Kokomo Legends Take It To The "High Limit" Larson Flips

I spent all afternoon at Kokomo Speedway with the Kubota High Limit Sprint Car Series where I found one great story after another. Conversations include 2-time Chili Bowl winner Rico Abreu, 3-time Indy 500 champion Johnny Rutherford, rookie sensations Corey Day and Karter Sarff and my ole friend Van Gurley, Jr., who recently won his first sprint car feature (at Butler Motor Speedway) in 23 years. Come with me, the History Mystery Man, for an up-close and personal view of the High Limit action at Kokomo Speedway on Monday, May 13. Thanks for your support!

[@garygoudeau8346]

Wow, Johnny Rutherford at Kokomo! Very nice. I'm fortunate enough to live out in northern california . I was able to meet Kyle Larson at Chico before he became famous. He is as nice a person now as he was 15 years ago when I met him briefly. I recently attended a race at Lakeside Speedway and was pleased to see the amount of Larson fans there. Nice chat with Rico, very interesting what he had to say. Great video as always.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Gary. Larson is truly an amazing story...and I'm definitely rooting for him at the 500. I've been all over this country, except for the northwest! I'd love to visit sometime! HMM

[@deehickman6417]

It was a pleasure to meet the History Mystery Man after enjoying so many of your videos! Thank you for another great one!! This one will be a keepsake of our trip! Rod & I hope to run into you again at a race or maybe in the Land of Lincoln! Thank you again!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

My new friends from Peoria! Good chance you'll see me in Illinois at some point...it's an annual destination for me...and has been for years. Thanks for taking the time to chat with me; i appreciate you guys. Hope you guys enjoyed your Brickyard adventure. HMM

[@chuckg6039]

Hi there Don. Wow....what a nice video! I knew right off the bat that was Johnny R. He does look great. Obviously staying fit and in good health. I would have loved to attend that race. But I've been too tied up lately. Fantastic interview with Rico. He rightly said "you do a great job". Which you do. Wasn't the night to interview Kyle. Things just didn't go well for him. Quite a tumble he took. Weather looking questionable for Attica and Sharon. As it stands now, I'm going to try hard to visit Atomic for the Memorial weekend WOO race. Really enjoy this video. Except I so wanted to be there myself !

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again ole friend...glad to hear from you again. I tried to get to Kyle earlier in the day, but the line was just too long to get to him. I (arguably mistakenly) tried to get to him after the flip which flopped too; I'll tell you about that sometime. The weather looks bad for Attica (70-80%), but it's also looking better for Sharon...down to 30%. I've never been there...think I'll chance it. It was nice to get the positive feedback from Rico..that helped a lot. HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

Don I hope you keep doing this forever. Every single one is great. Plus you know you made the big time when Rico knows you. Again HMM thank you,

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...getting that positive affirmation from Rico was great; it really does help with the confidence. Well...as long as my legs keep working, I'll stay on the march. Thanks again ole friend...HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

@HistoryMysteryMan always enjoy each and everyone of you videos. If you stop there will be a void in my life. Keep up the great job!

[@mariebeasley1269]

Wow Rollie Beale drove for your Dad ??? That's amazing. I learn something from every video you put together 👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yes ma'am he sure did! From 1969 through 1975. I had a front row seat for all of it! I've known his family most of my life; I gave Rollie's eulogy. #Privilege Thanks again, Marie...HMM

[@mariebeasley1269]

I loved Kokomo ❤ keep digging. You will know when the time to stop. Told my boss as I was hanging tags in my grocery store,if I get down on the floor to do the bottom shelf and can't get back up, it's time to retire. If you still enjoy it and you make people appreciate you,keep doing it. When you make people smile as you interview them,it definitely makes me smile back. Thank you HM 🏁

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Marie. It was great to get the positive feedback from Rico...that all helps a lot. I sure like doing it, but after 12 hours in the hot sun, it does wear this old dude out. Kokomo was a day and a half recovery. I'm not discouraged...almost time to hit the road again. I appreciate you. HMM

[@JeffThompson-l4p]

Took the kiddos and grand kiddo's to Kokomo on July 27th for Indiana sprint week.... Kokomo is one of the best bull rings in the nation.... 🏎️🏎️🏎️

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yes! I love watching the non-wingers at Kokomo...and their track prep is the best. Talk about an action track with a cushion! HMM

[@JeffThompson-l4p]

@@HistoryMysteryMan hey I was going to ask you if you saw that Gas city speedway is no longer in operation....I went to look up there schedule for the season because we wanted to catch a Saturday night program sometime this summer and that's when I saw it was shut down...😏

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@JeffThompson-l4p I did see that. Too bad...such a cool track. I hate to see another one go down, but it's becoming a regular thing it seems. Thanks again...HMM

[@JeffThompson-l4p]

@@HistoryMysteryMan your most welcome...I don't know if you remember me but we chatted awhile back..I'm the guy from Fort Wayne and we talked about Avilla Motor speedway that closed down many years ago...I grew up 5 miles from Avilla in a little town called Garrett..it's three miles from Auburn which I know you probably have been to...the Auburn Cord Dusenburg museum is there...and you have ACD festival coming up here starting this Friday....I hope sometime I will get to meet you in person...me and my family will be at Eldora on September 21st....

[@critterscute3642]

Loved Rico’s detailed interview. All the interviews were great! Kyle sure has the fan club. I’ll be “rooting”for him too. Thanks for the fun video 👍🏁

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome! I consider my movies a success when I know you watched...thanks again. HMM

[@davewise29]

Another great video Don. Keep em coming🏁

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Sure thing Dave...as long as you'll keep watching! Thanks...HMM

[@Leroy-qr9pd]

Great show!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Leroy...HMM

[@robertayers9424]

Good to see Rutherford! Great interviews. The pit tour is always a blast ! I hope you can continue for many years ! As long as you are physically able and still enjoy doing it, that is. Many thanks for the entertainment and education! Safe travels!

[@bobsmyth9776]

Oh I wanted to go to this race So Bad. !! I made a pizza & watched the warm ups, the Qualifying and then the feature on KZbin. T Y for this post !!! I love that track ( 5 hrs. Away). I watched Van Gurley race in Michigan when he was young & starting out.... I hope our paths cross This Year....!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Robert. I'll keep hitting it hard while I still can...the constant goal to boost my views and watch-time hours. I do enjoy it, but after the miles in the hot sun all day, it does wear this old man out. The recovery from Kokomo was about a day and a half!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Bob. If you see me at the track, please interrupt me so we can chat. If you have time for me, I have time for you. I love Van Gurley! Great guy! Kokomo was a three-hour drive for me. If you can't make it, I'll sub for you! HMM

[@frenzalrhomb6919]

Saw Rutherford race Midgets down here in Australia, at the old Sydney Showground Speedway. That was back in the 1970s. It's now a Fox Movie Studio. Was one of the World's oldest Speedways when it closed. 1926-1996. I was also there on the final night, and I still have a little bag of dirt I keep from the track itself. I want to be buried with, and my kids know it!! That's how strongly I feel about the old place and the sport in general.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...love your story and your sentiment towards the old Sydney Showground Speedway. I feel that way about some of the tracks around here that go back to my youth. Thanks for sharing your stories here...feel free to visit anytime. Thanks for watching. HMM

[@frenzalrhomb6919]

@HistoryMysteryMan Thank you good Sir for your dedicated work, and your kind reply. Regards from Australia!! 🍺

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@frenzalrhomb6919 You're welcome sir! I always get so excited when I hear from Australia...keep it comin! Thanks again. HMM

[@hockinghillshoneyfarm9273]

Good to see you finally get to talk with Johnny Rutherford. I hope you was able to make arrangements for a depth sit down interview with him soon. You know we talked about that last summer. Thanks for another great video. And will you be going to the 500?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Great to hear from you again. I totally wigged out and never made a connect with Mr. Rutherford. Still kicking myself. I would get in my car tomorrow and drive to Fort Worth, Texas for the chance. Thanks again, ole friend. HMM

[@greggrauscher34]

Another great video HMM! A couple of old school legends (Lone Star J.R. & Van Gurley, Jr.,) a couple of legends in their prime (Kyle Larson & Rico Abreu) and a couple up and comers (Corey Day and Karter Sarff). Definitely some different personalities and eras there! I realize Kyle Larson is a professional and probably used to it, but it must be difficult to be continually asked for autographs, photo's etc. It seems like everybody wants some of his time. I just know that when I'm driving, especially if I have a chance to win or do well (which isn't very often anymore lol) I don't really like socializing much or interacting until the race is over. I try to tune everything else out. Maybe its nerves or just focus.But I suppose everybody is different and I guess it's part of his job to be as fan friendly as possible at all times. Regardless, I'm excited to see what he can do at Indy this Sunday. Will definitely be cheering him on! Also, cool to see some local flavor with GSR (Glenn Styres Racing) on the side of the front wing of his sprint car. I've known Glenn for many years, watched him race just about everything, been to his Ohsweken Speedway many times, also raced with him many years a go and even hot lapped one of his DIRT Sportsman cars back in the day. He's done a lot for racing, especially sprint car racing in Canada. Thank you for talking to Bryan Clauson's grandmother. We've lost a lot of great drivers, even just in my 30+ years of watching and being involved in racing, but Bryan's death hit me particularly hard. I only seen him race once at Ocala in USAC Sprint Car race, but his versatility, especially in his Indy 500 exploits made me a fan for life. Still have a couple Bryan Clauson Indycar shirts I wear on special occasions.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Gregg. I'm the same way at work; I can get thrown off track easily with too many distractions. I can't imagine having all the outside noise that Larson has. He handles it as well as anyone could...and is way better at it than most. God bless Bryan Clauson...HMM

[@greggrauscher34]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I know the feeling, multi-tasking definitely isn't one of my strengths. As far as Kyle goes, I've never seen him in person, but I agree 100% he does seem to handle it quite well.

[@ronfox5519]

Lone Star JR- a class act as always.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Truly a class act; you said it exactly right! Thanks again, Ron. HMM

[@saltybildo9448]

Rico needs a Indy 500 ride 👍👍👍👍👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll buy that...thanks again! HMM

[@nascarfan88ta]

Fantastic content as always Mr. Radebaugh. Still cannot believe I used to watch you covering ARCA races for Speed when I was younger and now I watch you on KZbin covering all sorts of stuff.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks nascarfan88ta; I appreciate your feedback. That was a long time ago...my SPEED days...didn't know anyone out there remembered...so thanks for that! HMM

[@jaredkinneyjr]

Good thing you left before the night was over. Traffic looked horrendous! You would've been there til 2am. Great video per usual.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I hear you on that! I always try and sneak away before the final rush. If I don't, it can add hours to my overall journey. I still had a 3-hour drive to get home. Thanks again, Jared. HMM

[@wadeenyart9676]

TY

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Wade! HMM

[@Blrtech77]

HMM, Thanks again for another great video! In the future, maybe a video or two of Limaland Speedway and / or go cart racing at Cridersville Speedway. Thanks again, and Be Safe.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Now there's an idea! Kart racing at Cridersville...sounds like a movie chapter! Thanks again! HMM

[@michaelkrumm1198]

Speaking of standing in you know who's autograph line, my home town track Merced Speedway hosted several WOO races the first one Larson was leading (Kicking ###) and ran over someone's nerf bar causing a flat. He still finished well and the crowd loved him. After the race I got a picture of He and I he was so gracious to everyone in line as you know. Hopefully he'll do well at INDY weather permitting. I worry about his safety there, my wife always tells me I a worry wort. Anyway love you're video interviews.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Michael. Larson is amazing. Like I said...one night he's plucking mud off this sprint car helmet...next day he's in an Arrow McLaren Indy Car at the Brickyard...great story. I'm definitely rooting for him at the 500. If a sprint car driver wins, it'll be the story of the century! Thanks for your kind words and support! HMM

[@martinwaddell]

I remember your interview with Kyle Larson that during Covid I believe those are great times huh?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

At least we had the masks off! Thanks Martin...HMM

[@Blrtech77]

HMM or Don, please keep up the great work that you do. It's the amazing videos and your dedication to bringing us racing history, maritime history, and all the other good stuff! A Hand Salute and A Harty Thank You, My Friend.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I so appreciate your feedback. Ultimately, it's what helps keep me inspired to keep up the grind. Thanks again my friend! HMM

[@gjm5959]

Geez do you know like everyone in racing???? lol. Good stuff HMM. Thanks for another great video.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome; thanks again! HMM

[@saltybildo9448]

I have the artwork of johnny comin into the pits with Tim Richmond on the side pod, think I paid 5 bucks for it at a garage sale back in the 80s

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That's awesome! That's an iconic photo; I remember it well. Thanks for sharing your story here! HMM

[@beberle9641]

HMM at our service delivering top notch content that we all greatly appreciate for sure! Nice to see Butler Motor Speedway on this one. I grew up watching racing there was in my neck of the woods. Brought back some priceless memories of family and I thank you my friend. 🏁 Brian

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You got it Brian...always appreciate your feedback and support. I remember going to Butler years ago when they oiled the track...that was bizarre! Thanks again...HMM

[@beberle9641]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Hey HMM your memory is working correctly still. It's seems for me at least that I remember things about the past better than current events. Everyone have a wonderful weekend. Brian I would like to see what happened if they tried oiling the track today?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@beberle9641 Ha! The EPA would come down hard on them. What I like about oiling the track is that it solves the dry, dusty, hard-slick problem and brings instant grip.

[@elroyelblander6277]

👍👍 thanks for another video HMM...see ya next time 👍👊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You got it Elroy! Thanks again ole friend. HMM

[@happywrenching33]

Johnny is a class act.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Absolutely...thanks. HMM

[@ryansalyers5515]

Great video, as usual. Always interesting!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Ryan...always appreciated. HMM

[@bobsmyth9776]

❤

[@gregj831]

Holy moly! I think that was IMS President Jeff Boles with JR! I saw Lone Star JR win all three of his Indy 500s. You cannot find a classier Indy 500 Champion than Johnny Rutherford.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

No doubt...Rutherford is pure class. I'd love to sit down with him sometime. Thanks again, Greg...HMM

[@jerryfuller-bk8hz]

Thanks Don for the great interviews with all the drivers. I really enjoyed the interview with my dads old friend Johnny Rutherford, Hope all has been good with you. I haven't been watching a lot of u tube videos lately. My main desktop PC is still off line. Should have it fixed soon. By the way this is Tom Fuller here in Terre Haute. I will try to give you a call sometime soon. I have a new phone number.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Tom. Love to sit down with Johnny sometime. So I must have your old number? Give me a call when you can so I can get hooked up with your new number. Thanks for checking in! HMM

[@darinwinebrenner6908]

Awesome stuff Don! 🤙🏻

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Darin...always appreciated. HMM

[@saltybildo9448]

Great vid Don

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! HMM

[@robwiggins6319]

Sir you made me feel like I was there watching it all. Very cool talking to all those people who make it happen.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Rob; I appreciate your feedback and support. HMM

[@jameswellborn7242]

COOLNESS

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks James! Gratefulness to go with the Coolness! HMM