These pieces are always difficult to write. However, when a high-performance personality leaves us, it's an important duty, as well as an honor to celebrate their accomplishments and share some personal feelings. John Raffa passed away on January 20 at the age of 69, after a tough battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a respected friend and a highly regarded colleague. Raffa got his start as a high-performance journalist in the mid '60s with Super Stock & Drag Illustrated, and moved to Petersen Publishing before the '70s rolled around. Instead of "The Summer of Love," Raffa experienced his Nirvana during "The Summer of Nitro." John excelled as an editor, climbing the corporate ladder and becoming Publisher of Car Craft Magazine, where his passion and leadership helped the annual All-Star Drag Racing Team grow to a status of high regard in the industry.
With a keen talent for editorial endeavors and people alike, John helped guide and encourage fledgling photojournalists like the late Steve Collison, Terry Cook, Jim Kelly, and Ro McGonegal, among countless others. After returning to SS&DI for awhile, Raffa also worked for Hanes Publishing, and later accepted a managerial position with NHRA's National Dragster. Though he gained respect far and wide, John had a way of touching people in a positive and permanent fashion, through his demeanor, his insight, and his wealth of knowledge.
Thanks to the efforts of his long-time friend (and accomplished colleague) Jon Asher, Raffa was recently honored with the prestigious Founders Award, as part of the 2004 Drag Racing Hall of Fame Induction, scheduled for March 17, in Gainesville, Florida. Through the generosity of the Hall of Fame, the award was presented before his passing. John Raffa's accomplishments are indelible, and his friendships are immeasurable. The same goes for his amazing wife, Karen, who continues to make friends in the high-performance community, thanks to her wonderful spirit, her boundless energy, and her ability to succeed. Personally, I'll forever treasure my friendship with John Raffa and remember him often with the highest regard. - Randy Fish