Fastest Street Car in America! Meet 5-Time Drag Week Winner Larry Larson - HOT ROD Unlimited Ep 40

[@170turbo]

There are plenty of badass racers out there, but what makes Larry and even bigger badass is that he's humble about it,

[@AB-80X]

Humble? Ever heard the story about Larry and the free race fuel at the first Drag Week?

[@codyscollay8569]

"We will never see a 5-second drag week pass" 6 years later Tom Bailey has done it

[@nyc23bklyn]

Larry is pure class and while these other guy cut corners to try to win he does it integrity and honor.

[@VincentS327]

so much respect for this guy... a car that can only be driven on track and can't be street driven isn't really much... a car that can set records and in the same time driving on streets? now that's something...

[@donaldfalk818]

I wonder how many gallons to the mile he gets??

[@philherbox4052]

@@donaldfalk818 I that the best answer to your question is , if you have to ask then you probably can't afford it.

[@donaldfalk818]

@@philherbox4052 My Statement went over heads. GALLONS to the Mile.....not MPG's

[@gen2busa11]

I like how he sticks to his beliefs...seems like an awesome guy.

[@marcmarcmarcmarcmarc]

well done Larry, what a genuine racer you are, good luck in the future, marc from the uk

[@jimtheel930]

Good ol homeboy from the show me state. This guy is humble and down to earth. Great gentleman and a great racer.

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

Love how flat and smooth the Nova launches. So well engineered.

[@patrickpelletier6315]

ive heard that Larson is the guy that knows how to make adjustments to the suspension just right, so it would definitely explain his clean launch. i think that's always helped his success aswell. instead of having the car bounce and shake parts already stressed enough as it is, unnecessarily. then he just tunes it and has a good launch.

[@thesighbored]

Nice video, great guy. Wish him all the best in his endeavors.

[@hotrodder5034]

I can't wait to see what that ZL1 looks like after its finished. WOW!

[@EKEN55]

I really admire Larrys dedication to the sport. Awesome Nova.

[@connorpetrosky2584]

"No one will ever run a 5 second pass in a street car" -Larry: *hehehehehehe, that's what you think*

[@AB-80X]

Tom Bailey "Hold my beer".

[@joeanderson444]

I went right to the comment section as soon as he said that. Sadly ole Tom Bailey's car is on the sidelines momentarily!!! Bailey also ran 250mph. Open mouth, insert foot and other foot!

[@IraTopp]

Reminds me of regional SCCA meets. Competitive, yet all about having fun and comradery.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

This is the best over-all video AND true story I've ever seen in drag racing. And done with real sheet metal. My hat goes off to Larry Larson.

[@derrickfowler1749]

It's so cool to look at Larry and never meet him and just see his experience and passion for what he does

[@shawnjerome8599]

I've got nothing but mad respect for Larry Larson lots of love brother

[@julietwhiskey01]

Larry Larson is the definition of integrity.

[@whatchu_talkin_john_willis]

Larry is my new hero, his ideology on drag week and competition within it is perfect.

[@Sheppyboy1000]

this guy is a genuine sportsman and hotrodder..a real ambassador for car guys everywhere

[@chrisinelpaso]

My respect Mr. Larson. That Nova hooks badass. I wish you many more years of success!

[@dabeardsmen3621]

I totally agree with what he said about the rules for drag week!!!

[@davebrittain9216]

+DA BEARDSMEN Agreed! We know what David Freiburger had in mind when he created Hot Rod Drag Week and obviously so does Larry Larson. You just have to admire him for his point of view on the rules. I just love how he pisses on the competition driving a REAL car!

[@dabeardsmen3621]

+Dave Brittain And no one can deny that period.

[@pawpower58]

+Dave Brittain Yes and I agree, but it is still a street car like he says it is....

[@davebrittain9216]

Yes exactly that is my point. Some of the others are using full fiberglass bodies with a stuck on VIN.

[@patrickpelletier6315]

what i love too is when David made it official the rules stuck. he decided to join them and build the S10. otherwise known as the world's fastest and quickest street legal car. Bailey's car is nice. sick second 2.0 but the S10 is way cooler

[@arttrombley7385]

That's the true spirit of street racing cars, Vin numbers and a production body. Purpose built cars don't belong, they're fun, but not as true street racers.

[@badlittlecar]

that is why i got out of it ...we can't compete with the guys that can spend 300k on a car just to run this event i still have my cars but i run pro street all steel body except the hood and even real original chrome bumpers not as fast as these guy now but i could step it up

[@MotorTrendWatch]

Agreed! Thanks for writing.

[@Brandon8Hughes]

Dude is a living legend. Hats off to you Larry!

[@k5ren]

I like his devotion to his feeling of the true essence of this competition. No trailer - just the car start to finish.

[@redneckmechanic94]

I chuckled when he said that they'll never see a 5 second drag week car while we're above ground. Especially since he said it to the guy who ran 5.95 with a drag week car

[@kryaxe]

Justin Henning This video was a year before he made the 5.95 run.

[@tonymarbulz5223]

Justin Henning and all it took was a year or so to get half way there.

[@EricH928]

Yeah, famous last words.

[@ride4life32]

I have a new found respect for this man after this video. I remember working the drag week in 2007 and it was a blast.

[@KCBarr1]

It's really nice to see the human aspect behind this amazing Nova. The fact that Larry Larson has kept his stuff together enough to win 5 drag week unlimiteds, is absolutely amazing. What relly amazes me though, is the way that the car sounds like it's coughing out internal engine parts when he's "spooling up" on the starting line. Well done Larry, and special thanks to Hot Rod magazine for putting this show together.

[@outlawofga]

He is just so humble for his Great achievements.

[@vittershins5430]

I love to hear him talk about what the spirit of the competition is. So many others see it as what can I get away with.

[@tankosl]

I haven't heard of Larry Larson over here in the UK, but what a great guy!!! He's got a fantastic attitude and I wish him loads of luck.

[@CrzyMav]

You are true American mentor! Not to mention u build some outstanding true American piece of Machines.

[@carlpoppa1788]

Much love you Larry from California! You're the man!

[@ROBOFORCERX2000]

This dude is a legend! Stands up for his believes and deserves a lot of respect!

[@yogi2.057]

Larry Larson HAS a sound game plan for his Hot Rod Drag Week cars. Performance, durability and creative problem-solving are skills needed for finishing that tough event.

[@CallMeCribby]

Words of a true street car racer, no trailer, no full fiberglass bodies, just power, steel, and run; awesome.

[@WideLoad405]

I would move to MO to work for Larry if it cost me everything I own just to learn everything I can from him if I were given the opportunity. This man is my hero!

[@itsjussjerry]

I'm not a hotrod guy, but I can appreciate anyone who loves what they do and are great at it.

[@MotorTrendWatch]

We appreciate that, Birkir. Send it to everyone you know!

[@edwardthayer9386]

Awesome job Larry. Keep us excited. Your street car is awesome.

[@GTRaycer]

I also agree with his views on what the rules SHOULD BE. And, I have to say, that little Nova is beautiful beast! :)

[@SKOPE915]

Larry Larson seems to be one genuine down-to-earth guy. Wish him the best with DragWeek

[@MotorTrendWatch]

Good work, Kaine. You've got your priorities straight!

[@shartne]

Now Im impressed. this guy is something else. Did it on his own what a great guy.

[@TheBranddawg]

after watching this i now realize why larry is the champ

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Much respect. This guy, and what he does, is very cool.

[@glock21guy]

In total agreement with him on Drag Week. I like the real cars that get driven, that weren't manufactured with the sole purpose of racing. The story about the problems and breakdowns at Drag Week and the ways people overcome them are as interesting to me as the racing itself.

[@poomanandwees]

I agree with Larry that the spirit of drag week should be adhered to.

[@danielhoffman2299]

The class is unlimited... Let the road be the judge..If need be spread the tracks out more.

[@maughan6957]

Old video butt a great one for sure. I dig the way he thinks about it and how he operates even now.

[@bicksbarn]

Excellent! Thanks for the video. That nova is insane and Larry seems to be an awesome dude! Keep up the gr8 work.

[@clayboist]

Much respect for Mr.Larsen. A true sportsman. I agee, no fiberglass "streetcars" allowed. But I know who i'll be pulling for come September!

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Wow always enjoying watching larry race but its super awesome to get a close look at the cars and get to know the man. Seems like a great guy!

[@MegaWhiteBeaner]

Awesome! This guy is a purist that doesn't compromise.

[@pulln100]

I'm watching this in 2018 now and it's kinda crazy listening to Larry talk about steel roof and quater cars and now he drives a completely pro mod s 10

[@kevet1968]

What a legend-Larry Larson!

[@aMoneysWay]

this guy is my idle i love this mans passion! and his work I really love it.

[@fourthfret926]

I like how this guy thinks! And I like this video as well. Awesome job guys :)

[@alainsstreetmachine]

That's what Drag Week is about. They drive from track to track and hand in their quickest time slip each day. The lowest average over the week wins. We drove a total of 1400 miles last year. Started in Tulsa Oklahoma, then to Ennis Texas, to Gilliam Louisiana, to Memphis Tennessee and back to Tulsa. Hot Rod Magazine sets the road trip and you have to take photographs of your car at certain checkpoints along the way each day and show them the next day.

[@RumblestripDotNet]

In my best Rick Flair impression, "TO BE THE MAN, WHOOOOOOO! YOU HAVE TO BEAT THE MAN!!"

[@TheCynicalSquiddly]

Just found out he's not racing this year. Such a shame, I respect Larry so much for sticking to the true spirit of hot rodding and Drag Week itself.

[@paulfmurphy617]

LAST TIME I WENT STREET RACING 25 YEARS AGO I DIDN'T TAKE A TRAILER AND I DON'T TAKE ONE NOW. LARRY YOU ARE MY HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gooferman609]

larry pretty much says i could wipe the competition more than i am right now, but thats not what this is about...boss

[@sidebarrecon2201]

It's all good until he meets Jeff Lutz, 250 mph in the 1/4 mile and Jeff is a great guy. You see him talk to him, He's never insulted any one if your not an ass. Him and Larry are friends, but fierce completers.

[@rolandgarza4247]

My respects to this man, straight up dude, cool guy overall..

[@MotorTrendWatch]

Thanks, Jaali!

[@callmebigpapa]

Great Video about my favorite racer ! Thanks Hot Rod and Brian !

[@Hung8inch]

Have so much respect for this guy

[@mak3999]

That is one helluva street rod!!!!!

[@habsrule39]

Respect!!! This guy is the real deal !

[@jrdeckard3317]

"Dinner is ready, Larry." "I'll be there in six seconds."

[@turbo139sti]

Larry is the man

[@1991CALYPSO]

Larry Larson FTW. He gets it.

[@birkir87]

Awesome episode, I will be sharing this - people have to watch this!

[@95ACM]

We need more of Brian Lohnes, he really knows how to host a show. Between this and the Diesel Power Challenge I am impressed with what he does.

[@damagedgoods62]

It's funny how Brian made that comment about never seeing anybody go 5's in his lifetime...then fast forward to Las Vegas in November of 2014! LOL

[@mckwilly]

"some days ya feel like the Mongoose and some day ya feel like the Cobra"....

[@Raul619Meza]

I'm no Chevy guy but that Nova is pretty sweet! Plus, Larry looks like to be a all around good guy.

[@ReticentIndignation]

Massive Props!

[@dirtshower250]

Larry is a real man!

[@vqpwr]

Larry Larson is a legend!

[@BigBoyO56]

I think Steve Matusek drives for Danny Rowe now in the Agave Underground Tequila Pro Mod.

[@airthrow]

I like this guy's attitude.

[@ricomichel]

Yea, the helmet and his taking off the line! Man that is so quick!!!

[@lakecrab]

I used to attend drag racing events in Laplace, Louisiana back in the 1960s. Back then Top Fuel was in the 7s. Pro Stock 10 to 12s. Street guys were doing 14, 15, 16s.

[@openplz3000]

Mongoose 1 was the first model car I glued together and yes that gear box looks all bidness. No moleste the zl1!!!!. 7.50 stick appearing street car is what we all need though. Great video

[@29erUSA128team]

I like how he says he won't build a purpose built car to run low 6s but today runs a 6:19.... GOOD JOB LARSON! Way to stick it out this week!!!!

[@FuzzyOne2007]

Larry "Legend" Larson

[@AB-80X]

I love David Freiburgers story about Larry at the first Drag Week. "If nitrous racers get free nitrous, how come I don't get free racing gas?" Legend.

As en european, drag is not in my mind as a traditional motorsport...but man, that guy talks the universal laguage of the "love of cars"...and he's a legend...

[@durango19984x4]

DRAG WEEKS COMING BABY

[@WindyCity1992]

This is why i love our car culture Larry Larson is the coolest car guy JDM guys swear there faster or better Their no competition at all . Smh lol 5.95 @ 244 and Street legal Car

[@j0rdanizraw]

Gotta respect this man and his beliefs

[@sithlordmookie]

definition of 'taking the bait hook line and sinker' I was just playin =)

[@mejia55]

a lot of respect to larry

[@kainesmith1398]

Got drag week written on my calender! cant wait :D

[@mikes85supra]

A present day American Racing Hero. Cant wait a couple more weeks

[@eyesopencam]

Fantastic episode. I'm not even a big fan of hot rods, but this was really cool.

[@hdhdbej]

Larry larson is a holy man!

[@drfiver2]

I would dig a "spirit of drag week" category with the rules he laid out. A true "unlimited" class can still exist as well.

[@StalePhish]

Indeed. I'm sure places like California have stricter standards, but where I'm from, anything 15 years or older (I think that's the range) doesn't do an emissions test or anything like that. There are a bunch of dragster muscle cars that come to a local car show all the time with rear tires over a foot wide