Print this page

Roger Garten Succumbs From Crash Of The War Horse Nitro Funny Car

Monday, 29 June 2015

Roger Garten, driver of the popular "War Horse" nitro funny car, died on June 27 from injuries suffered in a crash during a funny car event in California.  Garten and his competitor, Matt Bynum, collided at the 330' foot mark, violently rebounding in different directions across the track.

Garten passed away from his injuries after being transported to Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California.  Bynum was reportedly not injured in the accident.  Garten built the first War Horse Mustang funny car in the 1970s with partner Mike Tocco, enjoying a successful match race career that had begun in AA/FA with Harry Harper.  After stepping away from drag racing for family and business purposes in 1976, the pair found the original Tocco-Harper-Garten AA/FA in the early 1990's and restored it. They then were able to get back into funny car racing in 2008 when they built the new War Horse 1968 Mustang nitro funny car.  Garten was a competitor at the IHRA Southwestern Nationals this spring and was entered for the IHRA Nitro Jam Nationals at Spokane, Washington.  He is survived by wife Carlene, and kids Rhonda and Dan.  Our heart felt sympathies go out to the family, crew and friends. 

Last modified on Monday, 29 June 2015