Well now, "in his sleep" was the only part of the news that gladdened me. Nick Jr. sure loved his hot rods and lived life with powerful quietness, often letting his work speak for itself at WOT. He imbued that love into his son, NAIII, who remains to carry on the family heritage. This past year at Speed Week, I was downloading pics and transcribing notes when Nick Jr. showed up with another guy at the Metro Cafe, which was jammed full. Never was I more pleased to put work away and offered the gents a place to dine. What transpired was a couple hours of good, hard historical bench racing - off the record. Now that's good way to remember someone on a personal level who was giant in motorsports.
I will say he was very pleased to let me know his son was working the starting line and made sure I went over to see him. I responded that I already had great shots of the next generation giving back to a sport he helped raise to prominence from nothing.
And I will acknowledge the unfailing support that Arias Pistons has provided to the Dry Lakes Racing Hall of Fame - never, since I have been editor, has a program gone to print without a FULL PAGE ad to support current year inductees.
Nick Jr. knew how much land speed racing gave him and he and his family give back in aces.
My God bless and keep the Arias family
LandSpeed Louise