Longtime NHRA Pro Stock racer Gordie Rivera, passed away on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack at his Yuma, Arizona home at the age of 73.

Rivera began competing in 1969 and runnered-up in B/Gas at the Winternationals that year. In 1973, he entered the Pro Stock ranks behind the wheel of a small-block-powered Chevy Vega operated out of his Gordie’s Speed Shop in Yuma. Rivera competed in some 250 NHRA national events during his career, culminating in his final appearance at the Sonoma Nationals in 2012.

He made his only final round appearance in Pro Stock in 1990 at his home event, the Arizona Nationals at the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park (then Firebird International Raceway), losing to Bob Glidden. He finished a career-high fifth in the Pro Stock standings in 1985.

Rivera is survived by his wife, Debbie, and sons Doug and Gordie, Jr. both of whom were integral parts of his racing endeavors.

Photo courtesy NHRA/National Dragster