A 1971 race where Kevin Rotty was driving for International Drag Racing Hall-of-Famer Dickie Harrell. (Location unknown). Photo courtesy of Mari Rotty

 Photo courtesy of Mari Rotty

Setting a national junior pro stock speed record in 1980, Rotty won 39 events at the Tucson Dragway, was a regular on the NHRA Winternationals circuit and was No. 1 in the world finals American Hot Rod Association in 1970.

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Contact sports columnist Greg Hansen at 520-573-4362 or ghansen@tucson.com. On Twitter: @ghansen711