John Force didn't need to lose two major sponsors to realize the pitfalls of drag racing sponsorships. The 15-time champion had been down this path before. When both Ford and Castrol announced they would be stepping away from the iconic drag racer at the end of the 2014 season, he immediately hired a marketing, social media and reality television dream team to chase what he coined as "Corporate America". Decades ago, Force didn't have this option. He didn't have the wherewithal to chase the corporate dollars. This video, from Force's standpoint, takes you back into the days when he wasn't so popular of a driver. It was an era when Force's gift of gab more than made up for his lack of monetary funds. In fact, it was this gift which landed enough money, to keep him in the game.
Most people know Graham Light as the NHRA's Senior Vice-President of Racing Operations. That's because he has been at that job for 21 years. In this debut of Legends: The Series, fans will see Light as he never has been seen before and appreciate the layers of experience in his career, north and south of the border. He's a drag racer, a track operator, even stunt driver and struggling actor. He shows each dimension with his trademark dry and self-deprecating sense of humor. Fans and racers who know Light will recognize his calm demeanor and articulate answers to the media in the nostalgic clips. But see if you can tell the identity of the shaggy-haired racer at the start of the presentation. Step back in time with some vintage racing footage and see why Light knows both the thrill of victory and the agony of real racing. Get together with your racing friends and toast Light with a clink of your Bubble Up soda bottles! And be prepared to see Graham Light in a completely new light.
The legend of Frank Manzo opens with the story of a man who wanted to win just one race. The final chapter of his racing career concluded with a man who won as much on the track as off. The numbers are astonishing 17 series championships, 21 divisional titles, 118 divisional victories and 105 national event wins. The name Frank Manzo conjures a reputation of a drag racer who won with the two ingredients which should fuel any aspiring champion - hard work and dedication. Inspired by his father, Mazo drove his way to 17 NHRA Lucas Oil championships in Pro Comp and Top Alcohol Funny Car, a feat admired by millions of drag racing fans including iconic fuel racer John Force. Force quipped, "To the bone Manzo. Bad to the bone." In this latest installment of Legends: The Series, we talk to Manzo about his dreams fulfilled, having any regrets bypassing the nitro train and his fascination with NASCAR racer Dale Earnhart. Manzo opens up about his decision to walk away from drag racing
If you were a drag fan of the 1970s, there's a good chance Steve Reyes was a large contributing factor to your passion. Reyes grew up in the drag racing rich confines of Northern California and early in life filled a void of chronicling the sport on film. He was an improviser. Wherever he went, he succeeded. Reyes was given sound advice from his first credential, "Kid don't get run over." And, he never did despite coming close on occasion. When he was denied a starting line photographer pass in Bakersfield, he turned a top-end exile into a way of life. The first dragster he shot unloaded the top end of the engine, and the rest is history. Reyes had a tendency to be in the right place at the right time. In this episode of Legends: The Series, go behind the scenes with one of drag racing's iconic photographers. He'll share the upside of photographing drag racing to the downs of watching friends either maimed or killed in an accident. As always in this series, we want you to walk away w
Tony Christian is many things but shy isn't one of them. The former Modified eliminator icon who stepped up to NHRA Pro Stock before making the move into the Pro Street world, has enjoyed a colorful drag racing career. Christian didn't win as many races as Bob Glidden or Lee Shepherd, but during his time he stood toe to toe with them. From Pro Stock, Christian came over into the Pro Street movement where he was one of the pioneering icons in the world's fastest street movement. Christian leads a much easier life these days as a crew chief on Dan Stevenson's Pro Modified entry. In this latest instalment of Legends: The Series, Christian discusses the good old days of gear-jamming Modifieds and the days when he held his own against the giants of NHRA Pro Stock.
Most every drag racing fan will proclaim "Big Daddy" Don Garlits as the greatest drag racer who ever strapped himself into a dragster. But mention it to Garlits, and he will say he never liked being branded this. Instead, he offers, "I'm just me." Garlits, the man who advanced safety in the Top Fuel division further than anyone, learned how to drag race by growing up in a family affected by the great depression. He carried the banner in a male-dominated sport and when a talented female driver made her way into the ranks, did his best to win one for the boys all the time. In this Legends: The Series, Garlits discusses his upbringing, as well as the occupation he nearly had before being led into cars. He'll also discuss his proudest moments as well as a couple of racing fatalities that touched his heart deeply. Garlits also revealed his complicated relationship with Wally Parks and how the love of his family fueled his success.
To truly understand Tom "the Mongoose" McEwen, you must walk a mile in his shoes. McEwen, on the outside, was the epitome of marketing success on the drag strip. His life off of the track was a combined measure of personal success and heartbreaking tragedy. McEwen grew up without a father; having lost him as a young child in a plane crash. He was a driven kid determined to make his mark on the race track and once there, and he was able to shine in his element. The drag strip enabled McEwen to develop a kinship with Don 'the Snake" Prudhomme. In this episode of Legends: The Series, McEwen shares his innermost feelings about loss, having lost his dad at a young age and later in life, the passing of two sons. But, is not sadness for McEwen, who revels in his fame associated with the Mattel: Hot Wheels program and winning the big races. Sit back and enjoy this incredible look inside the life for one of drag racing's more storied personalities.
Diamond P announcer Steve Evans might have best summed up Frank Hawley's career when he proclaimed, "Frank Hawley, is arguably drag racing's greatest rags to riches story." An aspiring drag racer, Hawley, applied by mail and was hired by veteran team owner Austin Coil. Coil was tough on his youthful driver but very insightful, and the lessons learned crafted the Canadian-based competitor into not only a champion, but also one of drag racing's more talented instructors. In this episode of Legends: The Series, Hawley laughingly describes the Coil tutelage, his childhood of exploration and his desire to do what it took to earn a top driving gig. Hawley also discusses his fateful appointment to drive for a paralyzed Darrell Gwynn, as well as developing his popular driving school. Hawley talks about his career and how it would have been worthy of a Hollywood script.
There was no formal training for the job, but this didn't prevent Steve Gibbs from doing the best he could. Originally hired as an ad salesman for the NHRA, Gibbs was recruited by the late Jack Hart to help run the NHRA events. Gibbs faced everything from the inspirational to absurd during his tenure as "the man" making the decisions for the NHRA. Gibbs believes a good measure of his qualification was in having "good, walking around sense." In this final episode of Season One - Legends: The Series, Gibbs discusses why he got into the NHRA administrative circle. He admitted his close relationship with the drag racers and the one who "hauled off, and belted me." Gibbs also addressed M-80s and Nitro, as well as the death of drivers. This inspirational interview serves as a fitting conclusion to an incredible series debut.
One can only ask, "what if?" This is the story of Reher, Morrison and Shepherd as told by David Reher. In this exclusive interview for Legends: The Series, master engine builder David Reher discusses the formation of the legendary trio which broke the Bob Glidden stronghold in NHRA Pro Stock. From their humble beginnings as three money-challenged college students, hear how they built their arsenal from ingenuity and persistence. Share in the triumphs and tragedies as described by Reher, the only surviving member of the team. Reher also discusses the crucial role Bruce Allen played in the survival of the team in the midst of tragedies.
This is the story of Don Schumacher, former drag racer turned mega team owner. In this exclusive interview for Legends: The Series, there are two different settings for this exclusive episode. Just five days after the original interview was filmed, Schumacher was diagnosed with cancer which eventually hit stage five. After enduring the hell of radiation treatment, Schumacher returned to his life at the drag strip and granted a follow-up interview. Whatever preconceptions you might have had of Schumacher might change when you see him open his heart in a way like never before. Schumacher discusses his days as a Funny Car driver and also talks about his extended family of racing. You won't want to miss the emotional post-cancer interview.
Scotty Cannon has a story to tell. The six-time Pro Modified champion will forever be known as one of the most iconic figures in the volatile doorslammer class, but what is not common knowledge is the hard road he traveled to reach this status. Cannon learned from the locals how to make a car run well and how to win. He also used a headstrong attitude when it came to just participating in drag racing against his father's will. The more he learned, the more he became involved. Cannon was in the right place at the right time as the Pro Modified movement swept the southeastern United States. By his sophomore season as a professional he had established himself as the champion to beat. In this episode of Legends: The Series, Cannon discusses his road from a naive kid wanting to drive fast to the favorite target of the rulesmakers to his unexpected road to fulfilling a dream. As Cannon reveals, "Don't dig your hole so deep chasing your dream that you cannot get out of it if you need to."
Drag racing has had many colorful individuals but few in the class with "King" Richard Tharp. Tharp, a three-time world champion in both NHRA and IHRA Top Fuel, proudly lived by the mantra, "A Star I Are, A Saint I Aint." In the episode of Legends: The Series, Tharp discusses a wide range of topics including his days as a Funny Car driver and his colorful rivalry with Shirley Muldowney. He also discusses losing friends Paul Candies and Raymond Beadle. Sit back and enjoy episode No. 5 of Season 2 Legends: The Series as you see a personal side of Richard Tharp in discussing his proud and not-so-proud moments.
Larry Sutton is not the kind of legend credited with holding a prominent place in drag racing history like Don Garlits or Don Prudhomme. He was one of those important spokes in the wheel of drag racing’s early years. Sutton was a special kind of person in those formative years and wielded a lot of power amongst drag racing’s supporting cast. Known for his trademark black stetson, Sutton probably had the most power in determining the west coast’s pivotal races but never let the power go to his head. He was a starters, and probably the most famous one next to the late Buster Couch. He was tough but a fair; a man’s man. Sutton was the starter on the infamous day when an exploding clutch cost Don Garlits his foot and and almost an innocent fan’s life. He was the guy who kept strong in the face of adversity, but had the tender heart enough to release his emotions in private. Sutton was the kind of guy with whom racers strutted as the starter and racing the same event.
Gary Densham lived in an era when a working man could go nitro racing. Long before Corporate America invaded professional drag racing there were those drivers who could cackle on an a teacher's or fireman's salary. In the episode of Legends: The Series, Densham talks about the blessings of being in the right place at the right time in his racing career. He also faces the "what ifs" and how his life could have been different with other pathways. Densham also talks about living in the big time as a John Force Racing driver and his key to drag racing longevity. Sit back and enjoy episode No. 6 of Season 2 Legends: The Series as you see a personal side of Gary Densham as he describes having the time of his life.
A man who would find a way to win, Rickie Smith traveled the long, hard path to being a drag racing legend. Ten championships prove he's more than reached the pinnacle of success. Smith, who was born and raised in King, NC., started his driving career behind the wheel of a bulldozer while drag racing on the side. He is credited with killing a class because of his success, and later becoming one of the fiercest gameplayers on the starting line. In this episode of Legends: The Series, Smith opens up about life, family, and the spirit of refusing to lose. He also talks about the curse of the competitive nature which sometimes took him into areas he shouldn't have been. An emotional video; you will walk away feeling you have walked into the heart of a legend
Don Prudhomme is probably one of the most revered snakes in the world. A life story that has been told time and time again, this episode of Legends: The Series takes an inside look into the mindset of a drag racer who described winning as everything. Prudhomme talks about the joy of traveling the country match racing with his friend Tom McEwen as well as the pressure and subsequent fatigue of maintaining the high level of competition.
Bob Glidden was as blue-collar of a drag racer as one could be. And, what made his status more impressive, is he did it on the big stage of NHRA professional drag racing. Glidden remains a throwback when championships were earned by hard work and not so deep pockets. There were deep pockets, yes ... but they generally belonged to those trying to catch him. Glidden was never a man of statistics, although he established many of them which hold true to this date. From a humble beginning as a drag racer who tried his hand at professional racing on a shoestring budget to the man with whom everyone wanted to dethrone, Glidden raised the level of Pro Stock to a level many could never fathom in 1971. Glidden was so dominant that he pushed others to cheat just to beat him, and they did. Try as they might, they could never break the work ethic of the man nicknamed as the Mad Dog for his tendency to race like a rabid dog.
Think about this. Pamela Hardy, more commonly as Jungle Pam, was in drag racing for only four short years, yet her name remains iconic nearly four decades later. That's major longevity for someone whose main claim to fame was backing up a race car while scantily clad. Jungle Pam ran the roads as the yin to Jungle Jim Liberman's yang. She was the salt to his pepper. We think you get the drift. As much as she's enjoyed life as an ordinary citizen of West Chester, Pa., for the last four decades or so, drag racing fans have clamored for drag racing's ultimate backup girl. The day she stepped in front of Liberman, scantily clad, she was sentenced to a life of anything but ordinary.
It’s hard to imagine that any race car had a bigger international fan base in the 1970s and early ‘80s than did the legendary Blue Max, a Funny Car that captured the imagination of an entire generation of adrenaline junkies. When the late Harry Schmidt had a replica of a German military medal for valor emblazoned on the side of his race car, he could not have imagined what would ensue. Although the ‘Max’ was exceedingly popular from the day it first rolled to the starting line at the 1970 Winternationals, it didn’t really hit its stride until Raymond Beadle came on board in 1975, first as partner with Schmidt and later as sole owner and driver. In this episode of Legends: The Series, Season Three, “Waterbed Fred” Miller, D. Gantt and Dale Emery, the mechanical trio whose talents sent Beadle to three NHRA and three IHRA world championships as well as countless match victories in the U.S., Canada and England, talk about their amazing run, their Hall of Fame driver and the unique team c
The image of Austin Coil as a cool and calculating puppet-master is debunked in this episode of Legends: The Series, Season Three in which the man who won a record 17 NHRA Championships as Funny Car crew chief to Frank Hawley and John Force owns up to what was happening beneath that seemingly calm exterior. “I was a nervous wreck,” Coil says. “I had stomach problems. I ate Rolaids like they were candy. I was upset most of the time. I just felt like it was unprofessional to stand on the starting line and scream like a raving maniac (but) some of the old guys I worked with nicknamed me ‘The Tyrant.’ I don’t think it’s because I was so mild mannered.” With a shout out to the late “Jungle Jim” Liberman, with whom he shared a special bond, Coil relives the era of Funny Car match racing in which the Chi-Town Hustler he campaigned with John Farkonas and Pat Minick made as many as 96 different appearances in a single season, sometimes racing five straight days at five different race tracks.
There is not a more unlikely drag racing success story than Roy Hill’s. The man they call “Hillbilly” overcame poverty, illiteracy and some admittedly questionable life choices to become not only a champion driver and car owner but also a successful businessman and entrepreneur. In this episode of Legends: The Series, Season Three, the proprietor of Roy Hill’s Drag Racing School discusses growing up on his grandparents’ North Carolina farm, leaving school in the seventh grade, his long association racing legend Richard Petty and the addicting qualities of the sport he loves. Hill’s dad died when he was just three-and-a-half and once he was old enough to do so, he began working to supplement the $86 his mom brought home every two weeks from her job at the furniture factory. His one diversion was drag racing. “I’d do whatever it took to race. Sometimes it was the right thing; sometimes it wasn’t. It’s the worst addiction you can ever have (and if you) ride on that edge, sooner or lat
Where one was the other usually wasn't far away. And, for one of drag racing's most storied public relations tandems, this tendency hasn't changed much. There were no manuals, nor were there any mentors when Steve Earwood and Dave Densmore took over the NHRA's Press and Publicity Department back in 1975. Together, they painted the sport of drag racing throughout the media landscape in mainstream media, whether it was network broadcast, print or radio. In a mix of Anchorman's Ron Burgandy and Starsky & Hutch, they were anything but conservative in their approach. Many times they colored outside of the line much to the chagrin of their NHRA bosses, but the end result was drag racing exposure, and lots of it. In this episode of Legends: The Series, learn how they together, amidst a bad decision or five, established a solid foundation for drag racing's presentation in the media.
The day Bruce Allen heard that Lee Shepherd had been killed in a testing accident, he was preparing to make his Pro Stock driving debut in a car of his own at the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville, Fla. “You never think that things like that are going to happen to somebody that you know,” he recalled. “That just tore my heart out -- that my idol, the person I looked up to, was gone.” Although he knew David Reher and Buddy Morrison who, with Shepherd, dominated Pro Stock racing on both the NHRA and IHRA circuits in the early 1980s, Allen was by no means a member of their inner circle. So, in the aftermath of the Shepherd tragedy, when Reher and Morrison asked him if he would consider taking over the driving duties in their Chevrolet, he was as surprised as anyone else, particularly because of his relative lack of experience at the pro level. “I wouldn’t have applied for the job at all because I was not worthy of doing it,” he said. “I didn’t even think in my wildest dreams
In as much as actor Morgan Freeman's voice epitomizes the perceived voice of God, there's no perceiving when it comes to the voice of drag racing. No single voice has been more closely associated with NHRA Championship Drag Racing than that of Dave McClelland. For 42 years (1961-2003), “Big Mac” announced NHRA events, served as TV host on TNN, cut TV and radio commercials and served as emcee at countless NHRA functions from banquets to press conferences. In this episode of Legends: The Series, Season Three, the man hailed as the forever “Voice of the NHRA” explains how he went from college in Iowa to TV cameraman in Arkansas to announcer at a dragstrip in Louisiana to General Manager of Dallas International Motor Speedway to the NHRA home office in California. It obviously was a labor of love insomuch as his first paycheck to announce the U.S. Nationals at Indy was $25 plus a hotel room he shared with a racer from Florida. No food allowance; no travel expenses. But, as he explains,
Victor Bray, it's Australian for Top Doorslammer. The first international episode for Legends: The Series travels to Brisbane, Australian, to chat with an Aussie drag racing legend. Bray, long considered one of the pioneers for Pro Modified style drag racing in Australia, made the unlikely journey from fifth-generation farmer to first-generation multi-time series champion. Bray, like many of his American drag racing counterparts, used a passion for drag racing and a lust for horsepower, to propel himself into drag racing legend Down Under. In this episode, Bray discusses how this car crazy kid turned into one of his country's most successful drag racers and did it with an undying love and dedication to his family.
Although he had driven competitively at some loosely organized events in his native Hawaii and even though he had enjoyed some driving success in a Top Gasser on the mainland, Roland Leong probably would not have become a drag racing legend if his need for speed hadn’t sent him crashing off the end of Lions Drag Strip on his first lap as an aspiring Top Fuel driver. That accident compelled legendary track operator C.J. “Pappy” Hart to suspend his driving privileges at the sport’s most famous track, an act that steered him to an enormously successful career outside the cockpit as owner and tuner of a slew of race cars bearing the “Hawaiian” name. In this episode of Legends: The Series, Season Three, Leong talks about growing up in Hawaii (“you either surf or you race”), about how, as 20-somethings, he and Don Prudhomme became among the first “touring pros” and about being able to do “something that people dream about doing and doing it all our lives.” He also talks about his many dri
Early in 1990, 28-year-old Darrell “the Kid” Gwynn was being fitted for a crown that pundits assumed he would wear for years to come. Hailed as “the man who would be king,” he was heir apparent to Top Fuel legend “Big Daddy” Don Garlits to whom he had finished second in points in 1986. In little more than four pro seasons, he had won 18 races and finished no worse than fourth in the Top Fuel driver standings. However, on Easter Sunday, shortly after winning the Gatornationals, the biggest event in his home state of Florida, fate intervened and transformed the man Garlits called “the Wolf” (“because he was so hungry”) from on-track hero to off-track inspiration. In this, the final episode of Legends: The Series, Season Three, Gwynn, now 56, talks about the sacrifices his family made to make his dream of a racing career possible, his initial naivety in thinking he could compete with Garlits and the other legends of the sport and, finally, the accident at Santa Pod Raceway in England tha
In this, the debut episode of Legends: The Series, Season Four, John Medlen talks about his son’s passion for life, his affinity for people and how his pursuit of a dream ultimately landed him in the seat of one of the world’s most powerful race cars and made him a six-time NHRA tour winner. “
In this episode of Legends: The Series, Season Four, Allen, now a successful homebuilder, revisits the good days, discusses the bad and explains how “tough love” finally enabled him to break the cycle of abuse.
In this episode of Legends, the Series, season four, the 16-time Funny Car champ talks about enduring polio, the influence of his brother Louie, his family’s “Grapes of Wrath” lifestyle, a father whose pride was not evident until after his death, learning to deal with pressure and how he would most like to be remembered.
In this episode of Legends, the Series, season four, WJ gets candid about his career and those who helped shape it, from Dr. Zook to Bob Glidden, talks about being “vertically challenged” and explains his simple philosophy of life.
In this episode of Legends: The Series, Season Four, “Big Jim” reflects on 64 years in fuel racing, on winning the 1969 March Meet in a field of 134 fuel dragsters, on his starring turn in the movie Funny Car Summer, on “talking” to his motors, on driving the only rear-engine Funny Car to win an NHRA national event and on why he still is one of the toughest crew chiefs for whom to drive.
In this episode of Legends, the Series, season four, Pulde talks about lessons learned from the late Mickey Thompson, about the death of close friend and mentor Joe Pisano on the day Pulde was to begin driving for him, on “valley fever,” the disease that almost killed him, and on his legacy.
In this episode of Legends, the Series, season four, Dixon talks about his 20 years with Don “the Snake” Prudhomme, about winning the second pro race in which he ever drove, about the impact of his eventual departure from Snake Racing and about family, faith and life’s every day challenges.
In this episode of Legends, the Series, season four, “Action Al” talks about how “Jungle” shaped his career, about outfitting his crewmembers in matching uniforms for their Gainesville debut, about sharing the stage with Joe Namath and Farrah Fawcett as a pitchman for 1980s’ sponsor Brut/Faberge and about how drag racing has changed – and not always for the better.
In this episode of Legends, The Series, season four finale, Scelzi talks about his early days in sand drag racing, his initial feeling of intimidation in Top Fuel, his awkward departure and how he hopes to be remembered. You’ll want to tune in. This is vintage “Scelzi Says.”
In this episode of Legends, The Series, Season Five, the “First Woman of Racing” talks about how she forever changed the landscape of the sport; how she believes that “if I hadn’t had a little bit of a chip on my shoulder, I would have failed”; how her opponents never understood that “the madder I got, the better I got”; and how, ultimately, she battled back from horrendous injuries in a 1984 crash at Montreal to win yet again.
In this episode of Legends, The Series, Season Five, Alan talks about the 1984 sale of the family farm, about the influence of the Austins and Worshams in convincing the brothers to make the move from alcohol to nitro, about his brother’s unrealized potential and about a legacy that lives on at Alan Johnson Enterprises.
In this episode of Legends, The Series, Season Five, Dave Wallace explains how his limited expertise as a mechanic and driver led him to a career in motorsports journalism, how a typing class and a drag racing column probably saved his life after he was drafted into the army during the Viet Nam era, how he became “Wally’s No. 1 enemy” and why he believes print publications still are viable in the Digital Age.
Whit Bazemore lived the Hollywood script he could never have imagined writing as a teenaged photographer. Almost overnight, Bazemore became Winston's go-to photographer for NHRA drag racing. Soon, though, his dream to be on the other side of the lens as a driver became an obsession. He paid his dues to advance climb the ranks from Top Alcohol Funny Car to nitro burners. And in a case of something truly coming full circle, he eventually landed Winston as his team's sponsor. Bazemore would go on to win 20 NHRA national events - and a spot in the latest installment of CompetitionPlus.tv's "Legends" series. If you like a rags-to-riches kind of story, here's one that takes the cake.
Darrell Russell was destined for Top Fuel stardom Anyone could gauge his immense potential. Almost before his career high gear, though, the sport was cruelly robbed of his certain greatness. Handpicked to succeed driver/owner Joe Amato, then the winningest driver in NHRA Top Fuel history, Russell immediately proved to be the perfect choice. He won his debut as a Top Fuel competitor -- only the third driver ever to accomplish that feat -- and over the next 3 1/2 years, he charged to five more victories with 11 additional final-round appearances. But midway through the 2004 season, the pages of a dream-come-true tale turned into a hellish nightmare. A blown rear tire ignited catastrophic damage to the dragster, and Russell, 35, sustained injuries that would claim his life. The racer adored by every other competitor was gone. For some, the pain remains as fresh now as it was 15 years ago; memories of a good man and top-shelf racer still bring tears to the eyes of his peers.
He was the kid many watched grow up at the drag strip. The kid, Mike Dunn, a winner in two professional categories, was a record-setting driver who took his career in the sport to a one-of-a-kind level. Before he became a pro drag racer, he turned wrenches on those cars. He was a national event-winning driver in Top Fuel. Ditto behind the wheel of a Funny Car, with a ledger that includes a U.S. Nationals crown. He had top-five points finishes in both classes. Dunn traded his firesuit for a business suit with a stint as an NHRA drag racing analyst on ESPN. He then set himself apart from others who reached those goals before him by serving a year-plus stint as the president of the rival IHRA. The son of "Big" Jim Dunn, a nitro legend from the 1960s and 70s who remains a team owner and tuner, Dunn has been there, seen it all, done it all. Hear his unique perspective on where the sport has been, is and is heading in the Season 6 season opener of Legends: The Series.
Mark Oswald’s drag racing career has literally been a step-by-step ascent to the top like none other. As a teen, the Cincinnati native hitchhiked his way to local drag races and became hooked for life. He fibbed his way into a job in a machine shop to spend more time around cars and learn what made them tick. He began racing a ‘68 Camaro and climbed the rungs until he and friends Tom Kattelman and Ross Thomas built a Top Fuel car that they massaged into a national event-winning ride. Their performance, including a runner-up showing for the IHRA csrown, earned him a slot in the legendary Candies & Hughes cars. It was a powerhouse team, as Oswald powered to six championships, half of which came in one year when he swept the NHRA, IHRA and AHRA crowns. For the past 15 years, he put his mechanical expertise to work full-time as a crew chief, and his skillset helped make it possible for Antron Brown to capture three NHRA Top Fuel titles. Brown has lauded Oswald as “one of the best drive
From the time he handwrote sales tickets at the Lavines Department store as a kid, the dye was set for Kenny Bernstein to be successful in whatever endeavor he chose. In his youngest years, Bernstein, who grew up in Lubbock, Texas, was a goals-oriented kid, and as he grew older, the pursuit of excellence only intensified. He played stick and ball sports growing up, but automobiles became his passion as soon as he became driving age. Bernstein went drag racing and shortly after getting into the straight-line sport nabbed a ride driving Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars. Bernstein understood the importance of economics on the value of drag racing and quickly realized in the early 1970s, his nitro racing "wasn't paying the bills." As quickly as Bernstein got into drag racing on the sport's highest levels, he divested himself of the horsepower addiction in search of business success. He built many businesses, including a chain of restaurants that would inevitably fund his return to dra
Forget any preconceptions you might have had about Billy Meyer, the Hall of Fame Funny Car driver, developer of the game-changing Texas Motorplex and one-time owner of the IHRA. In this episode of Legends: The Series, producer/director Bobby Bennett cuts through the brash, bold façade that was the talented Texan’s alter ego to reveal a thoughtful visionary whose impact on the sport has been immeasurable. From fielding one of the first 18-wheel support rigs to introducing myriad new corporate sponsors through previously untapped B2B relationships to building a racetrack that set a new standard for the sport at almost every level, Meyer’s fingerprints are all over the straight-line landscape. Growing up in a household in which failure was not an option, he was the youngest son of motivational entrepreneur Paul J. Meyer, founder of Success Motivation Institute, who early-on taught him the value of goal setting, focus and hard work. He was introduced to drag racing by friend Grove