I worked at a street rod shop that was honored to build a few cars for George. He was the guy you see here. You would get the impression he was just a dumb farmer or something....but he was super intelligent , nice , kind and the most generous guy you could ever meet. You would never think that he was worth what he was....never flashy or acted like he was better than anyone else. He definitely spread the love among some of the best car builders across the nation. Great guy. RIP George.
I see an old man in overalls talking, I sit down and shut up and listen because I know I'm about to learn something! Thank you, Tom, for sharing this with us. What an amazing guy, now he's soaring faster than ever!
GP was a great friend and I sure do miss him. I had the great pleasure of restoring the Blue 1961 Starliner in the center of his main showroom and the 1969 Hurst SC/Rambler in the stacker building. He was a very generous man and helped many folks and charities like Camp LIGHT in Virginia.
not just the land speed stuff, some of his hot rods and street rods are absolutley legendary. he's been on a bunch of magazine covers over the decades. he loved Ford coupes. RIP.
At speed week 2021, while around 20 guys were fixing the Speed Demon after a fire. George was sitting in a trailer away from the frenzy and a friend asked if he could get a picture with him. He not only said yes but insisted that he come up and sit on his lap for the picture. He was definitely one in a million, he will be missed.
I first went to Bonneville in 2013. My friend had built a streamliner. It was fun, but as soon as I saw the original Speed Demon make a run with George behind the wheel, I was hooked. Then he crashed and they built the current car, which I think is one of the most beautiful vehicles ever created. He not only inspired many racers out on the salt, but also helped a number of street rod builders get into the business as well. You'd never know it looking at him, or even talking to him on the street, but he was the fastest guy at Bonneville every year for at least 10 years. He's gotta be in history books as one of the most genuine people ever. He will be missed by many. Godspeed George.
Many , many thanks for that . I have read about George Poteet for many years ( back when we had magazines) .So nice to be able to see the person behind the name . He was truly a legend.
Love that analogy George gave about their 2.25 mile is like a drag racers 60 foot. Then he mentions Craig Liberty, whom i remember standing at the counter telling me for $4000 he will build me a reliable manual 4 speed box that will hold whatever i could throw in front of it. I was only 22 years old and it was 1991. Later i seen all that Liberty did out of that little shop in Taylor, Michigan. So impressive to hear these stories. I imagine George could tell stories all night long! RIP Mr George Poteet!
Godspeed, George. With guys like Tom and fans like the rest of us, you will not be forgotten. I pray your friends and family are able to find peace with your passing.
Thanks Tom for sharing this with all of us! What a really COOL, and friendly guy! Really a shame you didn't get a chance to talk with him again! PEACE ✌️
George was a kind and humble man. Was a pleasure to know him. Never had an ego and was such a role model. We are here at Bonneville right now and we know he is here in spirit.
I love listening to people like Tom talk with people from the south. Im from and still in Detroit but my whole family is from Kentucky and I consider that place home too. I get a kick listening to Tom being humble and respectful listening to the old man legend in overalls talking extreme motorsports stuff and a direct comparison between drag racing and land speed racing. I understand both ends of this conversation and thank you for showing this to us Tom!
Tom I think the nitrous guy he was referring to was Charles nearburg and his car the spirit of Rhett. Rhett was Charles son who passed at a young age. 417.65 is what he ran years ago. Great interview. Charles nearburg ran a big block Chevy with nitrous.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us Tom! I enjoyed seeing the incredible details in every one of George’s builds that were featured in the pages of HOT ROD for many years.
I only know George Poteet through his cars featured in magazines. He had cars built that exactly mirrored my personal tastes. I am glad his cars have gone on and wont be gathering dust in some museum. I hope someone puts together a coffee table book featuring all the cars he has had built and all of the builders he commissioned for his builds. It’s a whos who of the most talented builders in the country. Geez id love to buy his ‘32 five window…or his SOHC ‘61 Ford Starliner….there are many more…. R.I.P. to an icon.
Thank you! I love conversations like this. I went to Speed Week back in 2017. Walked out on the salt early morning. Nothing else was there except Speed Demon sitting near the start line. Talk about a religious experience.
I grew up down the street in southern California from another legend in the early California race scene. His name was Vic Smalldino. He created overhead cam/valve conversions for flat head Ford's before almost anyone else was doing it. He was responsible for many records being broken in drag racing. RIP Vic Smalldino.
My primary exposure to LSR racing was through Hot Rod Magazine. I knew very little about George Poteet as a person but assumed that he was a wealthy businessman who got out of his shirt and tie to fulfill his need for speed. I had no idea how "ordinary" he was with his southern drawl and bib overalls.
What a class act kind of guy... Having run into him at a streetrod event 3 decades ago he was such a down to earth kind of guy. He was talking to my boss at the time and I had to ask who he was, since I was just a kid. He's always been the most down to earth person I've ever met.
I never was able to see George at speed, but I live in Manteno by Rad Rides Troy and was able to see George several times at Troys shop. He'll of a man! 😔
This is part of what I love about vehicles, the drive to do better and appreciating what others have accomplished within their own field and means. Taking time to listen/learn and pass on knowledge/history, respecting and understanding each other. There are so many great stories to be told that a lot of us will never hear without people like you taking the time to do this, really appreciating the opportunity to see/hear these encounters
Haha “if you leave with it running, you didn’t run it hard enough.” Awesome video of a great man telling cool stories. He was truly a ‘patron of the arts’ of sorts when it came to all the shops he had build him cars. He helped many of them grow and expand into areas they wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. RIP Mr Poteet. Glad you shared this Tom.
Thanks for the video remembering George Poteet. George was an awesome man, racer and sponsor of many things automotive. He’s been over 400 mph 55 times. He holds a record of 470+ with an exit speed on that run over 481 mph and I got to be at Bonneville on see that happen. It was awesome to hear and see Speed Demon at speed. His pit area at Bonneville is so welcoming to visitors it’s amazing even when they are busy working on the car. Sad for his passing but he has left his mark on our sport. Fastest man driving a piston engine vehicle on earth. Tom., I hope you make the effort to run a car at Bonneville some day. You will enjoy the experience.
HANDS DOWN , one of the best videos you've posted . Reminds me talking to my older uncles about running shine thru Carolinas , overalls and all . WELL DONE!
RIP Mr. Poteet and thanks Tom for honoring him and giving us a peek into his life. Life is too damn short. Sucks. (PS what a beautiful collection. And even with all that, as the owner of a blue 66 Nova, when they panned the shot, his 66 immediately stood out to me. It’s funny how the car you love still stands out among a crowd.)
Im not sure but i believe that red Ford starliner at 31:46 has a cammer Ford engine in it and used to belong to a feller who worked here in Dearborn for the performance side of Ford for years. It was in a hot rod magazine article years and years ago. Took all week to mess with the front of the engine just to take it out on weekends and beat on it. The car supposedly made all the right rowdy sounds when it was fired up and running
love this visit and interview un edited the best i could really relate with George and the questions he was throwing at you it was refreshing actually Thanks Tom !
@Tom Bailey thank you so much for sharing that footage. The talk you had with George was as good as ANY I've seen with him. I was teared up as you were looking at his collection toward the end. A LOT more people need to see this. I'll be sharing it. Thanks again for sharing it.
Pioneers ?? Wasn’t he just a regular guy ?? He’s not know anywhere but usa ?? Many other countries have land speed tracks also that surpass usa competitors Ive never heard of the dude and I’ve been on the salt flats for 25 years in my country
Im no Ford guy but that collection is to die for!!! Thank you Mr. Poteet for gracing us with your presence in life, you shall be honored for all memory.
George was a good man. I met him through a mutual friend. He helped me race on the professional side of my chosen motorsport. A bit later on, he recruited me to work for his company, corporately (non-racing). After that he allowed me to live on the compound in Holly Springs, during my divorce. A generous, kind man. Everyone will miss him.
![FNAF vs TF2 - Episode 2 [SFM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/z5b3V2-VLb0/mqdefault.jpg)
I worked at a street rod shop that was honored to build a few cars for George. He was the guy you see here. You would get the impression he was just a dumb farmer or something....but he was super intelligent , nice , kind and the most generous guy you could ever meet. You would never think that he was worth what he was....never flashy or acted like he was better than anyone else. He definitely spread the love among some of the best car builders across the nation. Great guy. RIP George.
I see an old man in overalls talking, I sit down and shut up and listen because I know I'm about to learn something! Thank you, Tom, for sharing this with us. What an amazing guy, now he's soaring faster than ever!
There was no need for the opening apology about quality. This was fantastic audio wise.
Amen
Always sad when a legend is lost. RIP George.
he tells it like it is.i like that
GP was a great friend and I sure do miss him. I had the great pleasure of restoring the Blue 1961 Starliner in the center of his main showroom and the 1969 Hurst SC/Rambler in the stacker building. He was a very generous man and helped many folks and charities like Camp LIGHT in Virginia.
It is crazy how far the cars have come these days
not just the land speed stuff, some of his hot rods and street rods are absolutley legendary. he's been on a bunch of magazine covers over the decades. he loved Ford coupes. RIP.
460+MPH? insane. true maniac to the sport.
@@DvsCxnt There are 14 people who have gone over 400 mph. George Poteet had more runs over 400 than the other 13 combined.
At speed week 2021, while around 20 guys were fixing the Speed Demon after a fire. George was sitting in a trailer away from the frenzy and a friend asked if he could get a picture with him. He not only said yes but insisted that he come up and sit on his lap for the picture. He was definitely one in a million, he will be missed.
I first went to Bonneville in 2013. My friend had built a streamliner. It was fun, but as soon as I saw the original Speed Demon make a run with George behind the wheel, I was hooked. Then he crashed and they built the current car, which I think is one of the most beautiful vehicles ever created. He not only inspired many racers out on the salt, but also helped a number of street rod builders get into the business as well. You'd never know it looking at him, or even talking to him on the street, but he was the fastest guy at Bonneville every year for at least 10 years. He's gotta be in history books as one of the most genuine people ever. He will be missed by many.
Godspeed George.
He’s not/wasnt old my dad is 76 this year and acts like a child in his 67 nova and 65 Chevelle. 76 isn’t old. Great video made me tear up a little…..
Many , many thanks for that . I have read about George Poteet for many years ( back when we had magazines) .So nice to be able to see the person behind the name . He was truly a legend.
Thanks Tom!
Love that analogy George gave about their 2.25 mile is like a drag racers 60 foot.
Then he mentions Craig Liberty, whom i remember standing at the counter telling me for $4000 he will build me a reliable manual 4 speed box that will hold whatever i could throw in front of it. I was only 22 years old and it was 1991. Later i seen all that Liberty did out of that little shop in Taylor, Michigan. So impressive to hear these stories.
I imagine George could tell stories all night long! RIP Mr George Poteet!
He had so many beautiful cars built by so many different builders,sad to see him go.
Godspeed, George. With guys like Tom and fans like the rest of us, you will not be forgotten. I pray your friends and family are able to find peace with your passing.
Bloody unbelievable video Boys..thanks for sharing it with us..
Thanks sir for sharing,
Thanks Tom for sharing this with all of us! What a really COOL, and friendly guy! Really a shame you didn't get a chance to talk with him again! PEACE ✌️
George was a kind and humble man. Was a pleasure to know him. Never had an ego and was such a role model. We are here at Bonneville right now and we know he is here in spirit.
I love listening to people like Tom talk with people from the south. Im from and still in Detroit but my whole family is from Kentucky and I consider that place home too. I get a kick listening to Tom being humble and respectful listening to the old man legend in overalls talking extreme motorsports stuff and a direct comparison between drag racing and land speed racing. I understand both ends of this conversation and thank you for showing this to us Tom!
Tom I think the nitrous guy he was referring to was Charles nearburg and his car the spirit of Rhett. Rhett was Charles son who passed at a young age. 417.65 is what he ran years ago. Great interview. Charles nearburg ran a big block Chevy with nitrous.
Rip George 🙏
Thanks for sharing your experience with us Tom! I enjoyed seeing the incredible details in every one of George’s builds that were featured in the pages of HOT ROD for many years.
I only know George Poteet through his cars featured in magazines. He had cars built that exactly mirrored my personal tastes. I am glad his cars have gone on and wont be gathering dust in some museum. I hope someone puts together a coffee table book featuring all the cars he has had built and all of the builders he commissioned for his builds. It’s a whos who of the most talented builders in the country. Geez id love to buy his ‘32 five window…or his SOHC ‘61 Ford Starliner….there are many more…. R.I.P. to an icon.
Sad to hear of his passing, thanks Tom.
Thank you! I love conversations like this. I went to Speed Week back in 2017. Walked out on the salt early morning. Nothing else was there except Speed Demon sitting near the start line. Talk about a religious experience.
I grew up down the street in southern California from another legend in the early California race scene. His name was Vic Smalldino. He created overhead cam/valve conversions for flat head Ford's before almost anyone else was doing it. He was responsible for many records being broken in drag racing. RIP Vic Smalldino.
He kinda reminds me Junior Johnson in old interviews
Talk soft, go fast. RIP George
My primary exposure to LSR racing was through Hot Rod Magazine. I knew very little about George Poteet as a person but assumed that he was a wealthy businessman who got out of his shirt and tie to fulfill his need for speed. I had no idea how "ordinary" he was with his southern drawl and bib overalls.
Absolutely brilliant, audio was fine. RIP George
Great episode history in real life read about him but never made it to Bonneville he will be missed thank you Tom Bailey for such great content
Great video. Rest in peace Mr. Poteet. Thank you Tom.
Met him in 2020 at Bonneville. Warm guy. Could have just blown me off in his pit, but didn't. Headed back in a couple days...
Thank you
Another legend has gone. Could have listened to George's life story. Just what little was shared..Enjoyed vey much. But like life,it was to short.
What a class act kind of guy... Having run into him at a streetrod event 3 decades ago he was such a down to earth kind of guy. He was talking to my boss at the time and I had to ask who he was, since I was just a kid. He's always been the most down to earth person I've ever met.
I never was able to see George at speed, but I live in Manteno by Rad Rides Troy and was able to see George several times at Troys shop. He'll of a man!
😔
This is part of what I love about vehicles, the drive to do better and appreciating what others have accomplished within their own field and means. Taking time to listen/learn and pass on knowledge/history, respecting and understanding each other. There are so many great stories to be told that a lot of us will never hear without people like you taking the time to do this, really appreciating the opportunity to see/hear these encounters
We lost a great dude and a wealth of knowledge and memories. May you rest in peace, Godspeed brother!
God Speed Mr. Poteet
What a legend he will be missed
Haha “if you leave with it running, you didn’t run it hard enough.” Awesome video of a great man telling cool stories. He was truly a ‘patron of the arts’ of sorts when it came to all the shops he had build him cars. He helped many of them grow and expand into areas they wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. RIP Mr Poteet. Glad you shared this Tom.
Thanks for the show Tom and for the black Beauty 69 George was one cool man Rest in peace sir❤🙏👌😎later guys
Thanks for the video remembering George Poteet. George was an awesome man, racer and sponsor of many things automotive. He’s been over 400 mph 55 times. He holds a record of 470+ with an exit speed on that run over 481 mph and I got to be at Bonneville on see that happen. It was awesome to hear and see Speed Demon at speed. His pit area at Bonneville is so welcoming to visitors it’s amazing even when they are busy working on the car. Sad for his passing but he has left his mark on our sport. Fastest man driving a piston engine vehicle on earth. Tom., I hope you make the effort to run a car at Bonneville some day. You will enjoy the experience.
Another legend lost yet still lives on!!!
HANDS DOWN , one of the best videos you've posted . Reminds me talking to my older uncles about running shine thru Carolinas , overalls and all . WELL DONE!
Tom Bailey This Video Was Incredible Thanks for Sharing it. MAY GEORGE POTEET FOREVER REST IN PEACE ❤️ 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼♥️
RIP Mr. Poteet and thanks Tom for honoring him and giving us a peek into his life. Life is too damn short. Sucks. (PS what a beautiful collection. And even with all that, as the owner of a blue 66 Nova, when they panned the shot, his 66 immediately stood out to me. It’s funny how the car you love still stands out among a crowd.)
Well done sir!
Thank you Tom RESPECT !
What an amazing collection, I've never seen that many Starliner's and Sunliner's in one place!
Im not sure but i believe that red Ford starliner at 31:46 has a cammer Ford engine in it and used to belong to a feller who worked here in Dearborn for the performance side of Ford for years. It was in a hot rod magazine article years and years ago. Took all week to mess with the front of the engine just to take it out on weekends and beat on it. The car supposedly made all the right rowdy sounds when it was fired up and running
What a collection 😢
He was a legend thanks for this video Tom he will be missed from the car community
A true legend of the sport hobby. Whether it was show cars or racing. Top man R.I.P. George. Prayers and peace to your family and friends.
Thank you Tom for a great interview with a legend of the sport... off the cuff and raw honesty can't be beat when it comes to quality content.
love this visit and interview un edited the best i could really relate with George and the questions he was throwing at you it was refreshing actually Thanks Tom !
@Tom Bailey thank you so much for sharing that footage. The talk you had with George was as good as ANY I've seen with him. I was teared up as you were looking at his collection toward the end. A LOT more people need to see this. I'll be sharing it. Thanks again for sharing it.
We’re losing so much knowledge, history,loved listening could listen for hours,thankyou!
No words. Thanks Tom and company for the experience. Rest up kind sir. Impeccable collection of cars. Just Wow.
Wow that was a great video Tom! I really enjoy listening to the old timers talk about their adventures.
That was beautiful, Thanks Tom
Race in Paradise Mr. Poteet, your legend will go on forever.
Thanks Tom.
Its sad to see the pioneers of our sport passing away. A time, which doesn't feel so long ago, is gradually becoming history.
Pioneers ?? Wasn’t he just a regular guy ?? He’s not know anywhere but usa ?? Many other countries have land speed tracks also that surpass usa competitors Ive never heard of the dude and I’ve been on the salt flats for 25 years in my country
Met him at a 2k banquet dinner at b ville, laid back as humanity possible. The real automotive goat
Good stuff, thanks Tom.🏁👍
Godspeed Mr. Poteet. Thank you for for all you did for our hobby.
Thank you Tom for sharing your time with George .
I feel in my hart ❤
Lovely video Tom, thanks so much for posting ........ I didn't stop smiling the whole way through.
G'day from Oz !
You had one hell of an opportunity for that discussion! He knew what he was talking about, clear mind was there.
HI NICE TO SHOW HOW NICE HE IS !! THERE OUT THERE RACING RIGHT NOW !! RIP GEORGE !! TOM ARE YOU GOING OUT THERE TOO ?? TODD FROM MICHIGAN .
Thanks for sharing 😊
At least he spent his life doing what he loved ... cool
Guy easy to talk to.
Excellent thank you
Thank you
What a great guy!!
That was an amazing interview, absolute legend~ RIP Mr Poteet~
cheers Tom. these legends need to be documented so we can continue to celebrate them always.
That was a great chat with Mr. Poteet. Thank you for posting this.
I Imagined this... "Speed, what do you all know about speed? I am speed" George Poteet. !948-2024. RIP.
Without question, one of my favorite videos you’ve ever done. You’re selling it short. What a privilege to be able to chat with him
Love the video. Thanks for sharing. RIP SIR. LIFE IS SORT.
Im no Ford guy but that collection is to die for!!! Thank you Mr. Poteet for gracing us with your presence in life, you shall be honored for all memory.
Mr. Poteet first class legend! Rip George .
Thanks for the video. George was remarkable person.
his Blowfish car was amazing, R.I.P.
There was nothing wrong with the audio or video. This was great. I'm glad I got to hear some of his stories.
Thank you for the interview with Mr Poteet. Awesome!
Legend, RIP George.
He was a legend and will be greatly missed!!!
George was a good man. I met him through a mutual friend. He helped me race on the professional side of my chosen motorsport. A bit later on, he recruited me to work for his company, corporately (non-racing). After that he allowed me to live on the compound in Holly Springs, during my divorce. A generous, kind man. Everyone will miss him.
Legend RIP George.
Truly a great vid of an amazing man. It was nice to be reminded of his higher profile rides and LSR cars.
Very moving tribute Tom. Thank you for sharing this.
Sweet Jesus, awesome.
'°°%
Hopefully he has some people in his life to carry his legacy forward…
Sad