Drag racing lost a giant last week when Steve Gibbs unexpectedly stepped away from a 48-year association with the sport. It was stunning to the racing community.

“Kind of a bittersweet day at Gainesville and the Gatornationals. This is my last day, officially connected to NHRA,” Gibbs announced on Facebook. “I will no longer be involved with NHRA, the NHRA Motorsports Museum, the NHRA, NHRA Reunions, or Heritage Series events.

“I will be eternally grateful to Wally Parks for the opportunity to do the things I did … and for so long. I’m proud of the ‘fingerprints’ I have left on the sport. It’s time to move on.”

Gibbs is best known as a former NHRA director of competition when the sport started growing. However, he started at National Dragster in ad sales and held various positions within the sanctioning body, including vice president. He served as the original director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum at Fairplex in Pomona and also one of the founders of the California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield.

“I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in many of the sport’s major developments, but I have to say that my role in the creation of The California Hot Rod Reunion is probably the thing I am most proud of,” Gibbs said in a 2005 interview with National Dragster.

“The NHRA, NHRA Motorsports Museum, and the NHRA Hot Rod Reunions appreciate Steve’s contributions and dedication to the sport of NHRA Drag Racing over the past 48 years,” said Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president, racing operations. “We wish him, as well as his family, happiness in his retirement.”

Most of Jack Beckman’s career has involved an association with Gibbs.

“Steve is one of my favorite human beings on this planet because of his character and actions, from the time he was the track manager at Irwindale in the mid-1960s to today,” Beckman said. “Nostalgia drag racing and the NHRA Museum wouldn’t be what they are today without Steve Gibbs.

“Steve Gibbs definitely should be in every drag racing hall of fame.”

How important was Gibbs to the sport? In 1998, Don Prieto profiled the man, a work of art that remains relevant to this day.

“A giant of a man, at over 6-foot-4, with a resounding voice, Gibbs goes about running major drag races, directing the Safety Safari on the track, barking instructions into his walkie talkie while making sure that the track surface is kept in the best condition possible.

“Most of the improvements in traction, as well as the devices and substances used to soak up and remove oil spills, are the result of his dedication to the task.”

But don’t believe Gibbs will slow down.

“I don’t think the word ‘retirement’ is quite accurate. Not yet,” Gibbs said online. “It’s just that I’m now a ‘free agent’ … free to pursue several new independent projects that involve the historical aspects of the drag racing.”

Honoring Medlen

Drag racers recalled the late Eric Medlen this past weekend at Gainesville, Fla. It was 10 years ago Medlen was killed in a test accident while racing for John Force.

Despite the years, many continue to contribute to a pair of events established in Medlen’s honor. One is the Eric Medlen Nitro Night at Sonoma Raceway that benefits Speedway Children’s Charities. Also in central California, Morgan Lucas hosts the Eric Medlen Golf Tournament that aids the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

Pit stops

• There is no racing Saturday at Perris Auto Speedway as the dirt oval prepares for the return of the legendary World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series on April 1. The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Cars and PAS Senior & Young Gun Sprints are also on the card. It’ll be the lone WoO appearance in Southern California this year. Fans who buy a reserved seat (www.woosprint.com/perris-auto-speedway, 1-844-347-8849) will receive a free pit pass.

• The California Lightning Sprint Car Series is at Bakersfield Speedway on Saturday night for the first of the three-race “Civil War Series” against Northern California’s Bay Cities Racing Association. Racing starts at 6 p.m. and will also feature Late Models, Sportmods, Hobby Stocks and Mini Dwarfs. Jarret Kramer leads the CLS by 20 points, having won the opener two weeks ago at the Imperial Raceway. Lakeside’s Brent Sexton, Jeff Dyer of Victorville and Bobby Michnowicz round out the top five in points.

• Ventura Raceway cancelled its Saturday night due to weather concerns. Last week, there was a strong field of 16 ICMA Modifieds. Luis Espinoza took the 20-lap feature over Chris Crompe, Josh Vogt, Austin Rodarte and 2016 track champion Jack Parker. Crompe leads the points battle after two events by four points over Luis Espinoza and six on Parker.

• The International Motor Racing Research Center will present Mario Andretti the 2017 Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports. Andretti will receive the award at a gala dinner Aug. 31 presented by NASCAR, International Speedway Corp., Watkins Glen and IMSA at the renowned Corning Museum of Glass in nearby Corning, N.Y.