How Red Farmer Started Racing and Ended Up in the Alabama Gang

A racer for over 75 years, Red Farmer has competed at tracks from makeshift tracks on abandoned runways in Miami, a cardboard-bordered track in Key West, the beaches of Daytona to the famed Superspeedways of America. The storyteller unlocks the secrets of a career that started In 1948 and is still going strong today. Yes, at nearly 90-years old, the old master still steers a racecar around the red clay high banks of the Talladega Short Track in Alabama. From Short Track to 2-mile speedways, asphalt to dirt, Red has raced about everything.
Red is the leader of a legendary group known as the Alabama Gang, which terrorized local short tracks across America stealing trophies and collecting riches to feed their families. And a family it was. The bond shared by three short-track racers, Red, fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison, and Donnie Allison is something truly special.
The “table of truth” brings out stories of heroism and heartbreak. Red details his time serving in the Army, which interrupted his points leading NASCAR season.

[@jamessimms415]

So thankful Red was elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame while he’s still here & could enjoy it.. He’s a National & State Treasure

[@VeliusCoba]

Totally agree

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

100% agree this man is like 90 still racing!!! 😳

[@jerrycraig6522]

100%!!!

[@johncox2443]

What an amazing man!!! My jaw is still on the floor!! Way to go Dale I think you have found your second calling!!!

[@wyatberp3611]

Now we need to get Hershel McGriff into the Hall of Fame

[@jimhogan5333]

This man has lived 10 lives. Fascinating to listen to these stories.

[@castelnausci7315]

Oh my God Red Farmer is pure gold. I could hear him telling stories for hours and days. He's awesome

[@Dirtydeff]

The part of the interview when he opens up about the passing of Clifford Allison and also Davey Allison was one of the most emotional moments in the history of the show.

[@petebribble4651]

My wife and I were at Michigan, actually walking through Clifford Allison's pit when he was killed. Red Farmer was there as well. It was awful.

[@jesuschristislord6790]

What an absolute legend. Glad to see someone giving an older person a platform to speak. Society pushes older people away often times. Like all they are good for are diaper commercials and nursing homes. But our 70-100 year olds are really special and we need to learn as much as we can from them while we still have them.

[@danielraynor4075]

Hey Dale, I am a old school race fan and to see Red is considered a blessing to us older fans, so much history it's cool 😎, thanks an keep doing what you're doing Dale 👍

[@BookedL15]

I could listen to him forever. What a great story teller, a true treasure.

[@toddfagan5279]

I loved this episode! To hear a man that is almost 90 years old tell stories from 60 years ago, with details like it was just yesterday was awesome! Very sharp man, and a special episode for all of us listeners.

[@jamieday6602]

Plus he still drives his dirt late model is a sign of great passion! Love Red Farmer! Great show Jr!

[@shelleyking8450]

What a class act. Red has about three lifetimes worth of racing stories, and he's STILL racing! Got to be just about the coolest grandpa on the planet.

[@billparks7368]

The atomic cannon Red is talking about literally shot a mini nuclear shell with over a 40 mile range. It's been featured in many KZbin videos. That was a very specialized unit. Much respect to Red.

[@jamessimms415]

Atomic Annie

[@scottswisher4840]

Fascinating. They don’t make them like that anymore.

[@briancanterberry3085]

I'm from Alabama and very proud ! Bobby Allison, Red Farmer, Davey Allison are true legends that never will be duplicated!

[@briancanterberry3085]

The look in Dale Jr eyes when Red is speaking is so sincere and respectful to Mr. Red Farmer . I'm from Alabama and those Alabama Gang boys will always be the greatest!!!

[@ChadS280]

Red Farmer is a national treasure I could listen to this man for hours & hours.

[@anthonynelson9136]

Red Farmer, started out racing chariots against Julius Caesar and is still racing today. He will probably spend his 115th birthday in a race car. Congratulations on the hall induction, even though it came 10 years later than it should have. You don't stop racing when you get old, you get old when you stop racing.

[@gregorygolden1296]

Maan, That's a great comment. Thanks.

[@rickb3288]

My father is from Bessemer, AL. I remember as a child back in either the late 60's or early 70's seeing "Allison Brothers Garage" when my dad drove by it one day. To have this opportunity to hear these stories from Red is fantastic. Thank you so much for having this Gentleman on your show.

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Damn shame that criminal Larry Langford tore BIR down 😫

[@Fleetwoodjohn]

When you parents/grandparents told you they walked uphill to school both ways…they meant it! This guy is living proof. 😎🇺🇸

[@rdickey7371]

Thanks Dale! Love this one. sorry I'm just now seeing it. I'm 64 and back in the 80s and 90s I worked at Long Lewis Ford as a heavy truck mechanic. I worked on some of Red's vehicles he received from Long Lewis as part of being his sponsor. Talked with him a couple of times. Often the hauler would come by loaded with a racecar for some quick repair. I noticed they often had tires for dirt track on. I asked Red about that once when I saw him. He told me how much it was to win on an asphalt track vs. a dirt track and what the tires cost vs. how long they would last on each track type. I had expected a more fun answer but it came down to the money. This particular video and listening to Red taught me about the cost of racing back in those times. I live in the area near Hueytown. My dad delivered mail to Bobby Allison's shop he had on Church Street ( I think I have that right) in the early 80s. Dad took me to Bobby's shop one time to meet him but he wasn't there. Red Farmer was there though. That was before I met him while working at Long Lewis Ford. My wife went to Hueytown's schools and had seen Davey a few times. Didn't really know him though. I never had a chance to meet Neil Bonnet but I passed by his shop a number of times as my dad lived right off the main road his shop was on. Donnie was the only of the Alabama Gang I never saw in person. Sad how stock car racing has gone down hill since then. I don't even bother to sit through all of the Nascar races now. Just watch the ending or highlights later. I was watching the day you lost your dad Dale. As far as I'm concerned he is the best Cup driver I've ever watched race. The sport went on but it wasn't the same for me after that.

[@NJVINNIE199]

I cannot convey how much respect I have for this man. The twists and turns of a man's life to bring them to now. Dale you should be proud to have been inducted into the HOF with Red Farmer!

[@brucekimmel7475]

Great job getting Red on. I could listen to his stories for hours.

[@bryonkidder6199]

Remembering Neil Bonnett on February 11, 1994....RIP The Greatest Racing Driver/Commentators of All Time!

[@Chrystal_Hendrix]

It’s a real gift to have Red Farmer there telling stories. The man is 94 years old and sharp as a tack!

[@davidqueenan7852]

I don't know what's more amazing... Red talking old school or Dale and Mike's faces listening to Red. Dirty Mo need to produce the feature film of the Alabama Gang!

[@HowiTzer44]

What a great interview. Thank you, Junior, for not disappearing after retirement and giving us more to look forward to.

[@mgcarr61camaro91]

Thanks again Dale for bringing these great drivers on your show ! This stuff is great to here ! Red Farmer is living history of the sport !👍👍

[@slimrazor2789]

Man it's cool to hear about the old days. This one reminded me of my grandpa and the stories of Korea and Drag racing

[@rogerfrizzell6418]

Thanks Jr. for documenting a legend in our sport, I have always been a fan of Red and Benny.

[@shannongrayRFK]

Red farmer... God bless this man A true friend to the Alabama gang and a true racer through and through

[@NEO_RedPill_2024]

Thanks for letting him talk. Respect.

[@saddletramp6935]

A lot young fans might say Red who?, but real fans know it's not the drivers who get all the headlines that are the best. He raced to live and lived to race. Still is. Keep on trucking Red!!!

[@donnamauriello8444]

Amazing man!!!! Never forgot where he came from and worked hard from a young man to help his Mama and sister!!!! Rare these days!!!! God bless him!!!!!

[@78bcat]

This is so cool from the start when Red talks honestly bout his dad. Honesty is just so refreshing in a world where everybody had a brand, a narrative. We can all relate to problems, families, relationships, work, whatever

[@craigparrish3582]

Matthew, Mike, Dale . I've heard all my life just how good a,racecar driver Red farmer was. He's even better person. Best DJD yet.

[@Slinger43]

If you cut me, I bleed Petty Blue, but Red Farmer is Auto Racing's all-time "The MAN!!" There should be a 10ft statue of Red, at the entrance of every short track in America! Great job DJD, for having this Legendary Wheelman on the show! 💪🤠👍

[@larryallenjr4962]

Wow!! all I can say is WOW!!!!

[@Kubek7337]

The intro to the Red Farmer episode gave me goosebumps. Keep up the good work.

[@charliewhite3992]

It's always cool when u get to hear about the old days and all the crazy stuff they did just to race been there done that a few times with my friends in the early 80's wouldn't trade the memories for anything

[@wb5306]

They don’t make em like Red Farmer anymore…a true treasure

[@bobwilsey2467]

Truly a legend. Respect!

[@drunkengamer6764]

I finally got a chance to listen to the podcast this morning, and just watched this video, Red is an absolute treasure

[@mchristr]

My dad has long since passed and I miss hearing about the old days. Red has a good soul and his stories are pure gold. That Fairlane with the truck axles...

[@Wilderness_Recon]

All of your episodes with these legends need to be preserved and shown in the Hall of Fame. What you all do on this show getting these stories through conversation with the actual people is valuable beyond words. Books are great, but to hear the stories and see the expression and emotion on faces is truly priceless. Thank you all and please don't ever stop doing this.

[@guppy2129]

I could listen to this history all day long. Fascinating!!

[@W4114C3]

Love hearing these old stories. Could listen for hours.

[@tedcarlson6007]

Pure Gold!!! I could listen to Red tell stories all day!!

[@eric2vanleeuwen]

Red is an absolute LEGEND! His stories are amazing

[@majr72]

Need to have this man back to tell more of his stories and relive his memories. Bring more of these old timers so the younger generation can listen and learn.

[@paulalan3351]

I use to live in Fairfield Highlands..One street over from Reds Garage..God has Bless Red Farmer...Great interview..

[@motojon53]

Really love these old timer stories on how they found ways to make do and get things done

[@Barry_Harberson]

Don't let Red fool ya, he can drive the wheels off a car. Enjoyed watching him as a teen, always did more with less. Thanks for this episode 👍

[@gregorygolden1296]

Red drove for a car owner that i drove for years later. I am beyond honored to say that. Both Red and that car owner are Legends. GOD BLESS both of them.

[@normangabbard8816]

Dale.. I have to be honest.. This interview was the first one of yours for me to watch.. I have to say.. It was a pure pleasure watching. As a kid being with dad,towing the Late model to Pensacola Five Flags on Fridays. Then Mobile International on Saturdays. With most Fridays,after getting back to the shop. We spent the rest of the night getting Uncle Tommy Stinsons Number 32 ready for Saturday. Well as a kid growing up on those tracks.. I had the pleasure of watching these Old Timers Race.. Red Farmer, Donny and David Alison, Marty Robins and Other Great Drivers were regulars during Big Races. I'll tell you what.. I remember Red showing up and all the drivers knew they had top competition going into the race. To hear his story brings back a lot of memories for me. Mobile in those days had some great drivers.. Many really earned to be in Nascar. But remained local racers. It is nice to see you remembering some of the Old Time Greats.. I wish you could start another series, featuring Great Local Drivers that raced in the Sixties and Seventies at the Southern Tracks. Those drivers had a lot to do with promoting racing all across the nation. Example : I remember going to Mobile or Pensacola back then and finding it hard to get a seat. These drivers packed the stands back then. On Family nights, if you did not get there early. You might have had to stand to watch the Races. Spectators and good Drivers with smart promoting, built that profession. I have been to many tracks in my life. I was even Head Pit Chief for Rice Racing in Upstate NY for awhile. But never did I see racing we had in the south.. Anywhere. Personally I feel if Track Owners would keep their ticket prices down. We could once again see stands packed. I remember when an Ole Boy by the name of Lee Fields owned Mobile International Speedway. This guy was a promoting sun-of-a-Gun. He could come up with things everyone enjoyed. For instance.. The little Red Wagon, one weekend,popping wheelies around the track. Daredevils jumping School busses. Characters from Walt Disney's latest movies. Kids ride with their favorite drivers. Motorcycle stunts.. Half price family nights where families could bring their own coolers full of goodies for the kids. You name it .. Lee fields done it. But it kept those stands packed. Today it seems for instance. That Nascar is about charging so much for tickets. That many Commonwealth working Americans cannot afford to go. These are fans that love racing. You shouldn't have to be rich to be able to enjoy going to an event of Nascar. I mean after all. It was those fans that helped put Nascar where it is today. Without those dedicated fans.. Nascar and Local tracks would still be stuck in the 80's. Anyways.. I want to Thank you for this interview with Red Farmer. A guy that really did earn his way in the world of racing.. We should never forget these Good Ole Boys that went through the struggles of Putting on Great Races from one weekend to the next. They really do deserve a Thumbs Up from everyone.. Racing history is a long one. But a Good one. I for one rather listen to the old Racing stories from these Old Timers then to eat.. One day Dale.. You will be one of the Old Timers. I know as many Races as you Raced you feel your already one of them. But Old Timers are like a Bottle of Wine. The longer it ages.. The better it is.. Have a good week guys and keep the Good Times Rolling..

[@ronnieevans2278]

that interview was awesome what a man Red is

[@dalepackard8420]

Thank you for having Red Farmer on your podcast. It was fascinating to hear his stories. You and your crew do a great job bringing NASCAR’s history to the fans. Just wow.

[@rockinredneck57]

Red was my first racing hero. 1964 at Nashville racing a 56 Ford against Coo Coo Marlin in his 62 Chevy. I was hooked and already a Ford man! Met Red as a kid, he was very kind to a star stuck boy.

[@KarenFields64]

Such a sweet man. Love hearing these stories.

[@jameswade4110]

A great example of how a gentleman conducts himself !! What a great interview......

[@MrYorkie14]

I have had the pleasure of watching him race at Montgomery Motor Speedway and meeting Mr. Farmer at the Auto Racing pioneers events through the years. He is the most humble and kind person you could ever meet. I have the same hat he is wearing in this video. Red, Bobby and Donnie were signing the same hats at the Motor Sports Hall of Fame at Talladega a few years ago. Donnie signed the whole stack of hats last. I still have my hat from that day. It is a valued piece of racing history for me and my family. May God continue to bless Red Farmer, Bobby and Donnie. Thank you Dale for having Red on your show.

[@duanecarter8820]

Red Farmer is great.

[@Mjones8383]

Recommend Red Farmer last season and am so glad you got him on

[@lynnhardyjr4383]

Got to meet Mr Farmer during the Snowball Derby a few years ago, he's such an amazing man and an important part of motorsports.

[@wdscrapman]

Wish Jr would do a snowball derby series

[@rickeh100]

My goodness Dale you are such a kind person.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Man, I LOVE this stuff. Thanks guys!!! Red Farmer, shoot yeah! I'm 60 yrs old, and I always knew Red was a dominant driver & part of the Alabama gang along with the Allison's, but I never knew all this other stuff. You better believe I'll be listening to the entire podcast after work tomorrow. Ya'll keep up the great work!!!

[@tomabel6277]

So pure, so cool! Thank you Red….

[@stevelooney6106]

my mom and dad worked at b.i.r..in the concession stands..i have know red since around 66..i was always a big fan..red is afirst class person....wondeful storys!!!!!!!!

[@joshuafarmer3467]

Thank you for documenting Mr. Farmer. I've looked long and hard for in-depth, detailed information about his life as I was always fascinated as to his driving career and his life.

[@billp5656]

This show has had many awesome guests but no one can cover auto racing history like Red Farmer.The best race car driver I ever saw. He was the King at Montgomery Speedway when I was growing up.

[@steventweed3599]

What a fantastic interview! Great history. I love the photo of the 61 Ford Galaxie with the 63 front clip.

[@miket2055]

So happy we have this story teller 🙏🏼. What a life 😊

[@brettsnead9577]

What an interesting life. Novel like. Poverty, talent, football, war. Oh yeah, racing. Helicopter crash with tragedy. Awesome story. Thanks Jr and Mr. Farmer.

[@RCampbell-y4b]

Good to see you RED. This guy is a real race car driver. Yup J. H.

[@larryorange9082]

I could listen to his stories all day. I love it!

[@beckystewart4423]

Dale I know you were so fascinated by this story. Now this is racing stories that I could listen to for days. Loved hearing Red Farmer so much. He is for sure an asset to your show snd Nascar. Love your program. God Bless you, Amy and your precious girls. 🙏 ❤️ 🙏

[@timwelshans1411]

Listened to the whole interview yesterday, might be the best one yet.

[@MB7908.]

I literally could listen to Red tell stories for hours upon hours

[@johnclancy7607]

That was am amazing interview. Both of u were absolutely engaged listening to the stories

[@timmcgee7974]

Damn I could listen to Mr Farmer talk and tell stories all day long. Just awesome

[@MustangSally38]

Pure Treasure...and you have captured Red's Legacy for future race fans to enjoy. I'm sure spending time with him will be among your special memories. Thanks for taking us along ❤🏁

[@robertwilson9826]

Enjoy listening to Red. Good podcast Dale and company.

[@lapsteels8]

He is a legend

[@gasm1100]

I’m could listen to Red Farmer all day long!👍

[@stereotype5868]

Reds a true classic.i live 3 blocks from him in hueytown..I never knew some of what he said here...thanks red.

[@alvarsdzenis4739]

Q&A with these old racing veterans and their stories is priceless. Without these types of guests, their stories might be lost forever. Would love to see Cale Yarborough or Jr Hanley as a guest.cheers🇨🇦

[@scottw.thaggard-ul6rw]

I use to work on an ARCA team 1982-1985. The race was on Saturday at Talladega. At the last second here comes a race hauler w/2 dirt cars on it flying out of the tunnel and over to the garage area and It's Red Farmer and Davie Allison get in the cars already for them to drive make a few laps practice then race, looked like "organized-chaos" but fun at the same time. GOD BLESS Davie and it looks like Red Farmer is going to live forever. 🏁💰🏁💰🏁💰🏁

[@teresagoodwin7458]

GOD BLESS YOU DALE FOR HAVING THIS LEGEND ON YOUR PODCAST ❤️🤗 I COULD LISTEN TO THE OLD STORIES FROM YEARS GONE BY BECAUSE I GREW UP AT THE OLD COLUMBIA SPEEDWAY IN CAYCE SOUTH CAROLINA AND I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE STORIES FROM THE RACE TRACK AND THE ANTICS GETTING FROM ONE TRACK TO ANOTHER. ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS TREASURED BLESSING 🙏 IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO KEEP THESE PRECIOUS STORIES ALIVE AND I'M BEYOND THRILLED THAT RED GOT THIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD WHILE STILL ALIVE TO SHARE THESE PRECIOUS PRICELESS FUNNY STORIES!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL FROM A VERY GRATEFUL DIRT TRACK FAN🏁🏆🏁 WHO ALSO FOLLOWED ASPHALT TOO. WE NEVER MISSED DARLINGTON 'S 2 RACES WHILE GROWING UP. CONGRATULATIONS RED ON THIS AWARD. YOU ARE SO DESERVING ❤️🤗🏁🏆🏁 THANKS AGAIN DALE FOR SHARING THIS HISTORICAL BLESSING❤️🙏❤️ KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK 🙏🤗❤️

[@tomzumwalt1739]

I have enjoyed the podcast a great deal. I learn a ton about the person not just a driver and it’s awesome. Growing up I went to Hialeah speedway every Saturday with my dad. The Red Farmer interview brought a ton of memories back.

[@onionhead5780]

This interview is pure gold. Kudos to you guys. 👍

[@kr79071]

Kind of a low-key legend. Never had the exposure on the biggest stage, which you can frankly see in his down to earth persona. I wish that more racers could race well into those upper ages.

[@williambutcher4789]

I love listening to the podcast, I learn so much about what the people are really like. Living history, I really appreciate all the content and work you people put in. Keep on Keepin' On !!!!

[@GodseyKnives]

I have watched him race many times he is a true treasure of the sport

[@ecampbell5837]

Is it even possible to have led a life like this man. Wow. Who needs silly fictional Hollywood movies. They should all be biographies or movies about legends like this.

[@nealieanderson512]

I could listen to his stories all day long.

[@547Rick]

Outstanding interview!!

[@mcgeesportsoutdoors5237]

This is the best pod cast of yours I've heard.. thank you so much... yall did a great job..

[@harrymontgomery5268]

I feel blessed,,,I saw Red race in Birmingham when I was a kid. The old Birmingham International Raceway,,,BIR.

[@SRH58]

His mind is sharp as a tack... Amazing..!!

[@larryseals8576]

Love the Alabama Gang... my first race was also at BIR...

[@72hdryder]

as a small child in the 50s Red was the first race car driver I remember winning every week ..saw th Allisons racing there too surprised me some years later when they were called the Bama gang since I saw them racing everyweek in south Florida

[@feliciahowell3424]

Love to here more of his stories and hope u get him back on ur show

[@IceColdKilla40]

Classic interview with an extraordinary guest! Thanks Y’all!

[@sandiwalker761]

Another great interview, Jr. First time getting introduced to this wonderful man Sandi