Failure: Five Of The Worst Flops In Drag Racing History
2024 ж. 24 Мам.
474 227 Рет қаралды
This is a video about failure featuring five of the most notable flops in drag racing's golden age of the 1960s and 1970s. Ideas and experimentation were rampant at this time and while some worked, the majority of them did not.
Here, we look at the infamous Syndicate twin engine front motor top fuel car, the short and forgettable career of the Ford Super Mustang, Connie Kalitta's infamous ride in a wedge style top fuel car at Indy in 1971, the flying Hemi-Cuda of Tom McEwen, and the all time wildest drag racing failure, the 1972 Vega funny car of Gary Gabelich.
These are all interesting cars and interesting stories. In fact, one machine redeemed itself in the end. Which? Watch and find out.
Another significant release from The Mighty Brian Lohnes! I am still in the hospital recovering from encephalitis and Brian's video essays add interest to my hours. The Ford Super Mustang's transparent nose cone - complete with chrome Mistsng grill emblem....kills me every time I see it. Great videos Brian! Oh, and my pal Mike Mauro tells me you plug my Junkyard Crawl series on your channel. I'm in "re run mode" until I can get back in full circulation. Encephalitis is no joke. Who knew? The Truck Week videos were well received and for March I've got nearly 30 Station wagon videos tee'd up next to keep the ball rollin. Thanks again for your superlative work! -Steve Magnante
If there is anyone mighty around here it is you! Keep up the good fight and yes, we are keeping people up on your videos on BangShift. Top shelf stuff and we’re all thankful you are recovering. When you are squared up, beers on me.
super cool that a youtuber I like is following another youtuber I like lol
Holy shit, hi steve lol. Looking forward to you getting back out in the junkyard Cool video
Get well Steve, your vids are very informative.
Get well Steve. We miss you educating us about our great American cars
Failure or not, that 4wd Vega wagon is so awesome to look at
It really is the most amazing thing, isn’t it?
No. It is not.
That 20% loss of engine power because AWD wasnt awesome at all. You want to be Fast, you know. This discipline Is very specific.
The definition of a funny car.
@@miroslavdockal9468well I mean it's not a bad idea but at this level I imagine it's just not feasible
Your's is truly an art man. NOBODY has made such a rich, fact based effort at covering the history of drag racing, and committed it not on print, where only few can see it, but in an excellently narrated media for generations future to see / hear and appreciate.
Sincere thank you!!!
Yep, this is impressive content, well presented.
Seems to me that this channel should have at least a couple million subscribers. Everything is neat, concise, well researched, and presented professionally. Love every single episode. Thanks for putting these together.
Tbank you for watching them!
@@brianlohnes3079 The pleasure is mine.
I agree. No nonsense, short and sweet and very informative.
You should check out his "Dork-a-motive podcast." The stories about Connie Kalitta can be as good as stories about crashing steam locomotives into each other, exploding acetylene lantern factories, Ken Warby and 24 other subjects that are related to a young persons appreciation for horsepower, destruction or speed and history as a whole can be sought within his catalogue.
Brian, your narration of these videos, combined with the knowledge and research you do,is second to none. Keep up the good work!
Thanks a million!!!
The imagery and newsclippings on these videos are only topped by the narration. These are videos I don't turn on until I have the time to give my full attention and take it all in.
Thanks for taking them in like that!
You're missing out
2:06 How do you even climb in and out of that thing?
@@jimmycline4778Very carefully I would say. lol.
Brian hearing your stories and tales of motorsports reminds me of another iconic name in the industry, Bret Kepner. I've had the pleasure of meeting him in the early 2000's when I spent some time drag racing at GIR in Madison IL. It was always a sit down and shut up when Bret started talking because you knew you were going to hear a great one.
Bret is a great friend and has been a mentor through my career. Cream of the crop dude!
I remember how Don Garlits had a front engine dragster blow up in a race, causing severe injury to his feet. That lead to him wanting the engine behind the driver's compartment. You showed vehicles here that I had never heard of before; well done!
Thank you for taking the time to watch
Garlits had the clutch explode, severing half his foot and breaking the car apart. In the hospital, he came up with the idea to put the driver before the engine-something that had been tried before, but the cars were incredibly unstable. Garlits decided that the problem was weight distribution, and moved the engine forward in the chassis, putting more weight on the front wheels. After a few test runs, he added a rear wing for downforce and stability, and the car was so successful it was the blueprint for the future of Top Fuel. PS: Garlits hedged his bets by building a front engine chassis, in case the rear engine car was a failure. The chassis is in his museum, never raced
This really brings back memories Brian! My dad and I saw Connie Kallita's horrific wreck in his wedge Top Fuel car at the 1971 US Nationals. I will never forget looking at the mangled Marathon win sign at the finish line as we were leaving that day. The history of these eccentric cars was beautifully researched. Well done!
I love these stories, Thank you Brian. When it comes to the Gabelich Vega the best line I have heard has been : The greatest collection of bad ideas ever tried. If it had also been a chain driven sidewinder then the pinnacle of epic fail would have been reached
This one was downright chocked full of weird, Brian. Weird in a sense that racers were willing to try anything no matter how bizarre. The one that I thought would be included was Swamp Rat XXX that infamously mimicked a missile at Englishtown in '86 only to outdo itself a second or two later in the same run with a blowover and driving back towards the starting line. Those tiny front tires were something else! Seeing those epic events on Diamond P Sports will forever be indelibly etched in the minds of many a nitromethane loving aficionado. Cheers!
Garlits had a second lesser known blow over in 1987 at Spokane as well! Wild stuff. Thank you for watching.
Having been involved in drag racing for 60 years helps me remember these race cars. Very well presented, researched, and shown. Great vids Brian. Thanks. Five star*****
Another history lesson from the man. Excellent
Appreciate you watching!
BRIAN...you just keep coming up with the " 3:47 goods".. Your narration cadence is absolutely THE BEST
Thank you and thank you for watching!!!
Enjoyed that video! Man, I can't imagine what that Vega wagon would be like on 4 HOT slicks!
I love these videos. I can't think of another place to get drag racing history like this. It's even better knowing it's been researched and narrated by the voice of drag racing.
Thanks a million!
Your research, writing, and delivery sets the bar for automotive content for me now. In a world full of regurgitated, thin, and machine-generated content, your work is more important than ever. So much of our history has been forgotten. People like you keep these stories alive and it will be a large part of your legacy. Thank you.
Hurst Hemi Under Glass 'Cuda was very successful as a wheelstander - what a show that car put on!!
Yeah that one was built to wheelie and it ran far slower speeds! A legendary car. Also debuted in 1965!
I always liked those Vega's with the early second Gen Camaro front end/ grille design...!! They look just like a 70-73 'split-bumper', which, in my opinion is the best looking Camaro of them all... Thanks for sharing... Keep up your awesomeness...
The mini-Camaro Vegas are the best
@@brianlohnes3079 Someone in my neighborhood had a 454 Vega, tubbed with the biggest slicks I'd ever seen. As a kid, it was a dream machine. Brian - love the videos. They get me all nostalgic.........
Thanks for this video. I worked at Chrysler performance central engineering starting in 69 and was all over this stuff, I drove and developed machines. I got hired and really had the most amazing job a Detroit Greaser could have.
Amazing!!!!
Great episode as always! Fearless Fred’s Plymouth is currently being rebuilt/restored up here in Spokane Washington!
Radical!!!
Subbed. Your documentation and the way you present it is authentic to the bone. My High School years were spent in a little town that was just a few miles from Irwindale Drag Raceway. That mean that I could also easily drive to races at Lions in Long Beach, Pomona, Fontana, and Riverside. Good times.
Another great documentary Brian. I remember all those cars but did not know the stories behind them except the rear engine funny car McEwen drove....
How about something on Sneaky Pete Robinson and his crazy aero tricks. That guy was a mad genius.
Pete was a true genius. From his air Jack launching system to using the blower to create mechanical downforce and more, he was an all timer. A tribute is due.
Awesome stuff..... simply a nother great one to ad to the collection...great video thank you👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
This is a brilliant channel, I'm loving your videos. The research and production is incredible. Thanks for making them
Really enjoying these drag racing history videos! Can't figure out why you don't get more subs.
Doesn’t bother me! Glad you like them!
Gotta love these videos, so much drag racing knowledge in 14 minutes, bravo sir
A really good video like usual. If you do another video like this please include Jim Dunn"s rear engine funny car.
Can't wait for you to do a video on Gary Gabelich! Dude was probably the most fearless guy to ever walk the earth! #legend
I was friends with Gary Gabelich. One of the nicest and very cool. We rode motor cycles all around Long Beach and PaloVerde. He had a cast on his leg and a inspection plate he called it. That leg looked like a great white shark took a bite out of it. Wish the best to his son Michael and his widow Rae. We all loved the fearless racer and showman in those BLOWN FUEL Hydros. His helmet with the feather plums.
So many Drag Racing Names from my youth. Thank you.
So the AWD Vega crossed the track owing to engine torque and chassis twist giving one side more traction? The wedge spoiler idea didn't disappear on merit, probably more due to obstruction of pitt crew mechanics. Great selection of cars, I haven't heard of any of them before TBO.
Glad you enjoyed it and got something from it!
I live practically next door to Don Garlits drag racing museum. There's some cool stuff there.. just found your channel, incredible video! I've got catching up to do!
i thought the Hurst Hairy Olds would make the list for sure
Far, far more coming on that soon.
"The wild west nature." I love that sentiment. You said it best uncle Brian.
Thanks for watching and being into this stuff!
Thanks for sharing this,you are so right,racing drives engineering,from materials,design,tyres,welding techniques,it goes on.Many of the lessons learned are adopted by aviation and marine as well as auto makers.
When you started talking about the four-wheel-drive Vega, I am immediately thought of Tommy Ivo‘s four Engine four-wheel-drive car. I know that he did a lot of exhibition racing with it.
Thanks for bringing back the memories Brian. Best Wishes to You and Your Family.
I remember that gary gabelich car. but not what happened to it. thanks for this Brian
I tip my hat to you for the narration. Lots of detail but not a wasted word anywhere.
Well done Sir, thank you. Edutainment at its finest.
1:51 dinosaur or not, that is a beautiful dragster. Great videos, thanks.
Thank you for doing this brian it is very much needed
Any time!!!
Thanks Brian. Very cool stuff. Good to see Steve M on here. I need some more Junkyard crawl, for the very unique. Buy him a beer for me.
Very informative and interesting ! Professor Lohnes , well done. Thank you.
Very entertaining and fun to watch. Thanks for posting this.
Glad i found your vids. Great education content, Thanks Brian
Brian. Such a great video! In a weird turn of events. Myself and my friend met the driver of the Syndicate and chatted with him for hrs. What stories he has! Such a wild car,
Great video- hope to see some more of the failures that made the sport what it is. Keep up the good work.
Growing up on the Westside of Indianapolis I feel very fortunate to have attended the US Nationals from 1970 thru 1978. Some of these odd ball cars I saw in person and the day Connie crashed I figured he was a goner. Love these videos. I speak fluent Indycar as well.
Another fact filled video from Mr. Lohnes and as interesting & entertaining as always. Once again, thank you Brian.
Thank you for watching!
Another great video from Brian. Thanks!!
Glad you enjoyed it!! And thank you for watching
new subscriber! what a perfectly pitched video. thanks, brian.
Those were some interesting cars, thanks for sharing these awesome videos.
Thanks for watching!
Another great video Brian.. keep ‘em up
Mission Speedway, in Mission BC, Canada. My pop had the fastest 1961 VW bug on the track, dropping high 10s and low 11's in the 1/4 mile
Steve, God bless you. I’m a retired medical professional and it IS a lucky break for you.I had a stroke two years ago and am getting better slowly too! Hang in there bro!
Great story, Brian, thanks for your work.
Used to live down the street from Fred Goeske. Great guy...funny. I remember he would occasionally, start up his funny car, and actually Drive It to the market, that was about 5 blocks away. Then he would crawl out of it, and walk in to buy a 6 pack. Then his wife would show up, with thier ramp truck. Load it up, and go home. Local PD didn't care, and looked the other way, so to speak. He wasn't bothering anyone, and the whole neighborhood would come outside to cheer him on. He kept it at the speed limit, and waited for the traffic lights to change....while shooting flames out of his headers. I'll never forget it! Everyone loved it...even the cops thought it was cool. Would never happen today!! Someone would complain about it.
excellent...thank you for these great videos.
There was also TV Tommy Ivo's attempt at a 4-wheel drive, 4-engine (Buick nailheads) dragster, the Showboat. It gave a great smoke show. Apparently, on the first run, the driver thought the car was on fire and bailed out; the car rolled off into a cornfield and it took a while to find it. lol
You have confused this story with one involving the Hurst Hairy Olds. The olds went into a corn field. The Ivo car was never crashed.
@@brianlohnes3079 Yes, it has been 40 years since reading the story and Tommy's car was the first to come to mind with a 4-wheel drive smoke show, the Olds slipped my mind. Tommy's was meant to be a top racer, but failed. Tommy had a bad crash in the renamed Wagon Master.
As a person who hasn"t ever been interested in drag racing as a whole, this channel is pretty incredible to get me hooked like this.
I appreciate you giving me a shot!!!!
This is such a quality channel. Thanks for another video.
Thanks for watching it!!!
I was thinking about this at a motorcycle museum. Seeing all the wild and wacky designs (front wheel drive for instance) I wondered to myself why all motorcycles are basically the same. Because it works.
Great vid! Thank you, sir.
Appreciate you watching!!
Brian, another great video. Thanks
There's a funny punk rock song in Finland about a drag car Racer who cant compete because he drank all the fuel so he attached a weather balloon to the car and flew around the globe.
How is Brian not more popular? I’m so damn addicted to his videos. I pray it gets more uploads over time. So much unknown info
Another awesome video. Thank you.
Awesome video Sir thank you so much
Nice work as always, Brian.
Awesome video! Gonna have to check out some of your other stuff. I don’t understand why they didn’t have wheelie bars. I know rear engine was met common till 71ish I would have thought it would be added just because of weight and torque shift rearward. That Cuda with the engine in the back with wheelie bars could work. Ya just need to make sure if/when it hooks up the frame, suspension, and brakes can handle it. 😂
Heeeellllll yeah! Another Lohne's video!
Thank you!!
I just found your channel, your videos told me that you love ""Frankenstein machines""machines which are totally rad and mad...i subbed for more awesomeness...🤘🏻
A , AWD now are computer operated. Balanced 100s of times a second to grip where it needs to grip . But , rear wheel drive is still the king on a prepped tracks and huge sticky tyres 🤔🇦🇺
Fearless Fred Goeske! As a kid, I used to buy all of the small photographs they'd sell at Englishtown, and the Fearless Fred Goeske / LA Plymouth Dealer photo was one of my favorites. Still have it. That's a name I haven't heard in a long time!
another trip down memory lane, thanks Brian
Always enjoy your great videos!
Thank you!!
Another great and interesting video. Love the 4wd wagon.
Very cool. Subscribed
Looking at Gabelich's car, I wonder if it was NOT the engineering that was the problem? Maybe a mechanical failure, or driver error. I've drag raced and done land speed racing as a hobby, in the past. I've seen promising designs derailed by just a minor error from the machine or pilot.
You are on point here. Could have broken an axle, etc. Other four wheel drive cars of the era like the Hurst Hairy Olds and the Terrifying Toronado wrecked in kind of the same hunting fashion. Either way, a crummy end to a car that leaves the everlasting “What If?” Question. Thanks for watching this!
@@brianlohnes3079 and thank you for creating this vid! Not to get too wordy, but a friend of ours died on the track, trying to achieve 300 mph in the standing mile on his purpose-built motorcycle. There was no definitive ruling on what caused the crash; he made runs as fast as 296 that weekend, without incident. I often wonder if it was just something as simple as the failure of a Dzus fastener that secured part of the bodywork. We had a bike with just a loose fastener and the full side fairings were ripped off at over 190 mph, causing the bike to veer off course. Thankfully, no crash or injuries. Anyway, I guess I did get wordy, lol. But just real-world examples of how the smallest thing might lead to a catastrophic result.
@@Shane661 - Bill was one of the neatest guys I ever met. I was working with him on the event he was putting together in Texas at the time of his untimely death. You raise excellent points on all fronts.
@@brianlohnes3079 I'm glad you got to work with him. We met him at his second-ever LSR event (it was my first). What a small world it is. Again, appreciate your work on this channel.
It doesn't hurt to be a little crazy even if it fails...Great video.
Thank you for checking it out!!
crazy is a pre requisite
Surprisingly, Brian, Garlits had at least 3 dragsters that could be considered flops. One was the full bodied car, basically a carbon copy of Jocko Johnson's streamliner. Next was his ROOFLESS 65 Dart replica funny car/dragster. Then he had the Monostrut dragster, and finally the Sidewinder, with the TRANSVERSE mounted Hemi!
This is great stuff. Long may it continue.
I had the privilege of watching the entire restoration of the Super Mustang a few years ago after it was found. It was restored by my neighbor in his shop that used to be part of my home, but was split off when I bought the property. Pretty much everything was still there except the replacement canopy, which he had to custom make. If I remember correctly, I believe he said he built a jig and hand formed it himself. But I can't remember for sure. Anyway, the entire car was meticulously restored mostly from pictures. He keeps astounding records of all his builds. Here's an additional Fun Fact: This is the SAME guy who, when his father was alive, found, Mario Andretti's rookie race car (literally in a BARN) and fully restored it too in that SAME building he built the Super Mustang. They even made an IMAX movie about it. My house and the shop can be seen in the background.
sooo i love this stuff, and your voice AMAZING !!!... your tone has that casey casem voice i dont know if i spelled it right but he does the casey casem top 100 dj guy.. u have his voice forsure lol
Well that was Excellent many Thanks !
Great show. Thanks.
Excellent as always!!!
Thanks again!!!!
One point i have to argue real quick, is at the end you said we wont see the big changes in drag racing again like we saw in the 50s/60s/70s. And at the highest level, absolutely correct. BUT in street racing and no prep (yeah i know save it) its happening right now. Guys are trying truly weird stuff, and its cool to see.
Another great one.....thank you
Thanks a million for watching!
There is absolutely no place that front driveshaft could have been on the awd car that I would feel good about
None at all!
Great video!!! Well done!!
The four-wheel-drive nitro Vega is my favorite, too bad the throttle stuck. That must’ve sounded insane when he was driving/wrecking the car out of control. True legend
I cannot imagine and you are 100% right
Great video and history.
1:04 Talk about some front row seats!
"Hemingenuity" is my new favourite word. 2:58
I remember Don's rear engine came out. Saw it at the winter nationals in Mesa Arizona. The track was about 4 miles from Lehi where I lived. You could hear them . They have since moved the track.
I love the way the super mustang looked. It and the slingshot style dragsters were always my favorite. I would’ve loved being around during the crazy cars and choppers of the Ed Roth(and other greats) era. Just to be a fly on the wall in those shops….