News

We are saddened to learn of the passing of former museum board member and New England drag racing pioneer Gil Coraine. Gil passionately served on the museum’s board of directors during the building capital campaign and construction phase of the museum and became the museums first general manager before declining health prohibited him to do so.

His involvement with the sport dates back to the organizational efforts to hold drag races at the Sanford Airport in Maine which evolved into his involvement at New England Dragway in Epping, NH. As head of public relations at NED, Coraine worked tirelessly to spread the word of the thrilling and exciting races that took place at the Epping dragstrip with his unique marketing and radio ads.

He wrote the story that was featured in Drag World Magazine of the first event held at NED. In the days well before email he would drive to Boston’s South Station Post Office late Sunday night after the races to insure the publishing of the weekend’s race results.

The picture attached was taken on September 13, 2014 when Coraine was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Hot Rod Association at the second annual Hot Rod Reunion at NED. The award included a coveted “Wally” trophy which he is holding, named in honor of NHRA founder Wally Parks. The well-deserved award was given to Coraine for his unwavering dedication in promoting drag racing and hot rodding on the east coast for over 50 years.

The museum will continue to honor Gil Coraine as it’s done so for the previous three years with the 4th annual awarding of the Parker-Coraine Best of Show Trophy at the museums annual Hot Rods, Muscle and More all vehicle car show fundraiser on Saturday August 24, 2024 at the New England Racing Museum in Loudon, NH.