He drove for Bruce Bromme SR and JR for many years. His 103 CRA victories is still the all time best, and will stand forever. He was CRA Champion three times, and still holds many other records from his stellar career. He was a fast qualifier 106 times, won 53 trophy dashes, and was the rookie of the year in 1972.

Dean helped many along the way, and his most recent protégé, Jason Leffler, has gone on to make him proud in USAC and now NASCAR. Dean tried a comeback, and perhaps suffered his worst crash in his career at Santa Maria. That convinced him to stay retired, but he stayed close to SCRA racing. Dean was known as one of the hardest drivers going into the turns at Ascot. The Dean & Bubby show, (his unreal battles with hall of famer Bubby Jones) is legendary. When people remember Ascot, they remember Deano in that ”Little Red Sucker” knocking them down a notch. He was Mr Ascot.

I still remember Bruce Sr telling stories about Deano, especially the ones about his start in racing, and wish we had those down on paper somewhere. I will always remember Deano in that red car, and will forever hold him in my heart as one of the best of all time. He was a true legend at Ascot Raceway, the place he ruled for years. And now he is gone, but not forgotten. Rest in peace Deano, you will be missed.

Dean portrait by Ellen Ellis.

Dean was a winner from the beginning.

He drove "the Little Red SUcker" at Ascot to 103 victories.

It was a fast racecar.

He drove the turns like a straightaway.

With Bruce Jr (left) and Gary Tanaka, he was in the winners circle.

The number 8 was a beautiful car!

Deano

Deano with Eddie Wirth

Deano winning $125

Deano with Bruce Bromme Jr by Owen Richards

Deano with Tony Simon

Deano in the pits

deano looking where?

Deano with Tony Simon and Lealand McSpadden

Deano with Jimmy Sills