Art Chrisman, a drag racer who could do it all \u2014 design, build, prepare and drive record-breaking racecars \u2014 has been chosen as the 2015 recipient of the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award, presented at this week\u2019s SEMA Show in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n
Following the end of World War II, Chrisman began working in his family\u2019s auto shop in Compton, California, and in 1955 became one of the first men to run 140mph in the quarter-mile, driving his famed \u201c25\u201d car (above) at Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California. He subsequently built the \u201cHustler,\u201d which cracked the 180mph barrier and was the first car to utilize a parachute for braking<\/p>\n
Chrisman was also one of five charter members of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club, a feat he accomplished in 1952 driving Chet Herbert\u2019s \u201cBeast\u201d to an official speed of 235.910 mph. After ending his own racing career, Art went to work for Autolite, becoming the company\u2019s spark plug guru. After many years in that position, however, he eventually returned to building cars in his shop in Santa Ana, California.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I got into racing on the dry lakes, I never could have imagined that it would change my life like it did,\u201d Chrisman reflected. \u201cThis is beyond my wildest dreams. I did it because I wanted to do it, not to make money or be a hero. I feel so fortunate to have had the success that I did and to still be here today to appreciate what the younger guys are doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry Karges added, \u201cArt Chrisman has been instrumental in shaping a sport that we all know and love. He was one of Robert E. Petersen\u2019s personal heroes. Art\u2019s contributions to racing and the automotive aftermarket are immeasurable, and the Petersen Automotive Museum is proud to honor Art Chrisman with the 2015 Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award.\u201d<\/p>\n