Bob Beezer – Odessa, ON
The Official NHRA “Rain Dancer”
About
For those of you who may have attended NHRA drag races in the 60s and 70s, or watched old footage, you may have remembered the “Canadian Indian” performing his no-rain dance before each event. The Canadian Indian is named Bob Beezer, or known as Beez, by his friends.
Beezer was a member of the “Peaceful Pacers,” from Ontario, Canada during the late 1950s who would often attend Detroit area drag facilities. During the Peaceful Pacers attendance, local drag racers from the Detroit area would refer to the Canadian Drag Racers as “a bunch of Indians.” Beezer wanting to live up to the perception decided to dress up as an “Indian” just to cause a little ruckus in the Detroit drag racing scene. Beezer was subsequently hired to perform his no-rain dance before each NHRA event and became a staple at NHRA events for years.
In the 1980s, Beezer was also the owner and driver of the “1st Gasser”. Known as “’the Canadian Indian 41 Willy’s”, the car was built by S&W and ran a blown/injected Donovan.
Beezer donated his dress to the NHRA Museum. However, it was never put on display as to not offend individuals or groups in society. Three years ago, Beezer restored the dress to its original glamour. Today, Beezer can be found once again attending NHRA events on the west coast, performing his colourful rain dance, ensuring it won’t rain. Those who have had the privilege of meeting Beezer say he is your everyday “next door neighbour” with an unforgettable colourful character.
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You have never seen anything as wild as Bob Beezer making a pass in his supercharged Willys Coupe. On and off the throttle several times and still a seven second pass. This was late 1980s and that was fast for anything other than the fuel cars.
I have pics of bob doing a burnout in his garage in Elgenburg I also have pics of him and a friend unloading my old front motor dragster on the road and running down the road
Sadly my dad Bob Beazer passed away on January 2 2023! He will be missed
Send photos to Lesliejeffryes@gmail.com
Our deepest condolences.
Bobby was my Mom (Loretta Pasquale) cousin. They both were from Toronto Ontario Canada. Loretta(Mom) has lived in California since 1958.
It was just a few years back when Bob was in California that he made it a point to stop by our place in Tracy, Ca for a visit. Getting to meet Bobby that day was so, so great that I abscent mindedly forgot to get a picture of the three of us.
Sadly Bobbby passed away not to long after we meet up which will be forever etched in our minds. Indeed Bobby was that sort of guy you felt like I’d known all your life. NHRA fans everywhere will miss his charm. Rest in peace Bobby and our condolences to the family.
Sincerely,
Deryl Sons, Loretta Pasquale & All of your California Cousins
Bobby was my Mom (Loretta Pasquale) cousin. They both were from Toronto Ontario Canada. Loretta(Mom) has lived in California since 1958.
It was just a few years back when Bob was in California that he made it a point to stop by our place in Tracy, Ca for a visit. Getting to meet Bobby that day was so, so great that I abscent mindedly forgot to get a picture of the three of us.
Sadly Bobbby passed away not to long after we meet up which will be forever etched in our minds. Indeed Bobby was that sort of guy you felt like I’d known all your life. NHRA fans everywhere will miss his charm. Rest in peace Bobby and our condolences to the family.
Sincerely,
Deryl Sons, Loretta Pasquale & All of your California Cousins