Faces of the Little 500 with Ryan Newman, Davey Hamilton, Jake Trainor & more from 2024

The Little 500 at Anderson Speedway in Anderson, Indiana is so amazing it gets two shows each year. My second mini-movie concentrates on some of the faces and personalities that were part of this year's 76th running of this American Sprint Car Classic. I had some interesting conversations with a variety of drivers, including Ryan Newman, Jeff Bloom, Kody Swanson, Jake Trainor, Davey Hamilton and his son Davey Hamilton, Jr., as well as Fort Collins, Colorado's Bryan Gossel...plus a super-cool conversation with Bobby Seymour (son of "Boston" Louie Seymour) who along with his son Matt Seymour, field the 29 car, last year's Little 500 winner. Join me, the History Mystery Man, for another Little 500 adventure at Anderson Speedway! Thanks for your support...

[@wideslammer]

WOW, I wasn't expecting this "bonus" coverage of the Little 500. You may have mentioned it in the last video -- if so, I missed it. Your conversations with drivers, team owners, etc. is really enjoyable. Clearly, you know a lot about the people with whom you're talking.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Or I fake it fairly well! Thanks again wideslammer. Actually, I did not mention it in the first one, so I guess it was a surprise for all. I've often taken so much footage of stuff I've never shown because I often think people won't be interested in everything I do. Maybe I should show more one of these days. HMM

[@wideslammer]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Yes, I think you should show more of what you video. Some of the things you drop to the cutting room floor could go into separate videos if you don't want the primary video to get too long. All of your viewers have the ability to skip over anything that is not of interest. I think I remember you mentioning that you had posted some videos elsewhere (Facebook?) that have never been posted on KZbin. How about a HMMH (History Mystery Man History) group of videos? I would guess many people don't read "replies to replies" like this, so you might ask your viewers if they would like to see more of your work. I read many of the comments written by others and see that you have a large number of enthusiastic and faithful viewers who get a great deal of enjoyment from your videos. How many of us get the chance to be in the pits and have all these conversations with drivers and other members of the race teams? I don't have a YT channel but I see videos where the originator has locked in a comment they've written in the lead-off position so everyone can see it.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@wideslammer I used to imbed/post videos on Facebook, but I gave up on FB. I still post on FB but it's only a link to my KZbin channel. I don't imbed videos right in FB anymore. I appreciate your input; you have some good ideas I'll try...thanks.

[@waynedavis8980]

Thanks again Don . Great interviews .

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Wayne. Your continued support is always welcome. HMM

[@speedwaystevecronk6680]

Thank You for all the Interviews, Camera and Edit work, Outstanding video again !

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

So many thanks! I appreciate you...HMM

[@TheRacingguy2]

Don, you absolutely need to do a follow up with the Blooms. Jeff and Linda have been racing together for longer than alot of us have been alive.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Boy...you're absolutely right on that one...great idea! HMM

[@extramile150]

always good stuff when the mystery man does a show...

[@elroyelblander6277]

👍👍👍👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for saying that...so appreciated. HMM

[@elroyelblander6277]

👍👍 thanks for all coverage of these races feller..see you next time 👍👍👊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yes sir...always a pleasure! HMM

[@robertayers9424]

Absolutely enjoy the conversations you have! The sights and sounds, the pits and crowds, to me that is a good time. I truly thank you for your time and effort, as well your willingness to share!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Sharing is the fun. It's the reward I get from all the hours...hearing from you each time...that's the payoff! It ain't the $10 bucks I make on each video; that's for sure. Thanks again, Robert. HMM

[@Blrtech77]

HMM, another great video, and thanks for the ride! You're the best.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again...so appreciated...makes it all worthwhile HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

HMM you miss the most important person at the Little 500...YOU. Great video as always. Don ever change what you do , it's perfect. Thank you again.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Ha! That's funny. I'll turn the camera around on me one of these days. Thanks for your encouragement, Roger...HMM

[@americonoffroadadventures8132]

Another awesome video Don. Love the inside look at one of the coolest races of the year. Thanks. The 500 is the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Memorializes those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Amen.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Amen brother...on everything you said...and thanks for saying it. HMM

[@johnlayton7596]

Great job Don, love your podcasts. This year was my 47 th year out of 51 so been there and seen a lot. Don't know if you remember my Father, Jack Layton, but he had a car at Anderson in 1961 and they broke AJ Shepherd track record but unfortunately they didn't do it the first weekend of qualifying and couldn't start on the pole. Keep up the great work.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That's a super-cool story John; thanks for sharing it here. That's yet another similarity to the Indy 500...to win the pole, you have to do it on Pole Day. I appreciate you...HMM

[@roberthevern6169]

As an old(69) yrs, resident of Boise, in the early 60s I watched Davey Jr's grampa, Kenny drive the #98 Eastside Cafe sponsored 'Pink Lady' to many wins at the local 1/4mile bull ring track in Meridian, Id! He was the 'new guy' in 63 or 4, and he promptly became the car to beat! A couple streets away from my residence lived the Naylors, who were previously the car to beat! Great post, HMM! Thanks, OG in Idaho!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Robert; thanks for sharing your stories here...so cool. I've never been to Idaho, but I want to make a trip out...the Dakotas too! HMM

[@danielmcfadden1]

Great video! I always enjoy your videos and appreciate what you do, thank you!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Daniel. Thanks again, my friend. HMM

[@WilliamSmith-bj8gt]

Thank you for another great video.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome William; thanks for taking the time to watch! HMM

[@arrowkart4j]

Thanks for sharing. Great seeing some of the older guys. Some really talented young players now. Keep up the good work

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated. More on the way! HMM

[@penelopejoann]

Excellent interviews HMM! Your enthusiasm is such a compliment to what these drivers are doing out on the track, the passion involved in this sport is apparent. Once again, you have brought me into another world of imagination and curiosity! I love how close up these guys are in their candor, you don’t see that in other sports, and it’s inspiring to see them behind the scenes!!🏁

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Super nice compliments Penelope; I appreciate your feedback. Glad I could help bring you in to another world. Keep your thoughts coming. HMM

[@penelopejoann]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Will do! Thanks for bringing history to life. I really enjoy your passion for racing. I was telling my family about your channel and got them excited about going to see some racing near us. We live in Anderson CA, near Redding Ca, which has a lot of auto culture. It’s also 107 degrees here right now! 🥵Your channel is definitely inspiring me and opening me up to new content and life experiences!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@penelopejoann 107?! Lordy...too much for me. Anything past 72 and I get overheated. I love my cooler weather. Thanks for spreading the word about the History Mystery Man...it's why I keep doing this. HMM

[@sambaldwin3730]

Awesome video.I sure do appreciate what you do Thanks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

And I sure appreciate you taking the time to watch; thanks Sam. HMM

[@tomstrawmyer4980]

Great video! I really enjoyed the interviews!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Tom...always appreciated. HMM

[@jimheckert5383]

Fantastic video. Thank you!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

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

[@davidwiner8571]

Hey my friend I wasn't able to be there this year but I'm hoping to be there next year. Glad for your videos so much

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Always happy to deliver, David. Stop me in my tracks if you see me at next year's Little 500...thanks! HMM

[@truman77]

I am from Anderson and have seen races at Sun Valley speedway but never the little 500. Appreciate the behind the scenes

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

If you're able, please get out to the Little 500! Thanks again...HMM

[@markwray3905]

Another great video 😊😊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Mark...always appreciated. HMM

[@ronyantz7349]

Enjoying this greatly HMM. I think its time for me to take my yearly drive to OSWEGO for some super mods !

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Whoa! Now that is one track I've never been to. When is the Big Show there? I'd love to see that too. HMM

[@ronyantz7349]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Budweiser International Classic weekend AUG 30TH

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@ronyantz7349 Gunna jot that one down on my calendar...thanks.

[@billmellinger1134]

Great video. You have a knack for picking the best people to interview.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Bill...I really appreciate that one! HMM

[@charliewhite3992]

Yes that's a crazy race for sure I've been a crew member several years with my friend and his son's and the youngest one was in there again this year and soon his grandson will be there soon

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

The Little 500 is a family tradition! Thanks Charlie, for checking out the movie...HMM

[@critterscute3642]

Great bonus footage!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

So many thanks! HMM

[@chuckg6039]

Don, I've watched every single racing video you have done. This just might be your best and most interesting (at least to me) collection of interviews yet. You are so good at talking to the racers, and asking neat questions. Ryan Newman's reply to what's the best race in the world was kind of unique. But I know where he is coming from! But Indy to me is still the race!! Question - can anyone buy a pit pass for this race? I'd certainly want to do that as there is so much action to take in! Again, great video Don. Loved listening to the racers you interviewed.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Chuck. I knew you watched a lot of what I do but I didn't know you've seen everything...that's a lot hours...I owe you big for that! After seeing so much of them through the editing process, I don't even watch them afterwards. Totally get what Newman was saying. And yes, I'm just anyone and I bought a pit pass for the race...so you can too. It's an amazing show. And it's nice to not breathe dirt for a change. Thanks again, Chuck. HMM

[@chuckg6039]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Thanks for clarifying the pit pass situation. Wasn't too sure considering the pits there look mighty congested and dangerous! Figured they might restrict passes in some manner. I really want to go next year.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@chuckg6039 I sure hope they don't restrict the pit area; that would take away what I do. It's definitely worth seeing at least once. But after seeing it twice, I'm going back again and again.

[@chuckg6039]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Don, I totally agree with how cool the pit experience is at races. I always get one! It's the best way to increase one's personal involvement in the sport.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@chuckg6039 Roger that and 10-4!

[@formerfarmer1718]

Way back I went to the Illinois 100 with the Silver Crown cars at the Illinois State Fair. Before things got started, the announcers said that drivers would be available for autographs on the track at the end of the grandstands. So I watched and for a few minutes nobody showed up. Then I saw one, single driver walk across the track to the designated spot. And that was all. Just one driver attempted to meet with fans. And that lone driver was none other than Ryan Newman! Since that day I’ve followed Ryan and always had great respect for Ryan. As Rush would say, I’d let Ryan babysit my kids!! Rusty Wallace tried to treat Ryan as a test driver for ways to make his car faster rather than to treat Ryan as a teammate. That always p’ed me off.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Cool story; thanks for sharing it here. I love the Springfield Mile Dirt and the Illinois State Fair...went to last year's Silver Crown and ARCA races...love that place. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@Leroy-qr9pd]

Great show!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Leroy! HMM

[@greggrauscher34]

So many great interviews! I'm not sure I've ever even seen Jeff Bloom interviewed before other than in print. Bryan Gossel as well! I've always have been a big Davey Hamilton fan since his early IRL days. Davey Jr. takes a lot of heat from keyboard warriors for some bad decisions he made off the track at a young age. I've corresponded with him on fb a few times, he has always been very nice and down to earth with me. I had extreme dislike for Ryan Newman for years starting when he wrecked Bob Strait at Pocono (I'm sure you were there) and his seemingly cold demeanor probably didn't help either, but I've grown to respect him. Especially the past few years after he retired from Cup and drives everything! A true racer and probably one of the most intelligent drivers IMO as well.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

For sure...we all make mistakes; but if we can learn from them, there are important lessons to learn. Davey, Jr. was a fun interview, and I appreciated his attitude toward the whole thing. You know how it is...some guys can't wait for me to go away, and that makes for an uncomfortable interview. I remember that at Pocono; I was there. Never missed an ARCA race during my tenure. Newman has an engineering degree...so yes, he's got some serious smarts.

[@Zilla23]

Newman kinda tough to interview but good seeing him . Seeing him in a midget at Phoenix Int. Raceway was a hoot .

[@truman77]

Newman is pretty stiff...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...I was just grateful he did the interview, which he did not have to do. I can give you a long list of drivers who won't! Thanks...HMM

[@dantheman5907]

The next race is the greatest race .... Coming from a man that standing at the gates

[@Zilla23]

@@dantheman5907 Oh , was that you ?

[@wadeenyart9676]

Great

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Wade! HMM

[@nascarfan88ta]

The man who's bumper is as wide as his neck (Harvick Quote) still seems to have it

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Ha! That's funny. Newman is a badass no matter how you shake him out. HMM

[@saltybildo9448]

Good stuff again HMM 👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Many thanks!

[@KimiWallrus]

I thought it was absurd to bribe push trucks up until Hoffman shows up with air jacks lol.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Ha! Funny! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@kk_doomsday92]

M/v Michipicoten. Struck something unknown in Lake Superior. Evacuated half its crew today had a 15° list, saw that B4 I watched this.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I saw that! I wonder what that collided with below the surface?

[@kk_doomsday92]

@@HistoryMysteryMan that's a good question ❓

[@greggrauscher34]

@@HistoryMysteryMan thank God her pumps were able to keep up and she was able to make it to Thunder Bay, albeit with some assistance. I'm hoping she can be repaired and returned to service. We don't need to loose another classic lake boat to the scrapper. Including the Michipicoten, there are only 5 Canadian ships with the pilot house forward still sailing. I'm hoping you and Capt. Darrell make a video discussing the incident, even if it's not until this fall.

[@kk_doomsday92]

@@greggrauscher34 they found a 13ft crack on her hull

[@greggrauscher34]

@@kk_doomsday92 thanks for the info. I just googled and read the entire article about the findings so far. People were speculating that's what really happened, although I decided to reserve judgement, but it turned out to be correct. I've read that Lower Lakes/ Rand has a reputation for cost cutting/ poor maintenance. Not sure how true that is. But I know somebody that works on another one of their ships, one that is much, much newer and he refers to it as a "piece of junk".Never asked him what he meant by that though.

[@pamelakelly3441]

I'm wondering If you'd be interested in doing a video on my home track Berlin Raceway.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'd love to. Great history at the fairgrounds that goes way back. Been there many times while I worked at ARCA. I wonder who has some old photos of the place going way back, or who I could talk to? Thanks...HMM

[@truman77]

Why do they push the cars out with trucks?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

The sprint cars don't have starters...a tradition that goes way back. So they put them in gear and bump-start them with a push truck. Thanks...good question. HMM

[@truman77]

Guys waving their arms for the trucks was entertaining. I never knew they did that

[@roberthevern6169]

Weight savings, starter requires a battery, so between the battery and starter they save +- 75#!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@truman77 It's fun to watch!