NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

[Photo courtesy of the Quarter Mile Foundation]

Born Nov. 29, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, Hrudka was a lifelong hot rodder whose passion for racing and innovation helped shape the modern performance aftermarket industry.

Long before Mr. Gasket became one of the most recognized names in motorsports, Hrudka was a racer searching for solutions to problems on his own race cars. Frustrated by gasket failures under extreme racing conditions, he began developing specialized heat-resistant gaskets and selling them out of the trunk of his car to fellow racers. 

Alongside his brother, Tom Hrudka, the two quickly built a reputation both on and off the racetrack. The pair captured Class wins at the 1961 and 1962 NHRA U.S. Nationals, establishing themselves as respected competitors during the formative years of organized drag racing. 

Hrudka transformed his grassroots gasket business into Mr. Gasket, one of the most successful and influential specialty equipment companies in the automotive performance industry. 

Through the decades, he expanded the business by acquiring many well-known aftermarket brands and helped fuel the explosive growth of hot rodding and drag racing culture across America. 

Known affectionately throughout the industry as “Mr. Gasket,” Hrudka remained deeply connected to the racing community and the people who built it. Hrudka is survived by his wife of 25 years, Antoinette; one son and six daughters; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his brother, Tom .

A graveside burial service will be held Sunday, May 31, at 10 a.m. at Paradise Memorial Gardens. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Joe’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.