JACK HEWITT SERIES-LIFE WIDE OPEN! RACING ROOTS-RACING ON AFTER TRAGEDY

[@chuckg6039]

Don, sat down last night and watched the entire series. Not just bits and pieces like I did sometime last year. Nope.....the entire series start to finish. Wow! You hit a home run my friend! So well done. Of all your racing people videos, I enjoyed more and learned more from this series than any other. No question. I really have a much better knowledge of Jack. What a character. What memories. What passion. I've been to Troy several times. From camping with 2,000 others at their intown park (Bicycle Adventure Tour), riding the bike trail on my own each year, or attending for many years the annual Kenworthy's National Motocross race just north of Troy.....I love Troy. Neat places to eat too on their square. And what a beautiful courthouse. It's always great when you feature the towns of the racers. "My Dad knows Earl", "...the only one in the race with a mustache", "I have no reqrets". And so many other great lines in your series. I've never had the pleasure of running into Jack. I do, however, hope this changes this year. I'd love to say 'hi' and shake his hand. I'll certainly mention just how much I enjoyed watching your series with him. So again Don, this series was so fun to watch. As you know, I love racing. And I know you do too. Man do you know your racing. In this series, you impressed me many, many times with how much you recall....both tracks, people, cars, sponsors. You are way-way ahead of me sir. Hope to see you soon at the track. It'll happen. Thanks again. Chuck

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks my friend...looking forward to seeing at this summer. That'd be great if you could shake Jack's hand...let him know you enjoyed the series. I'm thinking about going back for more! HMM

[@BigWheelHawaii]

What a Great Series,,, History Man Has,,, Great Job,,,

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well, thanks...so appreciated! HMM

[@jimheckert5383]

Fantastic. Thanks

[@Goosemaster1810]

Watched Do-it Hewitt drive many a race. ALWAYS EXCITING 👍🏻Thanks Jack

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hewitt is such a great story...great personality. Thanks again, David...HMM

[@robertayers9424]

Yes sir, I thoroughly enjoyed part 1 ! He's still got the attitude. Thanks again! Happy Trails!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Jack's got it going on! Thanks again, Robert...HMM

[@richardsheldon3909]

I was fortunate to be in the U.S. Army along with Jack throughout our 2 year commitment and he was quite the character back the, 1971-1973. He was a weapon system driver back then and he was a terror driving a 16 ton track vehicle. Thanks for the interview.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Super interesting...that you spent time in the military with Jack. I would have liked to have included your thoughts in the videos, had I known. Thanks for watching, Richard. HMM

[@heidiswednesdaywinedown8432]

We Love Jack!! From, Pooch and Heidi Adams❤️

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Heidi...HMM

[@gregembrey2947]

Another great one Don,cant wait for part 2.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks ole friend...and always appreciated.

[@joeshmoe1585]

I was working in the pits for the #9 car in the Champ Car race in 1998 when Jack won all 4 events. It was amazing.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Man I would have liked to have been there that day...wow! Thanks again, Joe Shmoe...HMM

[@richardsheldon3909]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I think I mave have a photo or two of Jack during that time.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@richardsheldon3909 I'd love to see them...thanks!

[@petecastle5762]

I stayed at Jack’s house the year he drove Steve Francis late model at the world 100, it was a beautiful place with a basement man cave, full bar, video games and a pool table, and several diff old race cars sitting in the backyard , Jack is a barrel of fun to be around and one of the best to ever drive a race car , good times 🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That's a cool story Pete; thanks for sharing it here. I would have loved to have spent some time in that man-cave. Thanks for your support!

[@johnshelton5470]

Excellent interview Jack was one of the best He was a tough competitor great job Jack thanks for the memories

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks John; I appreciate you taking the time to say so!

[@backcountryme]

Always loved Jack. Never knew him well, but he always made time for a kid like me at Chili Bowl. Never realized he and I share a birthday. That’s cool.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It's easy to love Jack! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@michaelvrckoff6966]

Great racer and an even better person . I meet and raced against Jack in the 80's in Australia 👍🇦🇺

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're one of the fortunate ones...thanks Michael.

[@michaelbryant7377]

Thank you, Don!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome Michael!

[@ddfftvjngj4565]

I believe I met Jack before I could remember. I am the the grandson of Dick Johnson who wrenched for De palma when Jack ran champ dirt car.I heard several stories sadly remembering doesn't lend many details. However as a army vet

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching...and mostly, thanks for your service! HMM

[@alanpeters9241]

Great video jack Hewitt could fit in with any generation of racers

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Absolutely Alan...and certainly with that tough breed that preceded him. All afterwords would be a piece of cake...

[@jeffperry7971]

I’ve seen Jack Hewitt race several times. He was great! Looking forward to parts 2 and 3.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Jeff...parts 2 and 3 are posted.

[@19723020]

Great Story!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thank you so much...sooo appreciated.

[@geoffpowe5558]

Thank you, loved it when Jack came Downunder to race 🇦🇺👍🏻

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Man! Jack had to stand out like a sore thumb down there...in a good way. Thanks Geoff!

[@jeffperry7971]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Thanks! Found them!

[@mikebaxter87]

Saw him at the Grove one time and Syracuse in the 80s great driver and author great read his autobiography hey i commented on one of your vids you ve been to Central Pa if you haven't and get the chance go to Port Royal it is the crown jewel of Pa tracks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Mike. I've never been to Port Royal but it sounds like I need to get there soon. I'd actually love to plan a PA swing this summer and go to the Grove too. What the heck...might as well toss in Gettysburg...HMM

[@ryanh-c7i]

Hey Jack, you got time for an interview? You’re damn right I do!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Ha! Hysterical! Thanks Ryan...

[@donolbers9446]

Troy's one and only Wild Dog!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wild Dog? I'll have to follow up on that...thanks again Don!

[@leepittman1137]

Thumbs up Don as always Great interview Good to see Jack is doing well

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Lee...greatly appreciated.

[@slade7354]

As usual - great job!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Roman; I appreciate you...

[@adrianfernandonoya5196]

Another nice video as always.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks my friend...again!

[@jd70camaro20]

Tex Countryman flew Jack into Sacramento to drive his champ car years ago! wow this is a great story

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Wesley; I appreciate your support...HMM

[@nickknickerbocker6415]

🌟 Good Stuff 💯

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Nick...greatly appreciated!

[@ronaldknisley9792]

Very interesting interview outstanding work My Brother in Law John Parsley run with Rick and Jack up in Sandusky County Fremont Ohio Mid late 70s and Probably run against my all time favorite instructor Malcolm Sonny Miller I bet back in the day good strong Men no doubt about it

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I grew up at Fremont Speedway! Thanks for watching, Ronald...HMM

[@aveorlando7805]

Sweet little town & honestly interesting interview, HMM!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Ave; always good to hear from you.

[@aveorlando7805]

@@HistoryMysteryMan please take care of yourself

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@aveorlando7805 10-4 and roger that!

[@cmphighpower]

Nice interview

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...greatly appreciated.

[@warrenmckinnon4504]

Hi HMM What a great 3 parter story on Jack. I can remember first seeing Jack with the great USA vs Australia test races back in the day. Big Ed Wilbur, Gene Welch, Rodney Coombs and of course Jack amongst many others. I’ve always loved great racing whether bodies cars or open wheeler cars. Besides great racing the entertainment factor it’s important too and you got that with the boys from the states. Jack was right about the aussies staying low but not all were like that, the great Kenny Barlow come to mind. I’ve seen all greats from the USA including Steve Kinser and Donny Schatz amongst many others over the years. A friend of mind who’s a huge speedway fan always said Jack was the best he’d seen One a side note, have you got any info on the late, great Gary Patterson or as the commenters here used to announce him as the “Hostile Hippie” Its just fabulous work your doing keeping the history of speedway alive, can’t wait to see your prospective on Aussie speedway from an American point of view

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Warren...so appreciated. I need to dig in on the history of Aussie speedway. I don't have any info on Patterson at this time, but I'll see what I can dig up...thanks again! HMM

[@chuckg6039]

Don, forgot to mention something. Did you hear about Jack's troubles going home from the Chilli Bowl this past January? While on I-75 his van caught on fire. The vehicle and all his inside belongings (including tee shirts and other related items) were totally destroyed. Mr. Argabright did a story on the Speed Sport web site. The good news is his driver, his wife, and Jack escaped unhurt.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I did see those photos online of his van up in flames. Losing all that stuff would be quite a set-back. The best news is, as you said, they both got out ok. Thanks Chuck...HMM

[@chuckg6039]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I also read where a Go Fund Me account helped him recover.

[@johnstark4723]

I remember Jack driving the Nickles car at Limaland. Spent a lot of time at that track. I i wonder if Jack remembers the night the lights went out at Limaland? That was my car that hit the pole during figure 8 hotlaps and it was driven by Harold Williams. Anyway I always followed Jack's career throughout the years. I wonder if Jack remembers the night at 16th Street Speedway when his son locked the keys in the van? I was trying to help him get in as he had to get to another track in the morning. That was the same year he had his spin and win at Paragon on his birthday. He could drive about anything and win.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Those are interesting observations and questions. I'll ask Jack if he remembers...

[@johnstark4723]

@@HistoryMysteryMan that would be great! Haven't been able to see him in a long, long time!

[@fivecitydirttracker4776]

HMM.....I truly enjoy your content. I felt like I was sitting with you two at that table. Again I'll wait in anticipation for part 2.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thank you so much. This is one of my most favorite compliments...so appreciated!

[@cmphighpower]

We raced at Limaland also

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I love Limaland. I was the track announcer there 94-95-96...

[@timwright7087]

i use to have a ..Hewitt dew it ...shirt wish i still had it

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

He's got some new shirts out now...thanks Tim!

[@timwright7087]

@@HistoryMysteryMan love your feed ..all ways so happy

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@timwright7087 Thanks sir; I appreciate you.

[@donolbers9446]

As an aside, Rick Ungar related that the Nickles Bros 31 was known as "The Penalty Box", since it seemed all drivers wound up in it at least once. Waitin' on Part Two 😉

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I've heard that about the 31 car...interesting. I wonder if any of the Nichols Bros are still around? Thanks again Don...

[@donolbers9446]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Thank you Don, for these great interviews. Jack has always been one of my favorite drivers, going back a long way.

[@sillygoose2508]

He looks strong as hell and still could give you a beat down if you needed it

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I have no doubt Hewitt can still handle himself...thanks!