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Thread: Earl Fouts - R.I.P.
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09-03-2010 #1
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Earl Fouts - R.I.P.
Earl Fouts, credited with starting the AN plumbing industry, and also founder of Earl's Performance Products—best known for the high-performance plumbing found on most Indy cars and high-performance vehicles—passed away August 23, 2010, in Cardiff, California, at the age of 88.
Fouts was born November 5, 1921, in Belpre, Kansas, and had been a former longtime resident of Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He founded Earl's Performance Products nearly 50 years ago in Lawndale, California.
The mission was to supply high-quality military aircraft specification surplus plumbing components directly to the racing industry from a small retail outlet. As the military surplus market dried up, Fouts recognized the need for supply continuity to the racing market and pioneered the Earl's brand range of hoses and fittings that are still used today. As a result, he is credited with creating the racing aftermarket plumbing industry.
Fouts' plumbing has been featured on the majority of Indy 500 winners and still powers top teams, including John Force Racing, each weekend. The company was sold to Holley in the late ’90s.
Fouts is survived by his sons Robert E. (Maureen) Fouts, Craig A. (Susan) Fouts, Gary A. (Karen) Fouts; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister Joanne Corey; and brother Clyde Fouts.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'WOW What a Ride!'
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09-03-2010 #2
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Another innovator that started an industry has moved on. Thanks Mr Fouts and Godspeed to you.
Stay in it till you see God....then lift
Where patience fails, force prevails
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09-03-2010 #3
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Talk about someone who had a pretty prolific impact on the automotive industry.
Rest in peace.
09-03-2010 #4
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I've been going to the Earl's shop in Lawndale since I was a teenager (I'm 51 now), its always been a cool place to visit. Not only did they have the AN stuff but they always had interesting surplus items. My condolences to his family.
09-03-2010 #5
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Just saw this post and wanted to pass the family my condolences.... I'm sure he is in a better place now as this disease tends take the wind out of your sail to both the person effected,,, and their family at large...
Carbon Kustoms Limited
A.K.A. Albert from Toronto
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