From John Hanson:
“Tommy Auger, a long time Vincent drag racer, has lost his long running battle with cancer. I was fortunate to become friends with him after Dick Busby told me the Lightning I was restoring was the one Tommy rode to so many wins. Even with throat cancer we learned to communicate all things ‘Vincent’ and drag racing. He was a great inspiration and will be missed. RIP Tommy”
Here is a picture of Tommy on the restored Black Lightning, taken at the 2006 NHRA Hot Rod Reunion, where Tommy was the “Golden Age” award recipient.