!
Fred accomplished a great deal in racing on a shoestring budget. For many years, it was a 2-“man” team with himself and his wife Patty, who supported him in his efforts as his crew, his push truck driver, co-breadwinner, main caregiver to the kids, and nurse to his motorcycle injuries. Fred’s racing dreams became a way of life for the entire family.
In 1961 his attention turned to land speed racing and that remained his focus the rest of his days. He gained entry in the Bonneville 200 mph Club in 1985, the El Mirage 200 mph Club in 1984, the 300 mph chapter of the Bonneville 200 mph Club in 1997, and the 300 mph chapter of the El Mirage 200 mph Club in 1999, one of only 5 people to achieve that distinction and the only one who’s car has run continually since. He achieved his top terminal speed when he was 74 years old, reaching 386 mph! This speed still stands as the World’s Fastest Open Wheeled car. He always built his own equipment and engines and drove it, up to the age of 79 when weakness in his legs finally forced him to give up driving. He knew his legs had become so weak that he could not exit the cockpit of his car fast enough to meet SCTA safety standards, so he decided on his own to hang up his driving helmet.
Fast Fred had several fast Bonneville and El Mirage cars, but is most noted for his famous home-built Lakester. His lakester as the DRM Racing team, has several records still in the 2023 SCTA Rules and Records book. The most recent from ’22 when his son-in-law KC Leggitt Polk drove the car to a 248 C/FL El Mirage record with an unblown fuel Hemi.
Aside from racing, Fred was also an avid bowler. He bowled in leagues off and on from the late 50’s until the end of his life. During the early 90’s he even bowled in a couple of leagues with Patty and his daughter, Shari. He was as good a bowler as he was a race car driver, achieving the ultimate goal of bowling at least one 300 game in league play. He was a loved and respected friend in his bowling community.
Fred was the type of man who never bragged about his accomplishments but never hesitated to brag about his kids and grandkids. He would give tuning advice to anyone and everyone who would ask for it and would receive calls from all over the world from people seeking his advice. He would loan a part or a tool to anyone in need, even if he didn’t know who they were and even if they were running against the same record. He was immensely proud of his wife, both of his daughters and all of his grandchildren, who have followed his lead as dedicated volunteers for the SCTA. It also gave him great joy to work alongside his son-in-law, KC, and grandson, Kaden on the DRM Racing Lakester over the last few years. He has left us with big shoes to fill, but his legacy will continue ….
In 2019 a comprehensive Interview with Fast Freddie Dannenfelzer was published by the present writer in Bonneville Racing News. Readers wishing photocopies of the interview can reach him at billhoddinott1939@gmail.com.
A celebration of Fred’s life will be held Saturday, October 21, at 12:00pm at 23 S Fairview in Goleta. RSVP with Brian at brianh@beyondairsb.com.
BILL HODDINOTT AND THE DANNENFELZER FAMILY
