BIG JOHN MAZMANIAN

BIG JOHN MAZMANIAN, sometimes "big John," or just "Maz." However you knew him it was all John. MOst famous for the GASSER wars he also ran a well known '57 corvetter in sports and modified sports, a very famous Austin 'football car" and a Funny car, all finished in his trademark candy apple red paint and detailed to the max. John's cars were always beautiful. Noting the Suceess o f Stone Woods and Cook in Gas class, JOhn set out to build a car to beat them. SWC was running an olds at that time. John decided to go with a 392 hemi. The car set records its first time out , according to John. Then they set out to hunt down Stone Woods and Cook. Apparently SWC hid out after seeing the Hemi perform. They managed to duck John just long enough to get a Hemi in their car. They traded wins at Lions Drag Strip then Famoso in Bakersfield respectively. The Grudge race was on! During the brief time when John couldn't get a race against SWC he wrote a letter to a paper which was published. SWC responded and soon a 'press war' was going. John says it was in earnest, both groups realizing their only real competition was each other. The cam manufacturers ran the letters along with their adds. The familiar cry of "Sunday, Sunday Sunday"!!! was born. It was pretty exciting stuff to young teen age boy, believe me. when the Gasser wars began to fade, John retired from racing , citing costs, and safety concerns from family.
An interesting note: John's name was on every car he owned but he never drove. Also he didnt build the later cars. He was Just a high profile owner who understood the showbiz aspect of sports.
John is gone now, and we lost one of what we have too few of these days, Genuine CHARACTERS. Johnny Force is probably the best exception these days, but most race car drivers come across like businessmen. Give me the Big John, The Crazy Greek, Big Daddy, Mr. Four Speed, and the California Flash, we need them all today.