06/01/2026
Truly one of the most genuine people you could have ever met and was a champion for promoting issues outside of drag racing. ❤️🩹 We truly miss her!
Terry Chandler grew up in southeastern New Mexico in a family deeply connected to the oil industry through her father, John R. Gray, owner of Marbob Energy. Although she came from a successful business background, Terry became widely known for her generosity, compassion, and lifelong dedication to helping others. She eventually found a unique way to combine her passion for philanthropy with the excitement of NHRA drag racing.
Her connection to racing began through her younger brother, Johnny Gray, who competed in several forms of motorsports before rising through the NHRA ranks in Pro Stock and Funny Car competition. During the early years, Terry could often be found at local tracks helping the team in any way possible, from selling T-shirts to assisting with race-day preparations. Those experiences gave her a firsthand understanding of grassroots racing and strengthened her love for the sport.
As Johnny Gray’s racing career grew, Terry remained one of his strongest supporters. Later, after the family’s financial position improved, Terry and Johnny honored their late father by co-sponsoring the Pitch Energy Funny Car during Johnny’s final season behind the wheel. The car proudly carried the image of John R. Gray, serving as a tribute to their family legacy.
When Johnny prepared to retire from driving, he encouraged Terry to continue her involvement in NHRA racing by sponsoring a team herself. Rather than pursuing sponsorship solely for business exposure, Terry chose to create what she described as “a giving car” — a program built around helping charitable causes and making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Partnering with Don Schumacher Racing, Terry first sponsored the Make-A-Wish Foundation Funny Car driven by Tommy Johnson Jr.. Later, she expanded her efforts by supporting the Infinite Hero Foundation Funny Car driven by Jack Beckman. Both organizations relied heavily on public awareness and charitable contributions, and Terry’s sponsorship gave them tremendous visibility through the high-profile world of NHRA racing. During her involvement, the Make-A-Wish car earned eight victories, while the Infinite Hero team collected eleven wins.
More importantly, Terry used racing as a platform to create unforgettable experiences for children facing life-threatening illnesses and for wounded military veterans. She regularly invited them to races, giving them behind-the-scenes access to the teams, pit areas, and even the starting line itself. Her efforts brought joy, inspiration, and lasting memories to countless families.
Terry also dedicated significant support each year to Riley Hospital for Children during the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, contributing both financially and personally to the hospital’s charitable programs.
Among all her accomplishments, perhaps Terry’s greatest happiness came from standing at the starting line cheering for her teams, including the Pro Stock efforts of her nephew Shane Gray and great-nephew Tanner Gray. Her warmth, generosity, and genuine love for the racing community left a lasting impression on everyone around her.
Following her passing in 2017, Terry Chandler was remembered not only as a passionate NHRA supporter, but also as a remarkable humanitarian whose impact extended far beyond the racetrack.
