Marvin Rifchin, racing tire pioneer, dies at 94

Marvin Rifchin, whom Don Prudhomme described as the “Godfather of drag racing slicks,” died on June 3 at the age of 94. Rifchin started racing midget cars and, later, stock cars; he founded M&H Tires to fill his and others’ need for better racing tires. M&H slicks were first used on the circle track, but “Big Daddy” Don Garlits successfully started using them in the Top Eliminator class, and they became popular in drag racing, too. Rifchin’s early tires were narrow, at around 6 1/2 inches, but used soft rubber; they soon started making tires specifically for drag racing.

Rifchin was known for his generosity and support, and for his enthusiasm.

Services will be held Friday in Sharon, Massachusetts.