P-3: AT HOME WITH SAMMY SWINDELL; the KINSER - SWINDELL RIVALRY YEARS

In Part 3, Sammy Swindell discusses his rivalry with World of Outlaw "King" Steve Kinser, a rivalry that shaped the brand of the Series for decades. In fact, Swindell and Kinser became the faces of the tour and their popularity grew in tandem with the Series. Sammy also covers in detail his relationship with the fans, those who adored him and those who didn't. Sammy's perspective on all of it is refreshing and fascinating. Enjoy...and thanks for your support! #HistoryMysteryMan #SammySwindell #SteveKinser #WorldOfOutlaws #KarlKinser #SprintCars #DirtTrackRacing

[@rogerozdarski2935]

Thank you HMM, it's been really interesting to find out about Sammy. As usual you do an outstanding job on the videos. Can't wait till the next one!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks my friend...again and again. HMM

[@chuckg6039]

Don, thanks for bringing us this series. I've enjoyed watching ever single moment so far. Without question, the Steve/Sammy era was beyond fantastic. Quite possibly, there will never be another such rivalry in our lifetime. The more and more I study these guys, the more I am leaning to think Sammy might just be the greatest ever total racer....when you consider driving, mechanics, innovation, thinking. Sammy is the complete package. Quiet yet what a terror on the track. Thanks again Don for all your efforts.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Chuck. Sammy is truly the complete package, the likes of which we may never see again. I never really knew his complete story till I dug in...but after learning what he went through to achieve his success, it only leaves greater respect for the man. Thanks friend...HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for the awesome newspaper article on E. Palestine...

[@chuckg6039]

@@HistoryMysteryMan You are so welcome Don. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Great to see those folks getting recognition. They have all gone through a lot, with more to come I'm sure. Good people. Really good people.

[@TedTucholski]

I had an opportunity to share a pleasant exchange of words with Sammy in the 80's at Manzanita Speedway. He seemed like a very nice guy to me.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Glad you had a good experience with Sammy...thanks Ted. HMM

[@tomfuller7401]

Thanks again Don. Enjoyed the part 3 of your visit with Sammy. Be waiting for part 4. I remember him being here at the Action Track here in Terre Haute.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Tom...hope you're doing well in the Hoosier state. HMM

[@gteefxr3094]

Glad to see there's more to come.👍🏁 The internal combustion engine still has a good future ahead of it.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hope you're right on the internal combustion engine; thanks for watching! HMM

[@ralphsmith4215]

Thanks again for a great job, I miss those days!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You and me both Ralph; thanks for watching! HMM

[@racerdad6455]

I hope I’m 6’ under before outlaws go electric🏁

[@shellycasbeer3775]

The first time I ever saw Sammy race I knew right then and there he was my favorite driver. West Capitol Speedway was so fast and back then Gary Gerould was the track announcer, every weekend keeping everyone inform on what was going on at as many tracks as he could fit in. Sammy and Rick Ferkel had a amazing battle at West Cap one of the first times I saw Sammy race. Great memories of a track long gone...... Thank you for the fabulous interview😀

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Shelly; thanks for watching. There is a picture in Sammy's new book of Gary Gerould interviewing Sammy. HMM

[@robertayers9424]

I always enjoy your videos! This part of the series brought back some memories. Thanks! Ole " Slammin Sammy " , you don't get the name for things you didn't do.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Robert! I forgot to ask him how he got that name, or who coined it. HMM

[@chuckg6039]

Sammy won his second 360 race in Colorado last weekend. The 67 year old can still drive!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Amazing!

[@chuckg6039]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I'm going to Eldora tommorrow for sprint action!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@chuckg6039 Didn't know Eldora was racing tomorrow...

[@chuckg6039]

@@HistoryMysteryMan WOO sprints and USAC sprints. Night two of Let's Race Two weekend.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@chuckg6039 That sounds like a great show. Wish I had the energy to get there...

[@yt650]

If you went to Lernerville Speedway to watch in the world of outlaws, you knew that Sammy Swindell, Steve Kinzer, and Doug Wolfgang were going to put on a show. It’s not that there weren’t other good drivers there. They were all absolutely fantastic. It’s just that those guys had all of the good equipment and the money behind them, and another race car in the trailer and a new frame on top. They could build a car if they had to in the parking lot of the hotel or any place that they could roll out the equipment…... I watched them change engines in a short period of time more than once. Fabulous part of watching them was of course the whole feature, but even if the lead changed with two or three laps to go, that didn’t mean it was over yet. All of them were fairly easy to talk to however when the feature time started to roll around, they took on a serious look, and you could tell there was a personality change about to happen.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Super interesting thoughts; thanks for sharing them here. I really like the part about the personality shift, just in time for the A-Main. Thanks for watching! HMM

[@yt650]

@@HistoryMysteryMan If you’ve ever spent any time at LernerVille, there was an entrance to the track near the fourth turn. I remember standing off to the side photographing everyone that came up to be pushed off and I swear you could set a fire cracker off right beside some of those drivers and they wouldn’t even flinch. They were so engrossed in what they were doing, looking straight ahead, and this was serious business. They were going into battle, but they were using speed and handling as a weapon.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@yt650 Super interesting thoughts; thanks for sharing them here...and thanks for watching. HMM

[@wideslammer]

Near the end of the video, I saw "to be continued." Also, your last (unanswered) question was about a possible victory that stood out among the others. On the other hand, there's no mention of a part 4. I never saw Sammy Swindell race but have always been interested in his career. This series has added a great deal to what I knew about him and his racing. I'm sure it made it easier to talk with you since you knew a lot about sprint car racing and his career. As a result, Sammy didn't have to provide a long monologue. Instead, your questions gave him opportunities to fill in a lot of blanks about his view of sponsorships, interaction with the fans, etc.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I'm working on Part 4 now, but it won't be ready until next week sometime. Thanks for your complimentary support. HMM

[@nitsudocsicnarf347]

Thank you, both!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching...HMM

[@frenzalrhomb6919]

I had the pleasure of seeing both of these Men race down here in Sydney, Australia. Different years, and very unfortunately, not at the same time.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Great to have had that experience down under...thanks for watching! HMM

[@eugeneanderson7984]

Back in the Day my buddy Ken Elliot was a Steve Kinser fan His wife Lori was a Sammy LOVER. We raced Sprints in Fairbanks Alaska. Bobby Violet was one of the best. Tracy Anaker 6’7” had a special chassis built for him Wild Child. Too bad we all get old.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I didn't know they ever raced sprint cars in Fairbanks. The key, for me, is to accept that we all get older without getting old. Thanks Eugene. HMM

[@stevenbuis4490]

Three episodes and his wonderful wife was never mentioned. I first saw him at ascot in 76 or 77. Been a fan ever since. I am constantly amazed at some of the interviews you have been able to get. I know you have talked to Danny Smith,how about sitting down with him.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Working on Danny Smith...thanks Steven. HMM

[@JohnnyLaps]

Not being familiar doesn't stop me from really enjoying this Don,thanks.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, John...always appreciated. HMM

[@paulalexander8305]

WOW I WAS SO BLESSED TO GROW UP WITH THE OUTLAWS. I HAVE PRIORS OF DRIVING 250 MILES TO WATCH EitherTHER ONE RACE

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'd drive 250 miles to see either race! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@sprint2648]

Nice interview! They aren’t fooling Sammy with this electric BS! Lol! I completely agree with him!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Sammy's a rock star...thanks for watching! HMM

[@ronstewart9792]

Awesome Don. Will be waiting for more. Ron

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

On the way Ron...thanks! HMM

[@kevinbresnahan3394]

Interesting detour into the future of energy, that was good.👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Seems like I'm always off on some detour...always find the best stuff there. Thanks for chiming in and watching, Kevin. HMM

[@kevinkelly5430]

I agree with Sammy on the going electric on everything! And the question that needs to be asked is what is the carbon footprint Left from the mining process to get the components of these batteries out of the ground? And what process is safe for the disposal of the batteries when they fail?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I hear you Kevin. China has gladly taken on the role of digging it out of the ground, while we fall further and further behind. Good point on disposal. It's kinda like the charging infrastructure; we haven't figured that out either. Cart before the horse...geez. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@kevinkelly5430]

@@HistoryMysteryMan The sad thing in my eyes about putting the cart before the horse is with the AG industry. If people don't pay attention to how this going electric, small generational farming operations will be forced into bankruptcy. Creating a land grab for the wealthy investor's.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Excellent questions...and because we put the cart before the horse, there are no answers. We don't have to worry about pulling the minerals out of the ground to make batteries because China, always three steps ahead of the U.S., is already doing that for us...making America even more dependent on the new world superpower, AKA China.

[@john_linder]

You couldn't mention the name Sammy Swindell around my pap (Sprint Car Hall of Famer Gus Linder) without him reciting his Sammy story. Sammy was unable to get around Pap during a race and he said "My name is Sammy Swindell, when I'm behind you, you need to move over." Pap said he turned, looked around and said "Who the Hell are you talking too?"" Way before my time but I've heard the story 1,000 times 🤣 Thanks HMM for letting us seeing this interview with one of the best drivers of my time! That Channel lock car was one of the most beautiful I've ever seen, even though I pulled for Kinser. I have great admiration for Sammy being his own crew chief, I never knew that until now!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Great story John; thanks for sharing it here! One of the reasons I do these videos is to hear all these classic stories. I never knew Sammy ran the whole show either until I began to dig in. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@chaspruitt2610]

Interesting video, thank you. #1

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Chas...much appreciation. HMM

[@jonathanjones8044]

I had many opportunities to watch Sammy and Steve when the WoO made their swing through Texas, Oklahoma and at Manzanita in the mid 80s. Always had a ton of respect for Sammy knowing he worked on his car, made the setup decisions and then drove the wheels off of it. Truly impressive.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@jonathanjones8044 If there ever was a complete package...Sammy! Thanks for watching Jonathan...HMM

[@brpmanmann1255]

Nice work.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Many thanks! HMM

[@19723020]

Back in the TMC days, there would be TMC trucks in the parking lot at every WOO race.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That was my favorite Sammy Swindell car...the TMC car...the shiny black with the gold leaf letters...what a beaut! HMM

[@vh4504]

Tell sammy we got one of his trophies and he's got one of ours.

[@jonathankenton7182]

1989 i was in the shoneys in Millington tn. Karl Kinser was having dinner and i was running my mouth saying how Sammy was going whip Steve. I can’t remember if he won or not but I thought i was something.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That's a funny story...wonder if Karl would remember that? Thanks for watching...HMM

[@robertlyman2278]

Slammin Sammy is the Man👍👍👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

The complete package for sure. Thanks Robert. HMM

[@robertlyman2278]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I saw Sammy mix it up in Knoxville many times. Definitely one of the all time greats 👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@robertlyman2278 Sammy is amazing! Thanks for watching, Robert...HMM

[@GenerationsFound]

I wonder if he knew my uncle Tom Shedden. He was President of Crager back then.

[@wg5768]

The most maligned driver ever. He's genuinely a quiet and nice guy. As he stated,he was all business when he got to the track because that was his office and he was there to work. He did it all and had no time to shoot the breeze until after the races! I spoke with him once after a race and he was cordial. He's just not a real talker.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

For sure...Sammy is not a big talker. He always let his on-track performance do his talking for him. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@Fukna69]

Sammy must have forgot the time In 83-84, not sure, I was there in the pits, Sunday day show at Devil’s bowl, Sammy, Steve on the front row, Sammy outside, kept trying to start the race but one of them would jump, yellow, finally got it going green, first lap down the back straight going into 3 they touch, back then no fence no nothing, everyone pitted in the middle, anyway Sammy goes flipping off into the wheat field or whatever it was, red flag, they stop in turn 1, Sammy gets out, hell I don’t even think the car had stopped 😅 , sprints though the pits to turn 1, Steve is standing there smoking a cigarette, boom Sammy dives at him and tackles him, they were rolling around there in the dirt for a couple minutes until some people broke it up, kinda funny 😅

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Dang...wish we had that one on camera! Thanks for sharing that story...super cool...and thanks for watching! HMM

[@jeffreyparker5942]

Sammy always took time to sign an take a picture especially if you were wearing his stuff he's just quiet until you piss him off hopefully see him at eldora million

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Sammy always did most of his talking on the race track...thanks for watching! HMM

[@donniegar7353]

Just my opinion but you need to talk less and let the guy your interview talk.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

My nerves at work...still learning the tricks of the trade.

[@lanceconley3466]

You ever tried interviewing samy swindell 1 Ford answer king

[@frenzalrhomb6919]

Tell me Sammy, what did you do with all that BEER? 🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'm thinking someone eventually consumed it...bet it wasn't Sammy though. Thanks! HMM

[@johnhegarty1761]

They also ran over 100 races a year so more opportunity to earn more.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

No doubt...and earn it they did! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@gteefxr3094]

Man, I like this channel, but you gotta' back off and let the conversation breathe. The dude's halfway through a sentence and you're interjecting. Remember the"Chris Farley Show" on SNL, this is what it reminds me of.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Working on it. Part of it is nerves and dealing with that.

[@gteefxr3094]

Yeah, I hear ya'. You do a way better job than I ever could. I look forward to all your videos. Thanks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@gteefxr3094 It's only one of my bad habits I need to fix. Sometimes my nerves get the best of me; that's it more than anything. Thanks again for watching...

[@sprintcarsandguitars959]

ca want's all electric,ca has rolling blackouts in the summer!

[@jeffsandy5088]

When Doug Wolfgang had an equal car, he was better then Sammy & Steve!

[@joshpitts7256]

Once in a while

[@gteefxr3094]

Wolfgang was definitely a "wheelman".

[@johnkirk6255]

Electric might not be the answer but, things will change. Cowboys asked where you would get gasoline. The electric grid would be upgraded or just solar panels on your garage roof. Sprint cars on alcohol are already partly green.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting thoughts. Not sure what you mean by "sprint cars on alcohol are already partly green?" Thanks for watching...HMM

[@johnkirk6255]

@@HistoryMysteryMan alcohol is renewable. When the first automobile was built it didn't have a gas station. 40 years ago you didn't have a computer in your home now you carry one in your pocket. Technology and batteries will develop, transportation becoming dominated by electric, not absolute but, highly possible. America should not fight change, develop the change and be the world leader.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Understood...thanks for the explanation.@@johnkirk6255

[@JoeLinux2000]

With all due respect, Sammy was no match for the King.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

They were both great for their own contributions to the sport. I doubt anyone will ever outrun the King though...HMM

[@SeeburgRepair]

Great driver BUT... i promoted a BIG SPRINT CAR RACE at Eastbay one year... Rick Ferkle Jack hewitt Sammy Swindell Will Cagle Buzzie and Wayne Reutimann.... 10 lap Race of Champions 1983,,,,,,, WINNER TAKE ALL $1000 TO WIN A 10 LAP SPRINT RACE... Good money back then.... Hewitt and Ferkle put on a show and Hewitt won... !! Sammy never showed up... but wanted his "appearance" $ i offered him.... Doesnt show.. but wants his $... He sent Jeff down from Volusia..... i told Jeff i paid for SAMMY not him..... So much for Sammy racing for the fans........alll about himself..... sorry... but thats the true story.... Hewitt Ferkle Cagle Ruetimans...... I guess Sammy didnt want to start on the TAIL ! hahaha...Mike Fulper.....I once offered Sammy $10,000 to run a 3 race Midget promotion in Ohio... 3 dirt tracks.....He must start the tail of each event.....plus KEEP what he won.... GUESS WHAT....He told me he doesnt drive Midgets other then the Chili Bowl... WOW.....This was in the MID 90'S...... other then that... Sammy is a GREAT DRIVER !!

[@SeeburgRepair]

Hewitt later told me it was the MOST $ he ever made for a 10 lap race :) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting stories...thanks for sharing them here. HMM

[@walkredroad]

Really wish you would have stuck to racing and not became political ...

[@BigWheelHawaii]

I Hope Everyone Knows How Good This "Series" or "Interviews" Are... "Slammy Sammy" Had a Lot of "Detractors"... Most "DETRACTORS",,,, Didn't Know Which End of a "RACE CAR",,, Is Suppose To GO Forward... This Series Is So Good... Sammy Was a Man of Few Words... Some Fans Took His "Dedication" To The Sport",,, As Being ,,, "ALOOF" ... He Wasn't ,,, Not In The Least... He Was Always Thinking and Working,,, He Was In a "HEAT RACE",,,, 24 Hours a Day,,,, Seven Days a Week......

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Very well said...could not have said it better. Sammy didn't have time to socialize, not if he wanted to beat Steve Kinser...and he most certainly did. Thanks for your kind words...and thanks for watching...HMM

[@BigWheelHawaii]

>>> I've Known Sammy For Forty Years,,, Wow,,, You Mean He Has More Than 3 Words In His "Speaking Vocabulary" ???? Forty Years,,, I Never Heard "Sammy",,, Say More Than 3 Words At One Time....

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Sammy really opens up in this 3rd episode...why I like this one so much. Thanks...HMM

[@BillyBob-sx6hr]

Boomhower

[@chrisburnsed6349]

Should of asked him why he made so many excuses when Bobby Allen beat him at Knoxville.