I’m Donnie’s dad and I can tell you that he is so dedicated to being the best bracket racer he can possibly be! I bought a Pete Biondo final round full size practice tree back in the late 1990’s and he has worn out at least a half dozen switches practicing his reaction times. Donnie started going to the track with me every weekend since he was three years old. I have to say he was differently paying attention! When he was seven years old he would tell me about the people I was about to race , what their cars ran and how good they where on the tree. I won two races one weekend at Ubly dragway because of his input. So he knows the bracket racing game inside and out! We have been through so much together and it is so gratifying to see all the hard work and struggles payoff for him! I built the engine in the Vega and I have done all the drive train work on the car and if people really knew how low budget the car really is they probably won’t believe it! The motor is a street 383 that I was gonna use in my street car until he blew up his motor at the end of the year so I put my 383 in it so he could finish up the race season that year. If someone would have told me he would win the million with this motor I would have said your high. So for me that makes this a true under dog story. Donnie drives both ends of the track to make it work! This was like bringing a butter knife to a machine gun fight. Lol! He is the a perfect example of if you try hard and believe in yourself you can accomplish anything!! I would like to say thanks to everyone for your kind words about Donnie!! He is a great human being and the best son a guy could have!! To say I’m proud is a understatement! ❤
@mikef-gi2dg Жыл бұрын
AMEN BROTHER...AMEN!!!!
@deniserobison663 Жыл бұрын
Great job Father and Son
@weloveups8318 ай бұрын
Awesome stuff! I know so little about drag racing. Happen to hear of this story. So Google to the rescue. Great job by both of you!
@donmcelroy79887 ай бұрын
It is amazing story, thanks for telling it! He just won another $31k at Las Vegas if not more. You and he had a right to be proud. His concentration for that many rounds is unbelieveable. The amount of practicing he did has to be out of this world! From and old time Michgan NHRA stock racer - Congratulations on the job the two of you are doing! Simply an amazing son you have raised!
@ronhagar47557 ай бұрын
@@donmcelroy7988 Thanks Don, Donnie is such a good human being and really lives such a clean lifestyle and that is a huge part of his success.
@bcracing204 Жыл бұрын
I don't think people can understand just how hard it is to maintain this kind of focus for 10 rounds there is a reason this has never been done before this is absolutely unreal your one bad man donnie haygar.
@perfectpackage Жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more. Donnie certainly has a bright future!
@SlipFitGarage Жыл бұрын
I agree. You don't win "The Million" off the bottom bulb in a door car against dragsters on pure luck alone.... This young man has talent! Period.
@stuwest3653 Жыл бұрын
Somebody had to win.
@ZWeinstein15 Жыл бұрын
One for the little guys! To beat all of the high dollar guys with motorhomes, and stacker trailers running delay boxes with all the bells and whistles out of his pickup and open trailer leaving bottom bulb gives hope to all of the little guys out there Donnie put on a performance for the ages. That semi 4-pack vs. 9-pack was incredible.
@rockbottomracingmarcandlinda Жыл бұрын
I read on FB when Donnie was heading back home on Saturday or Sunday (not certain), he stopped and entered a race and won $14k... A little extra sprinkles on the cake! WTG Donnie!!
@edw102472 Жыл бұрын
He did enter the race but bowed out early with both entries.
@perfectpackage Жыл бұрын
I believe edw is right. I don't think he pulled off another win, but I do think he stopped by the race to try his luck.
@RonaldLewis-py6yt Жыл бұрын
At least he tried to Race but I bet he was worn out after the Million Dollar Win 🏆 🤣 ❤
@Julzsavedandsetapart Жыл бұрын
Amazing! My husband came home telling me about this rags to riches story and had to look it up!!!! I love a good Cinderella story!
@mikef-gi2dg Жыл бұрын
I know Donnie, and his family since he was a very little lad. Donnie is a fantastic young man, and he is as humble as you see here....ALL THE TIME. I am soooo very proud him and his family, they are fantastic people. The Hagar's are one of the few, I will travel to watch them race. I wish I could have been there to see this in person. Great job Donnie, that was totally awesome. Finding out you won made ME feel good inside!
@ronhagar4755 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike!
@mikef-gi2dg Жыл бұрын
@@ronhagar4755 Your very welcome. it's 10000% true!
@jryer1 Жыл бұрын
Congrats to Donnie. Those reaction times were other worldly. We just witnessed a bonfide miracle for humble young man.
@mikef-gi2dg5 ай бұрын
I have watched this at LEAST 25 times. Everytime I smile for several hours afterwards. Whoa BABY!!!!!!
@DB-so8zc Жыл бұрын
That young man was putting together some killer packages! I did some footbrake bracket racing years ago but what this racer did was just insane! Awesome job Sir!
@patrickmoore1017 Жыл бұрын
Pure talent is all I can say. Fantastic!
@Jodokesr-wn7oi Жыл бұрын
Way to go Hagar!!! I've hated boxes from the begining. I raced without one and won a few but that was before boxes let in the rifraf. Drivers don't need no stinking box.
@bpayton76 Жыл бұрын
I love the interview. Anyone that knows Donnie knows he doesnt like to talk too much. Very happy for you man. Congrads
@jaypisme2343 Жыл бұрын
He is super humble that’s awesome
@garyshinn4626 Жыл бұрын
One heck of a performance by the young man.
@caminoracer7987 Жыл бұрын
It’s absolutely amazing to win $1 million bracket race let alone win it in a door car and with no delay box! I raced all over the state of Georgia for many many years and raced with no delay box and won a handful of races then had a buddy donate me a delay box because he stepped up to a better box and it was amazing how much easier it was to go rounds
@spyderyates4587 Жыл бұрын
Awesome. Donnie you are an inspiration
@jefffogle8983 Жыл бұрын
Nice to see the little guys kick some butt. We don't need no BOX😊
@MycontentisgoldJerryGold Жыл бұрын
.001 in the other direction on any run anytime during the day could have completely rewritten the results. This a brutal sport.
@perfectpackage Жыл бұрын
And that's why we love it!
@mikef-gi2dg7 ай бұрын
The young man is still on a roll, I feel proud to say he and his family are my friends!
@mikef-gi2dg Жыл бұрын
He just doubled up at WDRA final is sc, the young man and my friend is smokin hot!!!
@Hanslauer Жыл бұрын
This is amazing, what a racer!
@michaelfuchs6730 Жыл бұрын
Never liked bracket racing but it is impressive how consistent these cars and drivers are!
@nashvillecop1 Жыл бұрын
I’m an old school drag racer. Started in 1960 and like you never have NEVER liked this kind of racing. Impressive that someone could cut the kind of consistent times and make a million doing it. But like I said, I don’t care for this type of racing. Would put me to sleep trying to enjoy it and wouldn’t go across the street to watch if it was free to get in. GO AS FAST AS YOU CAN RACING WITH NO BREAKOUT!!
@Artis-e9q Жыл бұрын
He cuts a mean light....l would like to see all his reaction times during the race
@RonaldLewis-py6yt Жыл бұрын
I think the best was 501 and 503 was his reaction times!! Dead On!!
@thegolfingmusician6345 Жыл бұрын
Kid should get a sponsored ride in one of the new Pro/FX cars.
@rodbrezinski8033 Жыл бұрын
Congrats Donnie from Michigan
@johnshackelford6965 Жыл бұрын
My cousin George Shackelford won 1974 Vega for college. Aluminum block was space age.
@garydillon5134 Жыл бұрын
That’s great to see no box car to win that
@deansutherland3570 Жыл бұрын
Awesome job Mr. Hagar
@krogersucks45 Жыл бұрын
WOW... Somebody who actually knows how to call a drag race.
@davidtaylor1384 Жыл бұрын
Betting he comes back with a nicer tent next year.
@perfectpackage Жыл бұрын
You have a point David 😂
@michaelwynne4346 Жыл бұрын
@@perfectpackageHe didn't actually win a million dollars did he
@johnnywalker640 Жыл бұрын
The Hero for all us little guys
@claudinerowe2335 Жыл бұрын
Awesome job Donny your my hero.Glad I am blessed to know ya you earned it brother.
@tylerchandler6557 Жыл бұрын
I wish donnie woulda had a go pro in car to see his reaction. I would went crazy haha
@445xone Жыл бұрын
This guy is deadly on the tree..WOW !
@kevinfunk83 Жыл бұрын
I don’t really understand what makes the dragster’s so great at bracket racing but it’s still pretty cool. Congrats Donnie
@RonaldLewis-py6yt Жыл бұрын
They're consistent but Mr Donnie is a great Driver!!
@erikalston4496 Жыл бұрын
INCREDIBLE 🤯
@davidnewman9246 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely amazing great job Donny
@michaelcarmean4906 Жыл бұрын
I’ve Never Seen Anything ✅ As Consistent… Great Skills Donnie
@davidkeeton6716 Жыл бұрын
Come to Alabama. Steele, Baileyton or Sand Mountain if they will ever get their tree and lights set up. The competitors in this area are deadly on the tree and consistent.
@michaelcarmean4906 Жыл бұрын
@@davidkeeton6716 Maybe They Are Good 🤔 But Not That Good! $1,000,000
@smallworldz724122 сағат бұрын
4 pack on Bloomfield in the Semi is CRAZY
@gxjetmech Жыл бұрын
Unbelievable! Great job.
@jonathanwilson2331 Жыл бұрын
00 Donnie
@scotthazelton519 Жыл бұрын
Nice job Donny
@brucefulper4204 Жыл бұрын
Great inspiration. Congrats.
@kylenicks991 Жыл бұрын
He's the man!
@throwingsparks Жыл бұрын
Hagar’s Toy!
@danfalzone5920 Жыл бұрын
VEGA'S RULE!
@RonaldLewis-py6yt Жыл бұрын
Heck yeah mines a Wagon 496 runs 5.66 No box ,of course it has a Trans Brake and my Delay box is in my dresser drawer, I get to foot brake now and then!! Love Bracket Racing
@stevenshepherd1905 Жыл бұрын
Epic story book win.
@vampire1111pitbull Жыл бұрын
Questions? Do any of you run the Electric fans or water pump during your run?
@johnybadd7388 Жыл бұрын
How is he not red lighted. His car jumps before light turns green. Easy to see.
@kurtwilson1578 Жыл бұрын
He’s far enough behind the starting line to not red light, the car has to be or he would for sure.
@williepelzer384 Жыл бұрын
It's call cuting a perfect light!!!
@RonaldLewis-py6yt Жыл бұрын
Careful Staging the same Every Time runs the number and correct roll out! And of course a lot of luck helps 😊😊
@mikef-gi2dg Жыл бұрын
It's called cutting a good light. If you wait for the green...YOU ARE DONE FOR!
@john.daniel14 Жыл бұрын
this dude is more popular than John Force
@perfectpackage Жыл бұрын
He very well could be at this point 😂
@RonaldLewis-py6yt Жыл бұрын
He's great but Nobody can talk like John Force 😊😊😅😅
@john.daniel14 Жыл бұрын
John Force is an anomaly
@oldrustycars Жыл бұрын
The next Chip Horton!
@dianedonovan4073 Жыл бұрын
congrats to Donnie, just curious about the Vega; that looks like my '71 Vega with '74 front end; sold mine about 7 years ago, i heard it ended up in Michigan. Launches just the same way, could it be?
@ironmike742 Жыл бұрын
What was the entry fee in this race and how many entries were there? Congratulations and WOW
@boomn2167 ай бұрын
Does it matter what kind of car you have for no box? I daily a c4 Vette and wanted to run it but they only have a few classes it can be in and that's one of them.
@acosta425x7 Жыл бұрын
My hero
@RogerCrawford-bh7bq Жыл бұрын
awesome 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
@kwasg3 Жыл бұрын
back in the day dialing in to a 1/4 second was average and if you were nailing a tenth you won alot. Then it got to 5 hundredths, but these guys to a few thousandths are insane!!! Hard to believe the air is staying that stable even....
@tommymitchell2935 Жыл бұрын
What an awesome accomplishment, congratulations young man😊
@BoyGeorgestrait Жыл бұрын
8:28 whoa!!!
@racebiketuner Жыл бұрын
More details on this car please.
@toddsilvey564411 ай бұрын
Hey Pretty cool to see my nieghbor kickin som low budget butt . thats my story on the circle track . but i still win alot cuz of my setup
@carnivorecave Жыл бұрын
Chevy Vega, a 4 cylinder rear wheel drive...Yes I had one...1973 GT...Easy to put a v8 in it....
@GarageNation353 Жыл бұрын
So its based on reaction time? Not the quickest quarter mile?
@MycontentisgoldJerryGold Жыл бұрын
Reaction time is more of a factor than who has the quickest ET. Each driver first submits their predicted time and the difference determines the handicap between the cars. After both drivers get their green light, it's a race to the finish to get there first, but at the same time not driving quicker than your prediction. It involves more skill and precision then the brute power of heads-up racing.
@davidkeeton6716 Жыл бұрын
@@MycontentisgoldJerryGoldWAY MORE. When the variation from round to round in both car and driver reaction time and car handling is within a couple or 3 thousandths of a second, you and the car better be perfect.
@Louis-x2q3b5 ай бұрын
Awesome
@amracingent2 ай бұрын
Mr. Bonnie still win the 2024 !!
@stevemellas30875 ай бұрын
finally a real race car and driver i can't stand electronics on race cars between delay boxes on drag car's and traction control on dirt track car's racing is becoming a non talent sport thank you donnie for helping me keep the faith.
@thomengel9720 Жыл бұрын
What does " no box " mean?
@davidkeeton6716 Жыл бұрын
No delay box wired in with the transbrake button. Bottom bulb racers let go of the transbrake button sometime during the time the last yellow light comes on before the green bulb.
@danieldelpha1315 Жыл бұрын
Why do they keep saying no good?
@johnnywalker640 Жыл бұрын
When ur on losing side
@oldskolacura9798 Жыл бұрын
Sammy couldnt drive 55 and neither could donny
@anthonyking4387 Жыл бұрын
Transbrake car?????
@URbeinglied2 Жыл бұрын
The commentator needs to not be commentating
@jimisrael3030 Жыл бұрын
He didn't win $590,000
@jimherron5540 Жыл бұрын
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
@02autogt Жыл бұрын
Bracket racing shouldn't be allowed to be referred to as "racing"... The one out front at the end of the race is the winner... The bracket bull crap is where the money is though for whatever reason...
@RonaldLewis-py6yt Жыл бұрын
Lol Street Outlaws and grudge racing has ruined a lot of local Drag Strips ,Bracket racing makes the playing field equal I got a fast car but you got to put a number on it to race!! Last outing I ran 566 566 567 1/8 mile track @124 mph all motor foot braking 😊
@Cradletothegrave67 Жыл бұрын
What a show !! No better game has ever been played.