Dick Moroso

Richard D. Moroso, commonly called “Dick”, was an American hot rodder, drag racer, and businessman.[1]

Moroso grew up in Old Greenwich CT and started selling speed parts out of his family's basement in the early 1960s under the name Speed Associates. In the mid-1960s, Moroso and then partner Hank Dietrich opened Performance Automotive in Stamford CT.[2][3]

Moroso founded Moroso Performance Products, to supply aftermarket automotive parts to fellow hot rodders, in 1968, the year his son, Rob, was born.[2][3]

He served as son Rob's owner and sponsor for much of his racing career.[2][3]

Driving a 1961 Corvette, Moroso won one NHRA national title, in D/MP (D Modified Production), at the 1966 NHRA Nationals, held at Indianapolis Raceway Park. His winning pass was 13.32 seconds at 103.21 mph (166.10 km/h).[4]

In 1981, Moroso purchased Palm Beach International Raceway, renaming it Moroso Motorsports Park.[5] In 1982, Moroso spent $100,000 to upgrade the facility to host the opening event of the 1983 SCCA Trans Am Series.[6]

In 1996, Moroso considered spending $2 million on a one-mile oval track for stock car racing, but those plans fell through.[7][8]

Moroso died from brain cancer in 1998.[7][8]