When I was ten there was a silkscreen t shirt business down the street that printed t shirts for your grandfathers business. They let me have a Keith Black " Black Magic Racing Engines" t shirt. I wore that thing with pride.👍👍
My grandfather was Paul Schiefer. I have heard many of these stories from my dad, Carl Schiefer. But, there are some new insights and photos in here that I have never seen. Thank you so much for creating this! What a great piece and it was nice to learn more about my grandfather.
I ran a Hays Clutch in my car - I couldn't get Schiefer's to work - the Hays was more durable for me. And then the Lenco Two Speed came out - If I were you that would be the video after the 1970's to today clutch documentary. BTW Brian these videos are great for keeping our history alive for the younger generations.
Thanks Brian. I've been a drag fan since 1963. In 1967 I took my dad to Irwindale to see gassers run. One car blew the clutch and flywheel. We heard a loud bang near us in the bleachers. I looked around and saw a 6 inch chunk of cast iron flywheel about a foot from where we were. It was too hot to touch. I angrily took the piece to a track official to complain about their poor safety for spectators. He told me the driver lost a foot so I should feel lucky. Clutch and drivetrain history have never been coalesced until your video. I can't wait to see the next one..
I'm 73 years old... I remember the first Crowerglide I bought... came with a 20 page 'owner's manual '.. ! After about 3 runs ( drag racing ) we had it pretty well down. So simple ! Off subject but , still have many spare parts in original boxes..... some boxes have 'Crower Glide' ( 2 words )... some have 'Crowerglide'... ( 1 word)...
As a 65 yr. old retired body/paint tech and mechanic and history buff,I am so glad you're doing this series on the history of drag racing . You're way of telling a story and all the little known facts,obscure events and the like,are so very fascinating. Thank you so much!I am looking forward to more.
One of the best videos I have ever seen on any subject. Just wow! My own "clutch" story. I worked on the starting line at Bandimere Speedway during the eighties. This was an NHRA meet but not the Mile High Nationals. I was one of two safety guys, just looking for anything that could be a safety issue. We had the power to shut down any car under any condition but we never abused it. Those drivers knew if one of us gave the knife across the throat signal it was a legit issue and they would shut it off. This fuel rail approached the starting line on my side and it was visibly a pile of junk but I couldn't see anything I could call it on. They launched and somewhere before the lights the car suddenly lost power. I lived in that little mobile home at the entry gate at that time acting as security and facility maintenance, just whatever the I observed the facility might need. I had a pretty free hand. The next day after a race I would walk the track looking for anything that could be a problem at the next race. I was walking back toward the starting line when I saw a line in the grass on the high side angling down track and up hill. I followed it and found a torque converter and flex plate with one long bolt, between 3 and 4 inches, still attached. Instantly I knew which car it had come from and why they never came looking for it. These guys had jerry rigged this torque converter to fit whatever their setup was using these long bolts as spacers. I still have no idea what their setup was because it was a torque converter. What I do know is if that thing had buzzsawed through the spectators down there it would have been terrible. I called the area director and told him what I had found. He told me to shut up and mind my own business.
Thanks for the video. I remember Gene Snow was having success with some type of slipper clutch in the late 80's. I remember the National Dragster headline "Snow's hot, melts the competition"
As a very low level, local announcer (not in racing), I appreciate all that you do. You deserve to be the NHRA play by play guy and you also deserve your current hall of fame induction and any future inductions that are sure to come. As a guy that was introduced to drag racing through the Hot Wheels Snake and Mongoose cars, I always enjoy the history you provide in these videos. I hope you never get too busy to produce this content as it's the best watch on RUclips. Thanks kid, keep it up.
Brian your documentation of the facts is spot on as always. Clutch and flywheel explosions killed a lot of guys as big daddy said in a interview. Early days and even in my day flywheel bolts sheared sending them through the floor like a buzzsaw happened more than you think. I was in my 20s and saw a gal running a nova and she took off and treeed the guy next to her when boom and the car slid down the gaurd rail to a stop. Many ran down the track including her husband. I could hear his screams as he found her. Legs cut off and the flywheel chopped her up bad. As in gross bad. I ran a 4 speed too and upgraded my clutch to a Hays the next week. In the early hemi days too stock flywheels and bolts in the stock classes became a problem too so chrysler went to a 8 bolt flywheel on the 426. I exploded a clutch once but had a lakewood scatter shield. Thank god. What you didnt touch on what scatter shields because it saved lives and so did trans blankets. The 70s was when i entered the sportsman classes and i saw a lot of bad stuff and parts failures. Everyone focuses on the big name guys but its the weekend warriors that didnt have money for the expensive parts and many paid the price for it. Big daddy saved a lot of racers lives with swamp rat rear engine cars. He said he was tired of dead friends from clutches and engine parts as well as fires. Remember too, fire is the devils only friend and not yours.😂 well done as always❤
I've had those right angle grinders in my hand when the wheels came apart. Its freakin crazy. Couldn't imagine that happening to a hundred pound disk of steel and parts spinning at 9 grand.
@@williambarry8015 so go play Frisbee with a skillsaw blade with a friend. But spin it at 8grand and add 60lbs. It's a big saw blade loose inside the car. Refer to the first pics Brian showed. It's total carnage for anyone inside the car.
Garlits damaged his feet with a clutch explosion. While in hospital dreamed up the rear engined thing. Not new even then but he made it work and had the profile for others to follow
Crazy times, imagine having a beer on Sunday watching a race, and catching a piece of flywheel to the forehead. And it's kinda normal. Great video, the clutch always seems to be the black art of top fuel, thanks for shedding some light.
Brian, I’m an old gearhead from So Cal in the 60’s who witnessed a few bad clutch explosions at both Lyons and Santa Ana. My dad taught me to never stand near the track wall and pay attention for anything. Those fellas were real men. Thank you sooo much for this reminder of what this sport has been through. You’re a very talented historian. 🎉😂
I was in Indy at The Nationals when Nichols' top fuel car became a chariot. We thought for certain he couldn't survive that ride. Even Prudhomme was in tears, saying he was finished with drag racing. None of us could believe it when Nichols returned to the track, from the hospital, in time to help his guys load the 2 piece fueler into the trailer! An unbelievable & unforgettable end to The Nationals that year! Thanks once again, as always, for an incredible video, Brian.
I am always impressed by the sheer amount of research it must take for these videos. Thank you. The writing ain't bad either. For my own experience, my Dad told me that after a clutch explosion at OCIR, a plate went by him at about a thousand MPH, going "ting ting ting" when it hit the asphalt every 50 feet or so, bouncing as it went.
CHEERS from AUSTRALIA. Your videos are the BEST on drag racing history - thoroughly entertaining and well presented by a truly knowledgeable enthusiastic drag racing nut - HA.
Always makes me happy to see a new video pop up in my feed! Same way with the podcast as well! Thank you for all you do to thoroughly research document and present gearhead history Brian!
What's puzzling is how you don't have a million followers, Brian. These episodes of history are such a treat and your coverage at the NHRA events is always entertaining with your colorful commentary. Indy was the most recent example that brought laughter to many who were tuned in on FS1, FS2 and Fox. Cheers!
Thanks for another story about history to 3-seconds. I've crewed on open wheel midgets and sprint cars, one story I'd like to hear is the invention and application of mechanical fuel injection to racing.
That was amazing! Subscribed. I was born in '66 and tagged along with my big brother to OCIR and Pomona back in the 70's - 80's. Great times but I didn't understand everything going on at that age. Your coverage of this history brings it all together for me. I remember one visit I think in the early 80's, we were seated in the stands on the left at the far end so maybe 100 yards+ from the tree. A dragster melted a piston on the left bank and sprayed the stands with molten aluminum. Seating density was pretty thin at that end so fortunately nobody got burned. But we went around to stomp out the smoldering wooden bleacher boards right away!
Cool vid sir, The story i heard about the first "accidenta; slipper clutch" was that a taller driver was subbing for a shorter driver in a car, (heard the name but can't recall) well not fitting right in the car the taller guy couldn't fully release the clutch and ended up breaking the standing record every pass the entire event. This whole story is a new one for me and iI love learning
Have 100% heard this story are well but had zero ability to find it or back it up with any factual information. Not saying it is false, I just try to fill the videos with stuff I can back up.
In the 50's my father Bob Stobbe, who had a street/strip 40 Ford coupe (3rd car ever to be painted "candy apple red" by Von Dutch) would weld in a steel "scatter shield" to the cab's bell housing to protect from clutch explosion. Other drivers including Don Garlits with his missing half of foot quickly copied him. Bob was a Marine corpsman in Korea and learned to hop-up and weld in armor to there ambulance's. They'd make em do 80mph instead of 45mph! He was also banned from Fresno area Demolition Derby's for welding leaf-springs inside the fenders and removing the fan and moving the radiator back as far as possible, which caused rule changes in the sport!
Hey, it's the Dork-o-Motive guy! As always, thanks! And thanks to you, I have a beautiful picture of Dave West restoration of the 'Fighting Irish' T/F car from 1969. I'm going to phone store ASAP and turn on the bell for future posts! PS: It was great watching you and Tony working at the Big Go! Thanks!
I see all the comments saying I’m 65-75-80 and what not, I’m 18 years old. My first big memories in the sport are drag radial door car racing. Thank you for preserving these stories, the days of old that I missed out on seem to be truly incredible and these videos are the absolute war ways Ive ever found to learn about them
Brian, you make the best researched vintage drag racing videos that I've seen. I can tell you put a ton of work into these presentations, and your passion for the sport is obvious. Thanks for making them.
Back in early 70's was at Proctorville Drag Strip, Ohio some guys pitted next to me with a 48 Anglia(small block chevy) was having engine problem they keep reving it. I walked over they shut it off & figured out it had an aluminum bellhousing on it!! I picked up & moved to an other pit spot. I also when to tech and asked who checked that car. The two guys look back and forth then asked why. When I told them they both went looked at the car and ask him to leave. I was glad I spoke up!
Thanks again for another great history lesson. Watching stick shift classes get faster and faster I always assumed the slipper clutch was a new advancement. Little did I know
One of the most inventive classes in drag racing that I ever saw was "Top Gas"! Duel engine combinations were the norm. I remember a lot of colorful drivers competing in "Top Gas" during the 60's on their way to "Top Fuel". Do your magic & bring "Top Gas" to younger fans.
@@brianlohnes3079 I enjoy your stories & the use of old photos. My Dad was the P.R. & Racing Director for Cragar Ind. for almost 15+ yrs. until his passing. I enjoy see all of the Cragar signs at the starting lines across the U.S. that my Dad was instrumental in erecting. He followed up with Cragar timing towers & scoreboards. Even Ascot Park in Gardena, Ca. had a Cragar scoreboard & a 19 sec. Qualifiers Club billboard that's in the Sprint Car Museum in Knoxville, Iowa.
I believe Top Gas cars came about during the nitro ban. I also remember pictures in magazines of those twin engine behemoths. Never got to actually see one in person. Am a little too young and my dad was not into racing to take me.
Preface- I’m a janitor who works nights with a long history in all things automotive and mechanical. Finding your podcast has drastically improved my shifts! You have a way of making this stuff riveting while dipping into the technical from time to time. I’m looking forward to the next Dork-O-Motive!
Terrific story of the development of early drag racing. To many people people think you just take the accelerator pedal and mash it . . . and pay for it with injuries and even death. Thankfully, Don Garlits lived to tell the tale. I too came back after an afternoon of racing to discover a burnt piston and broken con rod buried next to my car.
Very good info!..Clutch explosions were a big issue even for weekend drag racers back in the 60s.. My dad bought the remains a '56 Corvette out of a junkyard back then because the clutch had come through the floor and dash, injuring the previous owner.
You and Greg's Airplanes and Automobiles are pretty much the only two channels that are an immediate click and full watch for me (when I have time). Thank you so much for all you do, Brian! These videos are incredible, and the fact this stuff is provided to us free all because you are passionate about it is just incredible, thank you!!!
I'm utterly blown away by the research and detail. One of the best documentaries I've ever watched, utterly absorbing and uncommonly informative. Thank you so much!
Hi there Brian, really enjoy all of your content. I just learned yesterday on the David Freiburger channel that you call NHRA races! Gonna have to start watching some of those. Some of my favorite past motorsports commentators are Steve Evans, Ken Squier, and Bob Jenkins. Anyway, keep up the good work and thank you.
Brian's one of the best to call races, I grew up with Steve calling races and Brian keeps the tradition alive. He's always got random facts and history he throws in during broadcast. Hell and since he's voiced the beginning of clay milicans channel he's won more nhra races than he ever did before.
Just finished your videos to this point. Can't wait to see what is next. The ability to bounce from one subject to another and reference later topics with enough detail to move through without wondering if you skipped information or forgot a subject is very well done makes a web of information feel very linear.
This kind of nitty gritty mechanical history is what I live for, and slipper clutch history is some of the final puzzle pieces I’ve never really had in my drag racing info arsenal. Thank you for this. Really looking forward to the next installment (canon time!). From one racing media pro (however unknown I may be) to another - keep up the good work. Learning from you drag racing guys makes me better at what I do even in ovals and road racing.
I had the chance to make launches on a drag bike with a first generation wheelie bar in the 70s. Slipping the clutch was the way to launch before the wheelie bar, it was the way to survive with it. OCIR was my local strip in the 60s-70s. Great videos.
As always Mr Lohnes, another fantastic job. Your knowledge, research and presentation are second to none. We're so fortunate to have the media outlets for you to share and entertain us, the masses, with. Only because of the lack of such media resources availability at their time, would it be difficult to pick which is better. Mc Clelland, Evans, Frey or Lohnes. Hope the NHRA realizes what they have and never forgets it!
I can only imagine how much time went into creating this deep dive into the bowels of history...but I KNOW it was well spent. Keep right on informing and entertaining us...
My Dad drag raced in the 60’s. Nitro blown 331 hemi dragster. Never had the money of the big teams, just a mechanic being creative with what he had and could scrounge. 7.99 at 201 in 1969 was the fastest he went. The really cool thing about those days was all the development going on, the multitude of set ups for everything on the cars, the uniqueness of the cars. Over time it’s all become pretty much like nascar, same technology, same manufacturers. The early days were the best even though they were going slower. Great video!
now whenever people on the wonderful world of facebook say that they want the “old days of top fuel” back, all the work is done for me on why it’s not a good idea. great content as always brian!
Great video Brian. I learned a lot. I was a young teenager in the early 60's and spent every Saturday watching the races at Lions Drag Strip. I saw a lot of clutches explode and witnessed a lot of history being made by all the big names.
Great 'racing tech' video of a most unique and wonderful time... Thanks, answered a lot of questions I didn't know to ask... My memories of the drags during the 60's are my favorite, what an amazing time period.
Excellent documentary, Brian! Before this I only knew of the potential liabilities of clutch disasters and how they helped influence the development of rear engine TF dragsters. Your historical perspective and narration really filled in some gaps for me. Now I'm really looking forward to the second installment of this story. Thanks!
Another fascinating essay, Mr Lohnes! While I was aware of many of the points covered, I'd never quite managed to put together a coherent mental picture of how the modern drag clutch evolved. This video has cleared up a LOT of that, leading to many "Oh, so THAT'S what they meant" moments... Looking forward to the follow-up! Cheers... G
I knew some of the story here but you filled in so many of the blanks. Thanks again for what you’re doing Brian, there are so many stories and you’re doing a very good job of telling them
I selfishly consume these superb presentations by Mr. Lohnes, but the real gift is that hopefully these will be available forever for future generations as well.
That was an incredible video. The history and progress of clutches. It is incredible to see the advancements. And how it relates to the modern era. Thanks Brian. Great content on all of your videos.
As I've said before I greatly appreciate the history that I lived. I'm personally thankful that you brought out the saga of Gene Adams Alberson Olds car. I ended of going to school with Gene's brother Gary and becoming friends with Orville Harris Lenard's brother. I'm still friends with all of them today. This has been an excellent education. Love to meet you one day. Oh I started Drag Racing in April 58 San Fernando. Take care.
Brian, really looking forward to watching this episode. This is a subject that has boggled my mind for decades during top fuels darkest hour how so many drivers could witness the horror and demise of fellow drivers and friends but still be able some how to still do the job at hand knowing they could be next....I'm sure as usual you have done your homework and the hairs on the back of my neck are standing up it anticipation of watching this episode......
Man, you continually blow my mind with the depth of information you provide. I would burn out long before reading all this info. Many thanks, even though my racing days are over, I love to learn.
Once again Brian, an excellent video! My dad ran that 6,1 barrel Stromberg set-up you showed! I remember it sitting in the trunk of his car, always ready when he needed it!!
That was an amazing piece of work! I can't get enough "Tech talk" thank you Brian for that awesome video, I've understood the workings of a multi disc clutch for many years, my young adult children dig it and they were amazed My 19 year old daughter just learned to drive a stick, she is a total gearhead and did she ever eat this up 👍
Always good to hear the voice of NHRA expound upon the history of automotive performance. Can't wait to meet you in person someday Brian, known you long enough.. I noticed quite a few Pontiacs in the early pics you presented here, Micky Thompson knew how potent they can be. Just put a TKX in my 65 GTO this week, so this is all very timely and pertinent to me. Thanks again Brian.
Love the detail and engineering info you put into these. You obviously spend some serious time on research and the old photos and articles are fascinating to see.
Wow great vid and research into this. Around 1970 i was sent to a guy that built me a clutch in his garage. It was a long style unit. I recognized some parts shown in your vid that were what was in my clutch. Asbestos washers to insulate the springs. And fingers with weights bolted to them. This was for a street clutch....but at any rpm you couldn't shift....and i had to beef up the linkage so it would bend. Would have made a awesome tractor clutch but was way too much for my high reving 289. Thanks for all you do for the history and sport of drag racing.
This is a truly excellent and informative video. I was in high school in the mid to late 60s. I had heard of clutches exploding, but I had no idea they were so common. I know Don Garlits lost part of a foot and came back to race again. That takes nerves of steel. I’m looking forward to part two. Thanks for all your research and dedication to this project.
My shop is next to the original Crower in Chula Vista…my shop neighbor has been involved with the Bandits and I see their cars regularly. This is a great history video. I end up with some of these old timers in my shop seeing what I’m doing and hearing stories…
I don't know how many people I've told about your channel, your deep dives into the history make the stories great. Thanks for putting in all the time into researching the topics in what little free time you have. Another awesome video Brian. Can't wait for the follow up. Any chances on a story of the beginnings of wheel standers as a dedicated car. I grew up watching the stagecoach and then the fire truck of the outlaw Ed Jones and are local legend Virgil Sellers and his 55 Chevy "crazy injun" and "plumb crazy" standers he had in his fleet of cars and dragsters.
Incredible history again brian, love the research you out into these very informative history lessons! Slipper clutches, what an amazing piece of basic engineering principles! Looking forward to part 2!
What an excellent and well put together video on this important development in drag racing. Appreciate your research and ability to explain all the technical details in an understandable way. Very enjoyable- looking forward to the next video on this subject!
I knew my grandfather, Keith Black, played a big role in early clutch development. Thank you for this deep-dive, Brian. I’m a huge fan of your work.
Wow!!! This is amazing. Thank you for watching it and yes, your grandfather was a bonafide genius and had the right idea miles before most others did!
When I was ten there was a silkscreen t shirt business down the street that printed t shirts for your grandfathers business. They let me have a Keith Black " Black Magic Racing Engines" t shirt. I wore that thing with pride.👍👍
Keith Black Hypereutectic pistons are my pistons of choice when I build 1200cc performance street Harley Sportster engine's for my customers.
You lucky dog 🐕! My grandfather's tought me alot, but yours could have taught me much more!..lol..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 👋🤠
@@dukecraig2402I’m sorry.
My grandfather was Paul Schiefer. I have heard many of these stories from my dad, Carl Schiefer. But, there are some new insights and photos in here that I have never seen. Thank you so much for creating this! What a great piece and it was nice to learn more about my grandfather.
I ran a Hays Clutch in my car - I couldn't get Schiefer's to work - the Hays was more durable for me. And then the Lenco Two Speed came out - If I were you that would be the video after the 1970's to today clutch documentary.
BTW Brian these videos are great for keeping our history alive for the younger generations.
Thanks for tuning in and 100% agree on the topic matter for the second half of this story.
Great memories for us old gear jammers also!
Thanks Brian. I've been a drag fan since 1963. In 1967 I took my dad to Irwindale to see gassers run. One car blew the clutch and flywheel. We heard a loud bang near us in the bleachers. I looked around and saw a 6 inch chunk of cast iron flywheel about a foot from where we were. It was too hot to touch. I angrily took the piece to a track official to complain about their poor safety for spectators. He told me the driver lost a foot so I should feel lucky.
Clutch and drivetrain history have never been coalesced until your video. I can't wait to see the next one..
That’s an incredible story!
Ouch 😢
Was that Don Garlits that lost his foot then? I'm sure he wasn't the only one to lose part of a foot due to clutch failure in a FED
Rode my bicycle to irwindale raceway in the mid 60s and fell in love with motorsports
@@sinistersparky9657- No Don Garlits famous transmission explosion happened at Lions in Long Beach in 1970.
I'm 73 years old... I remember the first Crowerglide I bought... came with a 20 page 'owner's manual '.. ! After about 3 runs ( drag racing ) we had it pretty well down. So simple ! Off subject but , still have many spare parts in original boxes..... some boxes have 'Crower Glide' ( 2 words )... some have 'Crowerglide'... ( 1 word)...
Please donate them to a museum.
Nothing better than a Lohnes style documentary.
Thanks a million for watching them!
@@brianlohnes3079 Brian- Your sub count should be waaay higher, as you have great content and great delivery! I really enjoy your stuff!
As a 65 yr. old retired body/paint tech and mechanic and history buff,I am so glad you're doing this series on the history of drag racing . You're way of telling a story and all the little known facts,obscure events and the like,are so very fascinating. Thank you so much!I am looking forward to more.
Danny thank you for watching!
One of the best videos I have ever seen on any subject. Just wow!
My own "clutch" story. I worked on the starting line at Bandimere Speedway during the eighties. This was an NHRA meet but not the Mile High Nationals. I was one of two safety guys, just looking for anything that could be a safety issue. We had the power to shut down any car under any condition but we never abused it. Those drivers knew if one of us gave the knife across the throat signal it was a legit issue and they would shut it off. This fuel rail approached the starting line on my side and it was visibly a pile of junk but I couldn't see anything I could call it on. They launched and somewhere before the lights the car suddenly lost power. I lived in that little mobile home at the entry gate at that time acting as security and facility maintenance, just whatever the I observed the facility might need. I had a pretty free hand. The next day after a race I would walk the track looking for anything that could be a problem at the next race. I was walking back toward the starting line when I saw a line in the grass on the high side angling down track and up hill. I followed it and found a torque converter and flex plate with one long bolt, between 3 and 4 inches, still attached. Instantly I knew which car it had come from and why they never came looking for it. These guys had jerry rigged this torque converter to fit whatever their setup was using these long bolts as spacers. I still have no idea what their setup was because it was a torque converter. What I do know is if that thing had buzzsawed through the spectators down there it would have been terrible. I called the area director and told him what I had found. He told me to shut up and mind my own business.
Sincere thanks for watching it!!
Thanks for the video. I remember Gene Snow was having success with some type of slipper clutch in the late 80's. I remember the National Dragster headline "Snow's hot, melts the competition"
That was the most brief direct and accurate documentary of a time frame spanning over seven decades
As a very low level, local announcer (not in racing), I appreciate all that you do. You deserve to be the NHRA play by play guy and you also deserve your current hall of fame induction and any future inductions that are sure to come. As a guy that was introduced to drag racing through the Hot Wheels Snake and Mongoose cars, I always enjoy the history you provide in these videos. I hope you never get too busy to produce this content as it's the best watch on RUclips. Thanks kid, keep it up.
Brian your documentation of the facts is spot on as always. Clutch and flywheel explosions killed a lot of guys as big daddy said in a interview. Early days and even in my day flywheel bolts sheared sending them through the floor like a buzzsaw happened more than you think. I was in my 20s and saw a gal running a nova and she took off and treeed the guy next to her when boom and the car slid down the gaurd rail to a stop. Many ran down the track including her husband. I could hear his screams as he found her. Legs cut off and the flywheel chopped her up bad. As in gross bad. I ran a 4 speed too and upgraded my clutch to a Hays the next week. In the early hemi days too stock flywheels and bolts in the stock classes became a problem too so chrysler went to a 8 bolt flywheel on the 426. I exploded a clutch once but had a lakewood scatter shield. Thank god. What you didnt touch on what scatter shields because it saved lives and so did trans blankets. The 70s was when i entered the sportsman classes and i saw a lot of bad stuff and parts failures. Everyone focuses on the big name guys but its the weekend warriors that didnt have money for the expensive parts and many paid the price for it. Big daddy saved a lot of racers lives with swamp rat rear engine cars. He said he was tired of dead friends from clutches and engine parts as well as fires. Remember too, fire is the devils only friend and not yours.😂 well done as always❤
Thank you Rooster! In the second part of this, coming this winter, scattershields will be a big part of it.
@@brianlohnes3079as in the Lakewood hydro-formed steel 'explosion proof' bell housing!
I've had those right angle grinders in my hand when the wheels came apart. Its freakin crazy. Couldn't imagine that happening to a hundred pound disk of steel and parts spinning at 9 grand.
@@williambarry8015 so go play Frisbee with a skillsaw blade with a friend. But spin it at 8grand and add 60lbs. It's a big saw blade loose inside the car. Refer to the first pics Brian showed. It's total carnage for anyone inside the car.
Garlits damaged his feet with a clutch explosion. While in hospital dreamed up the rear engined thing. Not new even then but he made it work and had the profile for others to follow
Crazy times, imagine having a beer on Sunday watching a race, and catching a piece of flywheel to the forehead. And it's kinda normal.
Great video, the clutch always seems to be the black art of top fuel, thanks for shedding some light.
It’s beyond wild to think about the calamities back then.
@@brianlohnes3079....and the many drivers and occasional spectators who sadly received their ticket into eternity!
@@revvyhevvyyeah, people today think things are rough! They have no concept of the dangers our forefathers faced!..smh..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸👋🤠
Brian,
I’m an old gearhead from So Cal in the 60’s who witnessed a few bad clutch explosions at both Lyons and Santa Ana. My dad taught me to never stand near the track wall and pay attention for anything. Those fellas were real men. Thank you sooo much for this reminder of what this sport has been through. You’re a very talented historian. 🎉😂
I was in Indy at The Nationals when Nichols' top fuel car became a chariot. We thought for certain he couldn't survive that ride. Even Prudhomme was in tears, saying he was finished with drag racing. None of us could believe it when Nichols returned to the track, from the hospital, in time to help his guys load the 2 piece fueler into the trailer! An unbelievable & unforgettable end to The Nationals that year! Thanks once again, as always, for an incredible video, Brian.
That had to have been astonishing to see!
@@brianlohnes3079 It was, Brain, but it ended well when he appeared back at the track. That wasn't always the case back then, unfortunately.
My mom thought he was dead too
@@brianlohnes3079 I WAS THERE AS WELL. I SURE THOUGHT HE HAD "BOUGHT THE FARM"
@@ronw59 and thanks to ABC wild. World of sports everyone Saw
I am always impressed by the sheer amount of research it must take for these videos. Thank you. The writing ain't bad either. For my own experience, my Dad told me that after a clutch explosion at OCIR, a plate went by him at about a thousand MPH, going "ting ting ting" when it hit the asphalt every 50 feet or so, bouncing as it went.
Excellent delivery of the story of the most dangerous part of these cars.
Thanks for watching it
CHEERS from AUSTRALIA. Your videos are the BEST on drag racing history - thoroughly entertaining and well presented by a truly knowledgeable enthusiastic drag racing nut - HA.
Always makes me happy to see a new video pop up in my feed! Same way with the podcast as well! Thank you for all you do to thoroughly research document and present gearhead history Brian!
Thank you very much, Bill!
As a crew guy on the 7.0 Pro Killer Crower Dragster, this is cool stuff to know about Bruce! Can't wait for part 2!
Awesome! In so many ways, he was an unparalleled force in the high performance aftermarket.
Who is “Bruce”?
@@danmyers9372 Did you watch the video? Bruce Crower
What's puzzling is how you don't have a million followers, Brian. These episodes of history are such a treat and your coverage at the NHRA events is always entertaining with your colorful commentary. Indy was the most recent example that brought laughter to many who were tuned in on FS1, FS2 and Fox. Cheers!
Hey, I just love the fact that anyone watches this stuff. Thanks for watching the NHRA as well. It’s a true honor and pleasure to call the races.
@@brianlohnes3079 Let's look forward to many more years of both!
Thanks for another story about history to 3-seconds. I've crewed on open wheel midgets and sprint cars, one story I'd like to hear is the invention and application of mechanical fuel injection to racing.
Another awesome topic to explore. Great suggestion.
That was amazing! Subscribed. I was born in '66 and tagged along with my big brother to OCIR and Pomona back in the 70's - 80's. Great times but I didn't understand everything going on at that age. Your coverage of this history brings it all together for me.
I remember one visit I think in the early 80's, we were seated in the stands on the left at the far end so maybe 100 yards+ from the tree. A dragster melted a piston on the left bank and sprayed the stands with molten aluminum. Seating density was pretty thin at that end so fortunately nobody got burned. But we went around to stomp out the smoldering wooden bleacher boards right away!
Cool vid sir, The story i heard about the first "accidenta; slipper clutch" was that a taller driver was subbing for a shorter driver in a car, (heard the name but can't recall) well not fitting right in the car the taller guy couldn't fully release the clutch and ended up breaking the standing record every pass the entire event.
This whole story is a new one for me and iI love learning
Have 100% heard this story are well but had zero ability to find it or back it up with any factual information. Not saying it is false, I just try to fill the videos with stuff I can back up.
Absolutely mind blowing information. Thanks so much for sharing this!!!! Your presentation was awesome as well.
In the 50's my father Bob Stobbe, who had a street/strip 40 Ford coupe (3rd car ever to be painted "candy apple red" by Von Dutch) would weld in a steel "scatter shield" to the cab's bell housing to protect from clutch explosion. Other drivers including Don Garlits with his missing half of foot quickly copied him. Bob was a Marine corpsman in Korea and learned to hop-up and weld in armor to there ambulance's. They'd make em do 80mph instead of 45mph! He was also banned from Fresno area Demolition Derby's for welding leaf-springs inside the fenders and removing the fan and moving the radiator back as far as possible, which caused rule changes in the sport!
Hey, it's the Dork-o-Motive guy!
As always, thanks!
And thanks to you, I have a beautiful picture of Dave West restoration of
the 'Fighting Irish' T/F car from 1969.
I'm going to phone store ASAP and turn on the bell for future
posts!
PS: It was great watching you and Tony working at the Big Go! Thanks!
Thanks for all this Robert!
I see all the comments saying I’m 65-75-80 and what not, I’m 18 years old. My first big memories in the sport are drag radial door car racing. Thank you for preserving these stories, the days of old that I missed out on seem to be truly incredible and these videos are the absolute war ways Ive ever found to learn about them
Brian, you make the best researched vintage drag racing videos that I've seen. I can tell you put a ton of work into these presentations, and your passion for the sport is obvious. Thanks for making them.
Appreciate you saying that and watching these!
Great interesting history of clutch history! Always love hearing these stories from Drag Racing history!!!
Thanks for watching it Mike!
Back in early 70's was at Proctorville Drag Strip, Ohio some guys pitted next to me with a 48 Anglia(small block chevy) was having engine problem they keep reving it. I walked over they shut it off & figured out it had an aluminum bellhousing on it!! I picked up & moved to an other pit spot. I also when to tech and asked who checked that car. The two guys look back and forth then asked why. When I told them they both went looked at the car and ask him to leave. I was glad I spoke up!
Thanks again for another great history lesson. Watching stick shift classes get faster and faster I always assumed the slipper clutch was a new advancement. Little did I know
One of the most inventive classes in drag racing that I ever saw was "Top Gas"! Duel engine combinations were the norm. I remember a lot of colorful drivers competing in "Top Gas" during the 60's on their way to "Top Fuel". Do your magic & bring "Top Gas" to younger fans.
The flyweight small displacement cars versus the twin engine behemoths! Great concept. Noted.
@@brianlohnes3079 I enjoy your stories & the use of old photos. My Dad was the P.R. & Racing Director for Cragar Ind. for almost 15+ yrs. until his passing. I enjoy see all of the Cragar signs at the starting lines across the U.S. that my Dad was instrumental in erecting. He followed up with Cragar timing towers & scoreboards. Even Ascot Park in Gardena, Ca. had a Cragar scoreboard & a 19 sec. Qualifiers Club billboard that's in the Sprint Car Museum in Knoxville, Iowa.
I believe Top Gas cars came about during the nitro ban. I also remember pictures in magazines of those twin engine behemoths. Never got to actually see one in person. Am a little too young and my dad was not into racing to take me.
Preface- I’m a janitor who works nights with a long history in all things automotive and mechanical. Finding your podcast has drastically improved my shifts! You have a way of making this stuff riveting while dipping into the technical from time to time. I’m looking forward to the next Dork-O-Motive!
Terrific story of the development of early drag racing. To many people people think you just take the accelerator pedal and mash it . . . and pay for it with injuries and even death. Thankfully, Don Garlits lived to tell the tale. I too came back after an afternoon of racing to discover a burnt piston and broken con rod buried next to my car.
Very good info!..Clutch explosions were a big issue even for weekend drag racers back in the 60s.. My dad bought the remains a '56 Corvette out of a junkyard back then because the clutch had come through the floor and dash, injuring the previous owner.
You and Greg's Airplanes and Automobiles are pretty much the only two channels that are an immediate click and full watch for me (when I have time). Thank you so much for all you do, Brian! These videos are incredible, and the fact this stuff is provided to us free all because you are passionate about it is just incredible, thank you!!!
Brian, I did technical research and writing professionally and you do a stellar job. Thank you.
Most excellent as always. I really enjoy all your episodes. I cannot wait for the follow up to this one. Many , many thanks.
I'm utterly blown away by the research and detail. One of the best documentaries I've ever watched, utterly absorbing and uncommonly informative. Thank you so much!
Hi there Brian, really enjoy all of your content. I just learned yesterday on the David Freiburger channel that you call NHRA races! Gonna have to start watching some of those. Some of my favorite past motorsports commentators are Steve Evans, Ken Squier, and Bob Jenkins. Anyway, keep up the good work and thank you.
They Turbo! You bet, somehow I managed to become the lead broadcaster for the NHRA on tv. Pretty crazy and thanks to checking out these videos!
Brian's one of the best to call races, I grew up with Steve calling races and Brian keeps the tradition alive. He's always got random facts and history he throws in during broadcast. Hell and since he's voiced the beginning of clay milicans channel he's won more nhra races than he ever did before.
@@parentsbasement7734 haha - good point on Clay! Hahah
Just finished your videos to this point. Can't wait to see what is next. The ability to bounce from one subject to another and reference later topics with enough detail to move through without wondering if you skipped information or forgot a subject is very well done makes a web of information feel very linear.
This kind of nitty gritty mechanical history is what I live for, and slipper clutch history is some of the final puzzle pieces I’ve never really had in my drag racing info arsenal. Thank you for this. Really looking forward to the next installment (canon time!).
From one racing media pro (however unknown I may be) to another - keep up the good work. Learning from you drag racing guys makes me better at what I do even in ovals and road racing.
Cody, thanks for checking them out and engaging with ‘em!
Very interesting stuff from a era that made so many advancements. Keep up the great vids. Greetings from a South African fan
More awesome history and storytelling. I appreciate your respect for my heroes, Brian.
Keep it up
One of the best voices and deliveries on RUclips today. Absolutely stellar video. Thank you
I had the chance to make launches on a drag bike with a first generation wheelie bar in the 70s. Slipping the clutch was the way to launch before the wheelie bar, it was the way to survive with it. OCIR was my local strip in the 60s-70s. Great videos.
As always Mr Lohnes, another fantastic job. Your knowledge, research and presentation are second to none. We're so fortunate to have the media outlets for you to share and entertain us, the masses, with. Only because of the lack of such media resources availability at their time, would it be difficult to pick which is better. Mc Clelland, Evans, Frey or Lohnes. Hope the NHRA realizes what they have and never forgets it!
Joe, a sincere thank you!
I wonder about scatter shield development after watching this awesome video...
Part 2 will have plenty on that front a little while down the road.
I can only imagine how much time went into creating this deep dive into the bowels of history...but I KNOW it was well spent. Keep right on informing and entertaining us...
Excellent Brian, thanks for all the in-depth research and presentation
UURGG! Man I wish you could have continued this story I was soooo into it!
It ain’t over yet! Haha
My Dad drag raced in the 60’s. Nitro blown 331 hemi dragster. Never had the money of the big teams, just a mechanic being creative with what he had and could scrounge. 7.99 at 201 in 1969 was the fastest he went. The really cool thing about those days was all the development going on, the multitude of set ups for everything on the cars, the uniqueness of the cars. Over time it’s all become pretty much like nascar, same technology, same manufacturers. The early days were the best even though they were going slower. Great video!
Yeah, it’s not as cool and inventive but it definitely is a whole lot safer for everyone.
Man these are solid gold vids Brian.. The pics are worth the price of admission....
Appreciate you watching!
now whenever people on the wonderful world of facebook say that they want the “old days of top fuel” back, all the work is done for me on why it’s not a good idea. great content as always brian!
I've always had a passing interest in this sport. Your channel allows me to learn so much about this industry and I thank you for it
Appreciate you taking the time to watch and engage!
Great video Brian. I learned a lot. I was a young teenager in the early 60's and spent every Saturday watching the races at Lions Drag Strip. I saw a lot of clutches explode and witnessed a lot of history being made by all the big names.
Awesome work Brian. I'm so glad you decided to make RUclips videos.
Thankful that you check them out!
Great 'racing tech' video of a most unique and wonderful time... Thanks, answered a lot of questions I didn't know to ask... My memories of the drags during the 60's are my favorite, what an amazing time period.
Mark, I am glad it brought some knowledge your way and I appreciate you taking the time to give it a look-see!
Excellent documentary, Brian! Before this I only knew of the potential liabilities of clutch disasters and how they helped influence the development of rear engine TF dragsters. Your historical perspective and narration really filled in some gaps for me. Now I'm really looking forward to the second installment of this story. Thanks!
Thanks for watching Cliff!
Another fascinating essay, Mr Lohnes! While I was aware of many of the points covered, I'd never quite managed to put together a coherent mental picture of how the modern drag clutch evolved. This video has cleared up a LOT of that, leading to many "Oh, so THAT'S what they meant" moments...
Looking forward to the follow-up!
Cheers... G
Glad it had some value for you!
I knew some of the story here but you filled in so many of the blanks.
Thanks again for what you’re doing Brian, there are so many stories and you’re doing a very good job of telling them
I selfishly consume these superb presentations by Mr. Lohnes, but the real gift is that hopefully these will be available forever for future generations as well.
Nicely done, witnessed a scary clutch explosion at Irwindale, crazy times.
That was an incredible video. The history and progress of clutches. It is incredible to see the advancements. And how it relates to the modern era. Thanks Brian. Great content on all of your videos.
As I've said before I greatly appreciate the history that I lived. I'm personally thankful that you brought out the saga of Gene Adams Alberson Olds car. I ended of going to school with Gene's brother Gary and becoming friends with Orville Harris Lenard's brother. I'm still friends with all of them today. This has been an excellent education. Love to meet you one day. Oh I started Drag Racing in April 58 San Fernando. Take care.
Brian, really looking forward to watching this episode. This is a subject that has boggled my mind for decades during top fuels darkest hour how so many drivers could witness the horror and demise of fellow drivers and friends but still be able some how to still do the job at hand knowing they could be next....I'm sure as usual you have done your homework and the hairs on the back of my neck are standing up it anticipation of watching this episode......
Man, you continually blow my mind with the depth of information you provide. I would burn out long before reading all this info. Many thanks, even though my racing days are over, I love to learn.
Thanks for putting together that important piece of drag racing technical history
I commend you on the terrific content of this video. I can not imagine the time you spent researching and editing this . Very well done !
He definitely has a passion for detail, delivery and accuracy!
I’ve got a couple or tractors with the ‘twin disc’ clutches in them. 80+ years old and still work perfectly.
Incredible presentation. Thank you !
another gem Brian, as a old guy I knew a lot of this, you filed in the gaps perfectly!, thanks
Once again Brian, an excellent video! My dad ran that 6,1 barrel Stromberg set-up you showed! I remember it sitting in the trunk of his car, always ready when he needed it!!
Great tribute and history lesson. Thanks for all the hard work.
That was an amazing piece of work! I can't get enough "Tech talk" thank you Brian for that awesome video, I've understood the workings of a multi disc clutch for many years, my young adult children dig it and they were amazed
My 19 year old daughter just learned to drive a stick, she is a total gearhead and did she ever eat this up 👍
Always good to hear the voice of NHRA expound upon the history of automotive performance. Can't wait to meet you in person someday Brian, known you long enough.. I noticed quite a few Pontiacs in the early pics you presented here, Micky Thompson knew how potent they can be. Just put a TKX in my 65 GTO this week, so this is all very timely and pertinent to me. Thanks again Brian.
Congrats on the new gear jammer! I want to go for a ride!
Love the detail and engineering info you put into these. You obviously spend some serious time on research and the old photos and articles are fascinating to see.
Awesome piece - can't wait for the follow up. Thank you for the great history and detail.
You really outdid even yourself with this gem. Thanks!
I love the photos of the vintage cars - thanks.
Sir, you're the author of one of the most compelling docos on motor racing history, superb
I love your stories and the history I had no idea about. God bless you brother
Great video , looking forward to the follow up.
Thanks very much Bobby!! Appreciate you watching!!
Thank you Brian. A fascinating look at drag clutch development!
Thank you for you research on this subject and putting together a great story . Thank you for sharing .
There is so much info in this video gonna be watching it several times. Looking forward to part 2.
Awesome information Brian
Thanks a million, David!
Wow great vid and research into this. Around 1970 i was sent to a guy that built me a clutch in his garage. It was a long style unit. I recognized some parts shown in your vid that were what was in my clutch. Asbestos washers to insulate the springs. And fingers with weights bolted to them. This was for a street clutch....but at any rpm you couldn't shift....and i had to beef up the linkage so it would bend. Would have made a awesome tractor clutch but was way too much for my high reving 289.
Thanks for all you do for the history and sport of drag racing.
This is a truly excellent and informative video. I was in high school in the mid to late 60s. I had heard of clutches exploding, but I had no idea they were so common. I know Don Garlits lost part of a foot and came back to race again. That takes nerves of steel. I’m looking forward to part two. Thanks for all your research and dedication to this project.
I really enjoy your work. Thank you for doing this for the racing/car community. It is appreciated.
nicely done! thank you. recommended so informative and educational.
Thank you for checking it out.
My shop is next to the original Crower in Chula Vista…my shop neighbor has been involved with the Bandits and I see their cars regularly. This is a great history video. I end up with some of these old timers in my shop seeing what I’m doing and hearing stories…
I don't know how many people I've told about your channel, your deep dives into the history make the stories great. Thanks for putting in all the time into researching the topics in what little free time you have. Another awesome video Brian. Can't wait for the follow up. Any chances on a story of the beginnings of wheel standers as a dedicated car. I grew up watching the stagecoach and then the fire truck of the outlaw Ed Jones and are local legend Virgil Sellers and his 55 Chevy
"crazy injun" and "plumb crazy" standers he had in his fleet of cars and dragsters.
Wheelstanders would for sure be a great topic!
Incredible history again brian, love the research you out into these very informative history lessons! Slipper clutches, what an amazing piece of basic engineering principles! Looking forward to part 2!
Outstanding work Brian,thank you
Excellent presentation. Thank you. On a side note, nice shout out from Freiburger over on his channel and video on the Crusher Camaro.
Absolutely great video on the history of clutches that was very interesting I thank you very much for your time and effort and it's a great video
What an excellent and well put together video on this important development in drag racing. Appreciate your research and ability to explain all the technical details in an understandable way. Very enjoyable- looking forward to the next video on this subject!
Another great lesson in drag racing history. Thanks Mr Lohnes!