Division: NHRA, IHRA circuits, Quick-8 Series (races Top Dragster, 6-second, 200 mph class, and Top Sportsman with ’91 Camaro)
Highlights: From 1988 to 2002, ran in 200 national events and reached the finals 38 times
How did you get started in racing?: “The first race I ever raced was in Springfield on the street along the highway. ... I started in 1971. I had a ’61 Chevy Impala with a 327 4-speed. I loved the excitement of winning and the speed.”
Racing at speeds near 200 mph, have you had any close calls?: “At Bristol, Tenn., I went through the (speed) traps at 170 mph and the left front tire blew out. The car turned left and it barrel-rolled 13 times. Everybody thought I was killed. It tore the car completely apart except for the driver’s compartment. ... I had bones sticking out through my gloves and broken bones. It’s just part of it.”
How has racing changed since you started 41 years ago?: “If you don’t keep up with it year to year you’ll get left behind. Technology changes day to day, it seems like. ... When I started racing it was around $3 a gallon for racing gas. Now it’s $10-11.”
Do you have a nickname?: “My nickname back in the day was ‘Wheelstand.’ My car would take off and it would carry the front wheels way in the air. All the kids would say, ‘Hey, Wheelstand do a wheelie for us.’ It was a lot of fun. ... At Huntsville, Ala., I could carry the front wheels 7 feet in the air at over 200 feet from the starting line. I don’t do it like I used to.”
What’s one of your favorite racing memories?: “When I used to build motors for customers I had six drivers win seven world championships. To watch your engine go down the track and your customer win the races, that was a lot of fun. I was glad I could help those guys win championships also.”
How long do you plan to keep racing?: “I’ll be 58 years old in another month. I’ll probably go on through 60 as long as I can race. I have four race cars I take care of and that’s all I do is race. ... When we get older all we’ve got is memories. I don’t sit down to talk to somebody to brag, I do it to tell them a story.”