Metalsmith On Nitro

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF AL BERGLER

- Bob McClurg

ICONIC DRAG RACER AND METALSMITH AL BERGLER WAS BORN IN 1936 AND GREW UP IN THE DETROIT AREA. He attended Washington Trade School where he learned autobody and mechanical work. In the mid- ’60s, the Michigander’s career blossomed twofold: He became one of the most respected metalsmiths in America, and a drag racer who established himself as one of the toughest competitors in NHRA Division 3 racing Comp Coupes, roadsters and Funny Cars. The winner of the 2004 NHRA-Hot Rod Reunion Lifetime Achievement Award, an inductee into the 2010 Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame and 2015 inductee into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, Bergler had plenty to talk about when Drag Racer Magazine sat down with him at his shop in Shelby Township, Michigan.

Drag Racer: Growing up in the Motor City, your automotive interests must have developed fairly early. 

BERGLER: I lived just inside 8-Mile Road, which was the border between Detroit and the suburbs. Motor City Speedway was across the street from where I lived, and a lot of famous big name circletrack drivers came from as far away as California to race there. As kids, we’d sneak in and watch the qualifying. Later on, I worked there painting fences, selling programs, popcorn and peanuts just to get in for free and watch the races.

DR: Bet you couldn’t wait to get your driver’s license.