My 84 year old father passed this year. He saw all these greats race on dirt and would go on and on about how smooth Don Branson drove. He loved Foyt, Hurtubise, Branson and all of these legends. These men faced death every time they raced....balls big as melons ! I have many of these driver's autographs....collected with my dad as a kid.
Love this video. It was way before my time, but I've been around the sport long enough, appreciate its history enough to read about it to recognize 90% the names everyone has posted and a good many of the faces in the videos.
It's awesome to sit here and watch it (multiple times) and see it all in living color.
Thanks to Dick Wallen, Johnny3wheel and everyone who has contributed comments.
How did we get old? The memoried flood back, Frank Hauzar,Ron & Dana Ray, Hoggle, Allen heath. It brings tears to my eyes. I miss it so much. Only thing I get to race now is toys, Models. They look real and make me happy.
I'll list as many of these guys as I can: 0:25 Don Branson (KIA); 0:28 L to R Paul Russo (cig in mouth), AJ, Tony Bettenhausen (KIA, Indy 1961), Jimmy Bryan (KIA, Langhorne 1960); 0:33 Shorty Templeman; 0:46 Bob Sweikert (KIA, Salem, Indiana 1956); 0:59 Johnny Thomson (KIA); 1:09 AJ; 1:23 Dick Rathmann; 1:27 Don Branson; 1:33 Bobby Unser; 1:42 Jim Hurtubise; 1:46 Roger McCluskey; 1:51 Tony Bettenhausen; 2:11 Troy Ruttman; 2:16 Parnelli; 2:19 Elmer George; 2:24 Eddie Sachs (KIA, Indy 1964)...
This is my favourite video on you tube. There is something special about being able to watch these guys control the cars in an open cockpit in slow motion.
Massive steering wheels, skinny tyres, cotton shirts flapping in the wind and roll bars at neck level spell dangerous times.
Racing wheel to wheel in these times took real courage..
Real men who gave their lives doing what they loved.
Not to mention the guy in the pork pie hat, the beautiful lazy grin of another, the driver lighting up a cigarette while encased in volatile racing fuel, the Italian looking hero who wouldn't look out of place as a Roman Centurion 2000 years ago, the sardonic body language of the group near the start as they watch a rival go past - what a way to earn a living.
This is my favorite video on U-tube. As I understand it most of these drivers were killed over time - the names are listed on a motor racing forum. The song matches it perfectly. These are real tough guys, straight out of central casting for a racing movie - the skinny kid, the comedian, the driver all in black, the cowboy... I like the clip right at the end where the winner gets the flag and still keeps the power on sliding to and fro, completely under control. They are real warriors. Great.
My father was Johnny Wills (Nash.,TN )and I know he had something to do with the car that Sweikert won indy in 55 and the car he got killed in in 56. My dad pretty much left racing after that. I am still not clear what his relationship was to the cars. AJ Foyt also was one of the drivers he was with at one time. He worked on the Hoover Motor Express cars. I would love any info anyone has about him. I remember being in the endfield at indy probably in 53-54.Can anyone help?
Great video, great tune for it! My great uncle was John Pfrommer. 0:42 Jud Larson in the Dunseth Chevy, 1:17 Rodger McClusky #51, Bobby Unser #3. @1:33 remember the face not the name. @1:43 Greg Weld? @2:26 Eddie Sachs? @2:36 Bobby Marshman in the Hopkins #17? @3:23 Larson, @3:29 Rodger Ward and Bobby Marshman? i think Jimmy Bryan drove the Vargo car. Jim McElearth driving for my uncle. All great men. thank you for posting this video!
Yes that was Sweikert in the yellow car flying out of Salem. His car was extremely horrible that day. the footage of Sweikert's crash was taken by Jimmy Reece.
This video is one of the most moving things I have ever seen. I've been viewing it roughly once per week for the last three months.
Why does my heart feel so bad? Because these brave men represent a better America that has all but vanished and will never return. May God bless them all and preserve their memories for future generations.
i can not help but get teary eyed when i watch this. It is a very fine tribute to all those guys. My dad died in a sprint car Oct. 1 , 1960. The late Jim " Ace" Packard. Thanks for the video
If you don't have the full DVD of the Fabulous 50's, I highly suggest you get it. Jimmy Bryan was my dad's hero and where I got my name. I love this classic stuff and pretty much know all the drivers...even though I was born in the 70's. Thanks for posting.
At 3:52 I'm almost certain that's Salem's stands. look how open it is, you can see the people sittin behing nothing but chain link fence. In 1960 I say an axle come out of the left rear of a stock car, it and the tire got knocked towards the grandstand, then it hit a pole and bounced into the pits, The tire didn't hit anyone, but there was a huge pile up, it was the second lap and everyone still bunched. Debris got some spectators and minor injuries occured. Saftey has always been skimpy there.
I was a pit crew member of the #16 Springfield Welding car that Art Cross finished 2nd in at the 1953 500 and stayed with the car thru most of that season. I well remember many of those guys and so admired them and their courage. I was there when Sweikert won the Hoosier Hundred and spent all of his winnings that night at Mates White Front on a party and crap game! What great memories this brought back to me...think I am the last one left from that crew.
@onyx0523 I wondered if that was Bob in the yellow car, what a shame. He had just won the Indy 500 the year before, or early that same year I'm not sure. I read somewhere that a top of a tree blew down and they found an old Hilebrand wheel and tire, legend has it that they never found all of Sweikerts car and they think it may belong to it. There were a lot of familiar heros in that video, I wish I could go back in time and do it over again. Think I'll run salem's new little track next year.
Yeh, very well put together...........except for the two scenes of those guys most likely dying!! I could have gone without seeing that while I ate my breakfast, thanks a lot.
When I was in high school I had a photo on my wall of A.J. at the Hoosier Hundred with the car in full lock, left front in the air, big red bandana and haulin' ass. Wish I could find that photo again. ...and to think how strange it looked the first time I saw a car with a roll cage!
With Dick Wallen's work, you have created one of the best racing videos on YouTube. I've shared this some open-wheel veterans and fans, and everybody loves it. Thanks for taking the time.
@michaelfeeney Cotton Farmer (on account of his white hair, which probably got a bit whiter in this accident - Alvin Farmer to his mother, though) crashing at Phoenix in 1960, and yes, he was OK. He drove until 1967, when he suffered career ending injuries in a crash at the Pikes Peak hillclimb, and lived until 2004 or thereabouts.
@jdslick1234 Lots of epic moments in this video, when the come off turn 4 to take the green, how about the checkered taking in the corner going into 1. Luv this video.
Tough to watch without crying. It was so dangerous, and so unbelieveably exciting.
Hemingway knew it and so did those fortunate enough to be there to see it. Thank God they don't race that way anymore though, it was way too dangerous. Herk, AJ, Parnelli, Tony B, Bryan, all those REAL race drivers from another age.
@btnhsn My Father was Shorty Templeman and he was a friend and admired your grandfather. He is also in this video twice. Short guy with the mole on his chin. This brings back alot of memories. Great video.
@superdaves49 Shorty is a legand, so is Tony posted below, it's great to know you guys are seeing and enjoying it as much as us "civilians" are. The closest I got to greatness was working for Bill Cheesburg out in Tucson, he was a man you didn't mess with, a man's man, quite and dangerious feeling. He ran INdy also, damn near got killed at Salem and gave up driving sprinters. He was still kickin butt on the dirt latemodels into his sixtys at the late Manzanita speedway.
man, this is incredible footage! Almost the scariest thing is seeing a driver lite a cig while sitting in the cockpit. Gasoliine in those days, at least he could have seen and smelled it. Alcohol and methanol, etc. today he could have been roasted before he knew what hit him.
I want this video on my Aquos SH8298U unit.
ozawablog 1 month ago
This is a "new" video. =p
augustbuckne717 1 month ago
Not only the best drivers but they had the most class. I hope time will not forget them.
smegma57 2 months ago
0:48 So sad. R.I.P. Bob Sweikert.
Thank you for making such an appropriate video that truly shows the passion that each racer that has passed had for the sport he loved. R.I.P.
Chives5150 2 months ago
This video is a work of art. Thank you for posting.
ilmsff7 2 months ago
My 84 year old father passed this year. He saw all these greats race on dirt and would go on and on about how smooth Don Branson drove. He loved Foyt, Hurtubise, Branson and all of these legends. These men faced death every time they raced....balls big as melons ! I have many of these driver's autographs....collected with my dad as a kid.
nitrofumes 3 months ago
Love this video. It was way before my time, but I've been around the sport long enough, appreciate its history enough to read about it to recognize 90% the names everyone has posted and a good many of the faces in the videos.
It's awesome to sit here and watch it (multiple times) and see it all in living color.
Thanks to Dick Wallen, Johnny3wheel and everyone who has contributed comments.
dbbd022 3 months ago
I'm a gigantic PJ fan, and I feel like this video does his memory proud. Good work mate, damn good work.
CRAZYKANGAROO123 4 months ago
How did we get old? The memoried flood back, Frank Hauzar,Ron & Dana Ray, Hoggle, Allen heath. It brings tears to my eyes. I miss it so much. Only thing I get to race now is toys, Models. They look real and make me happy.
johnboyhhhhh 5 months ago
2:39 Dick Rathmann's wife; 2:44 Cotton Farmer; 3:23 Jud Larsen (KIA 1966); 3:29 Rodger Ward and Bobby Marshman (KIA Phoenix); 3:45 Shorty Templeman; 3:48 Rodger Ward; 3:52 Parnelli; 3:54 Jim Hurtubise.
PS--I'm getting a flat-top like Tony B's tomorrow. ;)
stilichobias 7 months ago
I'll list as many of these guys as I can: 0:25 Don Branson (KIA); 0:28 L to R Paul Russo (cig in mouth), AJ, Tony Bettenhausen (KIA, Indy 1961), Jimmy Bryan (KIA, Langhorne 1960); 0:33 Shorty Templeman; 0:46 Bob Sweikert (KIA, Salem, Indiana 1956); 0:59 Johnny Thomson (KIA); 1:09 AJ; 1:23 Dick Rathmann; 1:27 Don Branson; 1:33 Bobby Unser; 1:42 Jim Hurtubise; 1:46 Roger McCluskey; 1:51 Tony Bettenhausen; 2:11 Troy Ruttman; 2:16 Parnelli; 2:19 Elmer George; 2:24 Eddie Sachs (KIA, Indy 1964)...
stilichobias 7 months ago 2
This is my favourite video on you tube. There is something special about being able to watch these guys control the cars in an open cockpit in slow motion.
Massive steering wheels, skinny tyres, cotton shirts flapping in the wind and roll bars at neck level spell dangerous times.
Racing wheel to wheel in these times took real courage..
Real men who gave their lives doing what they loved.
crashboynz 7 months ago
Not to mention the guy in the pork pie hat, the beautiful lazy grin of another, the driver lighting up a cigarette while encased in volatile racing fuel, the Italian looking hero who wouldn't look out of place as a Roman Centurion 2000 years ago, the sardonic body language of the group near the start as they watch a rival go past - what a way to earn a living.
sandy1001 8 months ago
This is my favorite video on U-tube. As I understand it most of these drivers were killed over time - the names are listed on a motor racing forum. The song matches it perfectly. These are real tough guys, straight out of central casting for a racing movie - the skinny kid, the comedian, the driver all in black, the cowboy... I like the clip right at the end where the winner gets the flag and still keeps the power on sliding to and fro, completely under control. They are real warriors. Great.
sandy1001 8 months ago
Also wanted to say it is a great video. Knew most of the guys in it but was too young to appreciate it back then.
Thanks for the memories.
djren28 9 months ago
My father was Johnny Wills (Nash.,TN )and I know he had something to do with the car that Sweikert won indy in 55 and the car he got killed in in 56. My dad pretty much left racing after that. I am still not clear what his relationship was to the cars. AJ Foyt also was one of the drivers he was with at one time. He worked on the Hoover Motor Express cars. I would love any info anyone has about him. I remember being in the endfield at indy probably in 53-54.Can anyone help?
djren28 9 months ago
Great video, great tune for it! My great uncle was John Pfrommer. 0:42 Jud Larson in the Dunseth Chevy, 1:17 Rodger McClusky #51, Bobby Unser #3. @1:33 remember the face not the name. @1:43 Greg Weld? @2:26 Eddie Sachs? @2:36 Bobby Marshman in the Hopkins #17? @3:23 Larson, @3:29 Rodger Ward and Bobby Marshman? i think Jimmy Bryan drove the Vargo car. Jim McElearth driving for my uncle. All great men. thank you for posting this video!
whitebandit68 10 months ago
Yes that was Sweikert in the yellow car flying out of Salem. His car was extremely horrible that day. the footage of Sweikert's crash was taken by Jimmy Reece.
pitts40 10 months ago
This video is one of the most moving things I have ever seen. I've been viewing it roughly once per week for the last three months.
Why does my heart feel so bad? Because these brave men represent a better America that has all but vanished and will never return. May God bless them all and preserve their memories for future generations.
JoeYeager84 10 months ago
i can not help but get teary eyed when i watch this. It is a very fine tribute to all those guys. My dad died in a sprint car Oct. 1 , 1960. The late Jim " Ace" Packard. Thanks for the video
dirtzoo 11 months ago
I'm amazed that the driver in the #35 survived.
ilmsff7 11 months ago
If you don't have the full DVD of the Fabulous 50's, I highly suggest you get it. Jimmy Bryan was my dad's hero and where I got my name. I love this classic stuff and pretty much know all the drivers...even though I was born in the 70's. Thanks for posting.
EYEOFTHEPAST 1 year ago
At 3:52 I'm almost certain that's Salem's stands. look how open it is, you can see the people sittin behing nothing but chain link fence. In 1960 I say an axle come out of the left rear of a stock car, it and the tire got knocked towards the grandstand, then it hit a pole and bounced into the pits, The tire didn't hit anyone, but there was a huge pile up, it was the second lap and everyone still bunched. Debris got some spectators and minor injuries occured. Saftey has always been skimpy there.
505197 1 year ago
I was a pit crew member of the #16 Springfield Welding car that Art Cross finished 2nd in at the 1953 500 and stayed with the car thru most of that season. I well remember many of those guys and so admired them and their courage. I was there when Sweikert won the Hoosier Hundred and spent all of his winnings that night at Mates White Front on a party and crap game! What great memories this brought back to me...think I am the last one left from that crew.
busconv 1 year ago
Simply amazing
bigfoose 1 year ago
Bob Sweikert was the driver of the yellow car over the fence. Happened at Salem Speedway with a very sad outcome.
onyx0523 1 year ago
@onyx0523 I wondered if that was Bob in the yellow car, what a shame. He had just won the Indy 500 the year before, or early that same year I'm not sure. I read somewhere that a top of a tree blew down and they found an old Hilebrand wheel and tire, legend has it that they never found all of Sweikerts car and they think it may belong to it. There were a lot of familiar heros in that video, I wish I could go back in time and do it over again. Think I'll run salem's new little track next year.
505197 1 year ago
Yeh, very well put together...........except for the two scenes of those guys most likely dying!! I could have gone without seeing that while I ate my breakfast, thanks a lot.
turbobeep 1 year ago
This video is awesome! Nice work.
IRLIndyCar 1 year ago
awesome!
jaywalker17 1 year ago
I watch a lot of racing vids on YouTube- this is the coolest one I've seen all year- thanks to Dick Wallen and Johnny3wheel!
stick500 1 year ago
Wow......incredible video. Thanks!
VooDooRocketry 1 year ago
great video thankls for posting
bozowild 1 year ago
Hat's off to you Uncle dick! A job well done!
Damn, Aunt Lou! You were "HOT" back then and still are to this day!
bonzpiper 1 year ago
That's my Aunt in her sun glasses and scarf! ha,
megaboots4u 1 year ago
When I was in high school I had a photo on my wall of A.J. at the Hoosier Hundred with the car in full lock, left front in the air, big red bandana and haulin' ass. Wish I could find that photo again. ...and to think how strange it looked the first time I saw a car with a roll cage!
TexanFiveThree 1 year ago
With Dick Wallen's work, you have created one of the best racing videos on YouTube. I've shared this some open-wheel veterans and fans, and everybody loves it. Thanks for taking the time.
Roadsterscom 1 year ago
The last clip made me shout when I figured out what it was!
CJracer7 1 year ago
BEST video i'f seen in a long time. ITS GREAT.
leonhaupt 1 year ago
AWESOME VIDEO. Thank's Leon
leonhaupt 1 year ago
what is the story behind Yellow car No. 35? was he ok?
michaelfeeney 1 year ago
@michaelfeeney Cotton Farmer (on account of his white hair, which probably got a bit whiter in this accident - Alvin Farmer to his mother, though) crashing at Phoenix in 1960, and yes, he was OK. He drove until 1967, when he suffered career ending injuries in a crash at the Pikes Peak hillclimb, and lived until 2004 or thereabouts.
theycallhimsim 1 year ago
Real men in a different time.
olecalhoun 1 year ago
1:14 to 1:23 is EPIC!!!!
jdslick1234 1 year ago
@jdslick1234 Lots of epic moments in this video, when the come off turn 4 to take the green, how about the checkered taking in the corner going into 1. Luv this video.
aceace14 1 year ago
EPIC
lilk2510 1 year ago
Truly amazing footage. thanks for posting
scottbirdsall 1 year ago
Tough to watch without crying. It was so dangerous, and so unbelieveably exciting.
Hemingway knew it and so did those fortunate enough to be there to see it. Thank God they don't race that way anymore though, it was way too dangerous. Herk, AJ, Parnelli, Tony B, Bryan, all those REAL race drivers from another age.
jdkirkk 1 year ago
This is very cool- my Grandpa is Tony Bettenhausen Sr. with the big grin at 1:50 in the video. Thanks!
btnhsn 1 year ago 2
@btnhsn My Father was Shorty Templeman and he was a friend and admired your grandfather. He is also in this video twice. Short guy with the mole on his chin. This brings back alot of memories. Great video.
superdaves49 1 year ago
@superdaves49 Those were real men. Your father was one of the greatest ever.
olbigfish 1 year ago
@superdaves49 Shorty is a legand, so is Tony posted below, it's great to know you guys are seeing and enjoying it as much as us "civilians" are. The closest I got to greatness was working for Bill Cheesburg out in Tucson, he was a man you didn't mess with, a man's man, quite and dangerious feeling. He ran INdy also, damn near got killed at Salem and gave up driving sprinters. He was still kickin butt on the dirt latemodels into his sixtys at the late Manzanita speedway.
505197 1 year ago
add tag Jim Hurtibise car 56
teamsmooth1 1 year ago
man, this is incredible footage! Almost the scariest thing is seeing a driver lite a cig while sitting in the cockpit. Gasoliine in those days, at least he could have seen and smelled it. Alcohol and methanol, etc. today he could have been roasted before he knew what hit him.
BJ1047 1 year ago
Wonderful ! Poetic stuff at times...bloody frightening at others! Many thanks for posting.
simonlewistransportb 1 year ago
Excellent!
vintagesupermodified 1 year ago