03/06/2026
David and Buddy were inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame last night. Bobby Bennett from Competition Plus did a superb job introducing him. The pictures of the program with their career information do more justice to them than a quick Facebook write-up can, so please see those pictures. In their early 20’s they started their drag racing engine business, which David still runs 55 years later (started in 1971, incorporated in 1972). They accomplished extraordinary things comparatively early in life and weathered tremendous losses. He and Buddy lost their driver and dear friend, Lee Shepherd, in a racing accident in 1985. Then the world lost Buddy Morrison, David’s dear friend and business partner, in 1998 to cancer. The legacy three friends started in 1971 has been his to carry and continue to build without either of the other founders since 1998. David and Buddy were also blessed to work with Bruce Allen who won an IHRA World Championship and many races and is a Reher-Morrison part owner who continues to work hard for customers to this day Both David and Bobby Bennett took time last night to honor Bruce’s accomplishments. The incredible legacies of David, Buddy, Lee, and Bruce are wonderfully intertwined. What is frequently said about them is variations of “they did it right.” They put teamwork and integrity first. All four men have a tremendous work ethic. They lived for the challenge of using their minds (and Lee’s and Bruce’s skills as drivers) to push the envelope for horsepower, speed, and elapsed time in whatever category their car or customer’s car competes in. Reher-Morrison has built engines for any setting people want an internal combustion engine to go exceptionally fast, especially in a straight line: drag strips, water, sand dunes, salt flats, and truck pulls to name a few. They have literally helped people around the world (customers in around 15 countries with Malta as a recent addition) to live their dreams. Last night was a once in a lifetime event. Thanks to Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing Inc. for the superb job they did It was a privilege to be stopped and told that RMS Racing helped a now grown man get through the time his mother was dying of cancer during his childhood. “Hero” and “inspiration” are words thrown around too often, but these men have been both to many people. We hope David lets himself absorb even 1% of the love and respect people have for him. As his daughter, I can attest that David cares deeply about his employees and customers. Credit should also be given Linda Cooper, who has worked behind the scenes as part owner for decades to help the business thrive. Reher-Morrison is proud to continue to put customers first and build dreams. Thank you all who have been fans and customers through the decades. We appreciate you deeply.
We will get great professional photos but don’t have them yet, so here’s what an iPhone camera can do with bad lighting. 😅
Image Descriptions: David, his wife Beverly, and his daughter Laura in front of an “International Drag Racing Hall of Fame” backdrop; David accepting his trophy from Bobby Bennett; David with all inductees; his trophy; his ring; a write-up of his career, and a write-up Buddy Morrison’s career. We apologize that we don’t have the full text of those for screen reader users. Highlights include 4 NHRA World Championships, 3 IHRA World Championships, 30 years of pro stock racing, and a 55 year career for David.
