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Lawrence Edward Teter, 71
Top drag racer, daredevil at heart
July 31, 2004|By Stefanie Dell'Aringa, Special to the Tribune.

For drag-racing enthusiasts old enough to remember, Larry Teter was a champion. At the wheel of a 1932 Ford Victoria known as "The Vicky," he roared past the finish line, winning the National Hot Rod Association's 1961 and 1962 C/Gas Class Nationals.

Though Mr.Teter was not one to boast, his home was filled with hundreds of trophies from drag-racing competitions across the nation.

"It's neat to hear the stories of all the different races and the impact he had on people," said his daughter Tracy. "To me, as a kid, I had no clue how famous he was."

Lawrence Edward Teter, 71, who was born in Melrose Park, died of cancer on Thursday, July 1 in his home in Holly Springs, Miss., near Memphis.

He enlisted in the Korean War as a Navy mechanic. In 1954 he moved to Elgin and, three years later, married Ruth Lloyd. They divorced in 1979. He and his second wife, Peggy, wed in 1984 and moved to Holly Springs in 1996.

Mr. Teter was a high-performance engine specialist who owned and operated Teter Automotive Inc. for 20 years. After that, he owned and operated an auto marine engines business, retiring eight years ago.

Over the years he worked on various specialty racecars and twin engines for cigarette boats. He was paid appearance fees several times to race against other NHRA champions.

"I remember Larry as a great competitor," said NHRA champion H. G. "Pork" Zartman who competed against him in the '60s. "His car at the time was not only a great running car, but beautiful as well. It was burgundy in color, Chevy-powered and shifted by a four-speed."

Zartman considers Mr. Teter to be a drag-racing legend.

Mr. Teter, a perfectionist and role model, passed down his business know-how to family and friends. His daughter Tracy owns and operates two businesses. Former employee Les Jones opened his own automotive shop after several years under his tutelage.

"I learned an unbelievable amount of things from him," said Jones, adding that Mr. Teter never lost his temper. "His personal demeanor was very helpful in that regard."

A daredevil at heart, Mr. Teter enjoyed riding dirt bikes and snowmobiles, and belonged to the Cold Ducks Snowmobile Club in Elgin. He also belonged to the Elgin Elks Club and the Elgin Torquers, a hot rod club.