Legendary Racer Gary Balough’s Cheating Stories: The Miami Gang was WILD in the 1980s

[@Stapleton42]

This was supposed to be a conversation about the history of the “Miami Gang” racers but became unhinged pretty quickly and I wasn’t going to stop it 😂 We do have probably another hour of footage that will likely be used in future videos! Use code STAPLETON120 to get $120 off across your first 4 boxes of Good Chop at bit.ly/40JWAEo!

[@rodney1818]

You should check out pole barn garage the kid on that channel definitely would dig a hole underneath the vehicle to get the transmission out there are other channel is outside the bar and I think the kid has more content on their only checked it out in a couple times

[@butchdougan7098]

I used to watch him in a Hialeah sp way when I was a kid. He was my brother's favorite driver

[@mr.scraps1793]

I worked with one of his crew guys that spent time with him in jail. Amazing stories!!!! Ask balough about the decal under his hood that said "who said money doesn't grow on trees"😂😂😂

[@HammerPowered]

This got unhinged in the best way possible. Just letting these guys tell stories was just so amazing. Great stuff.

[@brianbeilmann2992]

Damn. These guys are real life Days of Thunder. Freaking great. Thanks for the video. And guys heck ya. The stories are priceless.

[@davidcole6265]

I could listen to these stories all day long. This is the racing I miss, not this white glove, BS we have in NASCAR today!! Thank you for this content.

[@eliteracingvidz3675]

As a kid from South Florida Gary was a living legend back in the mid 90's when I started to get involved at Hialeah Speedway. Glad hes still doing well and sharing his amazing life stories. Meet him once at Speedweeks in New Smyrna Speedway. Thank you Gary and the gang for reliving the glory days with us!

[@Ronaldl2350]

Small world I used to go to Hialeah to watch my friend race street stocks in the early nineties.

[@RIVERLORD-bf7uc]

My grandfather Charlie Wright worked for Bobby Allison and was 13:43 crew chief for the Matador years when Bobby ran out of here in Hueytown. He opened a race car parts store called RPM Enterprises. It was the only race car parts store in the south in the early 80's. I was around 10 years old and my heros regularly came to get parts or Unocal 76 racing gas. I loved when Gary would come by. I was so blessed to have been able to witness Gary, Red, Neil, Mike Alexander, Dave Madera, Hut Strickland and numerous other short track assisans doing just what you filmed here, talking racing and telling stories. Gary is still a hero of mine and a true "Outlaw" . Great job brother your doing a amazing jobs. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication. Have a great weekend. JASON WRIGHT HUEYTOWN, ALABAMA

[@sbcbuilder4279]

You could say this was COMEDY GOLD because everything was absolutely true and the best stories are told from the "actors" themselves. Please release the rest of this ASAP. I enjoyed every second of it.

[@Devilpeakmotorsports]

I always enjoy these videos! Dale Jr mentioned you at the end of his Wednesday podcast with Waddell Wilson. 👍🏻

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man! I hope we see that happen more soon 👀

[@ServantofYaHi777]

I heard that too, and then you mentioned Dale Jr at the end of your video . I don't believe in coincidences , YaH is up to something.

[@waynekaminski5438]

That was a great interview that Dale Jr. did with Waddell!

[@jbrinTexas]

I’ve been posting on Dale Jrs channel for a couple years telling him he needs to interview Mitch.

[@frankisfunny2007]

Gary had a book out. I'd highly recommend reading it!

[@AER0350]

It takes a trained ear to understand what's going on here but I couldn't stop watching. Gary was just a little before my time. The history of racing lives on! Thank-you for uncovering it.

[@SAVikingSA]

I had a great conversation with Gary at Eastern States in Middletown a few years ago. Standing by the Batmobile, hearing him tell racing tales. My nephew was with me and he had no idea the absolute legend Gary is. I told him afterwards. People have no idea how influential he was to racing in general, and northeast big block modifieds in particular.

[@russellridge8623]

These fellas are hilarious. Completely off the chain. 360° on highway brought back high school in Ft Worth memories. Acquaintance had been to Bob Bondurant driving school. Told me how they used emergency brake to steer/ spin. I wore out my 73’ 340 Duster spinning out until I got hang of it. Time to teach all my buddies again who the street King is. Lol. Rat racing around TCU campus. Two on my tail I do a perfect 180° and I’m gone the way we came. One smashed a curb and the other wound up between 2 houses. Saw them later at drive inn we frequented. “What the F was that???” “Yeah we thought you were crashing!!” 🤣🤣🤣 Told them some years later after they had kids. Maybe I’ll teach their kids how. They’re in high school. Keep up the great work. Your channel is what the History Channel was in the early days.

[@cobramike13bravo63]

Back in the early 90’s our church youth group was in Daytona and we were staying at the Holiday Inn. We had broken stink bombs in the elevator and got called out by some circle track drivers. We ended up drinking beer with them and got the fire department called because they thought there was a gas leak. I almost certain it was Gary and his crew, would love to ask him if he remembered that. Another great video, get all you can before these guys are gone.

[@7viewerlogic670]

LoL

[@4fanintexas]

I watched NASCAR from 1986 - about 2015 or so. I remember Gary's name but never knew much about him. I remember Ramoc Racing and their #75 cars very well however. Thank you for taking the time to do these interviews. You are preserving the history of a once-great sport and we're all better for it. 40 years later and I'm still learning stuff because of these interviews.

[@aaronz9410]

All these gentleman, Gary especially, have lived their lives to the fullest. To be a fly on the wall for some of their stories. I’ve heard stories about my dad who is 76, as well as his brothers, just to be a fly on the wall to see it happening.

[@FrankBilly-t4y]

Growing up in far Northern California were stock car racers. Back in 1980 when I was a sophomore in high school I knew of Gary Balough, Buzzy reutiman, I skipped school one day to watch the Syracuse 200 when he drove the bat mobile I was an instant fan of his. I went home and hand built a scale model of the bat mobile. I followed his career and to me he is one of the greatest drivers of all time

[@chetcalhoun613]

I first saw Gary and Kenny Brightbill at Bridgeport Speedway in South Jersey when he raced the 3 car…5/8 mile dirt track on Saturday nights! This was back in the late 70s or early 80s. Great memories! Saw him again about a year or so later running down at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida! That was cool! Thanks for the video!

[@jimmullis5582]

Another great history "save", Mitchell. Love listening to the old guys remember their exploits. I grew up in Charlotte and was hooked on stock car racing at an early age. Only got to see a handful of the South Florida/ASA type "late model" races with Balough, Trickle and those guys. Fortunately, I did see Balough win one of the World Crown 300 races in Jefferson, GA in 1984 before his "vacation." Gary was as good on dirt as he was on asphalt. I recommend his book to everyone.

[@andrewfletcher5584]

Just love that you just let the camera run and let the stories flow. These guys were a blast to listen to. That's what's missing in NASCAR today. Guy having fun like this, pushing the rules and boundaries.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!!

[@arrowkart4j]

Well it's about time you interviewed Gary, he was one of my favorites here in the Northeast Dirt Modifieds in the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania area.. One of the coolest guys around. My Dad's cars ran with Gary. I have his book and I see him every year at Orange County fair speedway Nostalgia night. Thanks so much.❤😮

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Posting this before I've even watched the video. OH MAN.................I already KNOW this is going to be great!!! On with the show.............and thank you guys............and special thanks to Gary for being kind enough to tell his amazing stories!!!

[@donniehelmly4920]

I grew up in North Florida. So, i was watching Gary every weekend at New Smyrna Speedway. In 1981, I caught a greyhound Bus to New York. To see him race the Syracuse Mile. I was 21 and started hanging out with them at the race track that week. I got lucky, and caught a ride to Jacksonville Florida. To my home...

[@dustinrainmanproductions6858]

What a great way to start my day listening to stories from the greats!! One of my fondest memories was listening to Red Farmer telling me stories about my grandfather Axel Anderson, his amazing stories will forever be cherished. Thank you for putting these gentlemen together and sharing their stories with everyone.

[@Dirtmodmaniac]

Have had many conversations with Gary !! Always amazed by his stories!

[@richreinhart7181]

I got to see Gary race dirt modifieds in the northeast in the 70`s. I've been going to races for 57 years and he may be one of best I ever saw.

[@johnny72Racer1]

This one of my favorite bench racing videos. I started competing/racing in the 1980's. I recently retired from driving at 63. Kinda' satisfied with around 100 wins on dirt and paved speedways. It/life was a hell of a ride. The first grilling experience/food at the speedway I was invited to attend was from Dane Carter in Michigan The cook, none other than "Pancho."

[@tomthomson9354]

Gary is pretty well known here in Central New York thanks to his racing DIRT modifieds. He has multiple wins at Super DIRT week at the Moody Mile in Syracuse NY, including one in the famous Batmobile, a car that's body is loosely based on a Lincoln Continental. He has quite a following here in the Northeast.

[@madcowmark7129]

Thank-you. I've never heard of any of those guy's. But I come from Australia. But I enjoyed it, and could sit around for hours listening to them.

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@mickeykervin416]

I really enjoyed this video. I remember when Gary showed up a West Palm Beach Fairgrounds Speedway. Gary was a really good driver from the start. The stories told are just a tip of the iceberg of the shenanigans they pulled

[@RobertCT86]

i havent watched the video yet but i already know its going to be great, here in upstate NY, Gary's "Batmobile" is imfamous and the main reason DIRT northeast modifieds went to spec chassis in the 80s, seen Gary many times and he always ready to tell a story.

[@gregorygolden1296]

Think every big block modified today is in one form or another a descendant of Gary's and Kenny's BATMOBILE. Those guys did their homework. Gary and Kenny are Legends.

[@larryjohnson7591]

I was on the edge of my chair the whole time. I cannot believe I sat here the whole time and all of a sudden, video is over. Great Job. I really loved this one.

[@jefferyrobertson7520]

Gary Balough Was NASCAR Winston Cup Series Driver From The 70s 80s And Early 90s Also Bob Rahilly Of Rahmoc Enterprises NASCAR Winston Cup Series Team Owner From 1978 To 1993 Thanks For Uploading

[@michaelsorrentino9279]

Someone has been around a while !!

[@motorcoachtech7615]

Thanks for bringing these ‘epic’ stories to us. Gary Balough is as much of a legend as Mark Martin, Dick Trickle, Junior Hanley etc in the short track world. His success is almost un-matched, from Hialeah, Syracuse, New Smyrna and places in between. He was innovated, talented in the short track world. I would like to know, with all the different builders car chassis he has driven (other than Kenny Welds Batmobile) which was his favourite? I know he has driven Frings, Dillon, Hanley, and more. The things he has seen and done would fill 10 lifetimes. Can’t wait till more episodes come out . Thanks Mitchell and Logan

[@Stapleton42]

Good question! Thanks man!!

[@KEIFabrication]

Oh my gosh! That was the best of all time! GOLD! I knew of Gary but my son gave me his book for Christmas and I read it cover to cover and couldn't put it down. I watched every interview I could find. This the icing on the cake! Thank you for all the hard work you and your team does to produce these GEMS!

[@bobbywoodward332]

😂😂😂

[@Duckcin]

Gary “Hot Shoe” Balough he raced Pensacola a lot he could drive like hell. He’s a trip for sure. Thanks

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

I've been a "Hot Shoe" Gary Balough fan since the 70's. He was on heck of a race car driver, dirt or asphalt.... didn't matter. He had his issues, but let he among us that hasn't sinned cast the first stone Thank you for this video!

[@jasonshurtz9885]

This is an hour of pure gold, great stories. ❤

[@ClumsyCardboard]

Certainly heard of him before, but man, I certainly learned some more stories! Thanks for this, and all the great work you continue to do.

[@Hobocreekfarm]

Only five minutes in and grinning. I love listening to any old timers sitting around like this. No matter what they are talking about.

[@dougderby9454]

Gary is a true legend. Keep them coming.

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man we will!

[@Naniss1965]

Absolutely love your videos Stapleton! Please, don't ever stop producing these videos that teaches us the Precious history and Rich heritage of NASCAR!🏁✨️👍🏽👍🏽

[@TORC_Crew]

Thank you for doing this! Gary is a legend and you’re keeping his story alive. 👍🏻

[@JonathanOsborne-g7w]

I want to thank you Mitch for taking the time with these old timers before even my day I'm 58 years old and I enjoy all the old stock car carbureted car days even from the 70s when they had the super 6 class you should talk to some guys that used to race the super 6 class in line 6 are some engines to hear in the day on the dirt tracks God bless you

[@HammerPowered]

Regarding Logan's comment at the end where she says about "everyone thinks...", nah, not everyone. No doubt in my mind she's getting the work done on her own. Keep doing your thing, Logan.

[@speedofsand]

I moved to Daytona in 1980, my dad soon started helping at New Smyrna Speedway and was there just about every Saturday night for about 25 years. I worked many Speedweeks as extra help. The 80s & 90s were the best days. Gary Balough had serious competition back then. World Series of Asphalt was better than anything.

[@VATION3RD-GEN-X-GARAGE]

Great video keep up the good work

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man 💪🏻

[@DBRWholesale]

One of the greatest short tracck drivers of all time. I have watched him at manyy tracks and was at Charlotte when he won the Busch race., I have stayed at motels that he stayed at more than once he is every bit as wild as what you have heard here and then some.

[@TanDawg58]

Cool to see the Rahilly's. I think that Bob or Dick is involved with the FDNY 28 Truck, (crew chief I think?)

[@DeathDealer1911]

This maybe one of the best yet. Gary is a wild man

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man yes he is!

[@pat36a]

Raced against the 112 at New Smyrna back in the 80's. That was the local track , he'd come in for the big shows and Speedweeks. Was there the year Gary showed up with his half Mustang/Camaro for speedweeks. New Smyrna wouldn't let him run that "Half Breed". Gary didn't race, he stayed in his parking spot and F"""ed with the Officals every night. 1 guy came up and told Gary that an Offical said he wasn't afraid of Gray and his crew because he had a pistol. When Gary heard this, he said the Official gun goes pop, pop ,pop. Gary's said his gun goes Rat a tat tat.....

[@bobbyeast3053]

Great to see my Uncle Dick and Bob, 2 of the biggest influences in my life.

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Very cool! Haven't been in for a bit, been real busy out here but no lurking today, back to hear some cool stories and some more history. Appreciate you & Logan always, you guys rock! Thank you again & keep up the great work!

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you Mark! Glad to see you back in the comments

[@alanhaines2544]

Gary what a great guy I met him at the Snowball Derby a couple times

[@DirtyWhite0311]

Your videos are the Best! Awesome stuff and great info…I live in Riverside, Ca., and went to the races as a kid! Seeing some of these old timers and hearing their stories is really cool. Brings back a ton of memories! Ty and respect to you Sir for doing these! Keep up the great work!💯👊

[@Markdpresley]

Crazy stories. Those rental car stories made me wonder if the movie days of thunder didn’t use them in the script. Crazy stuff.

[@Stapleton42]

This was just the tip of the iceberg for the era. Many guys abused rental cars 😂

[@brianbeilmann2992]

Nice. A bit like listening to your parents talk when a kid. They didn’t know you were listening. Going to have to watch/listen too this one again!

[@Stapleton42]

great comparison lol

[@garycrawford1021]

Your venue allows me to revisit fond memories as well as inside/insightful education.

[@alvarsdzenis4739]

Here's an FYI for you. 90% of "wild caught" Salmon is farmed Atlantic Salmon.

[@joshuanutter5454]

Love these style videos. It keeps the racing fire burning inside. Great job guys!!

[@scottjackson5236]

Mercy. What a group. I bet this could’ve been a 2 day video and still not heard all of the stories. Thanks for putting this together.

[@davemckidd6165]

I was fortunate enough to see the Weld built 112 "Lincoln" destroy the field at Syracuse in 1980. Good times!!

[@Mopar318]

I love how they run the show. Nothing but respect

[@radmanrob]

Grew up in Hialeah, know them all... This should say 70's . Gary was racing up and down the east coast in those days... Good stories enjoyed it... keep up the great work!!!

[@stevebastien4787]

Love these raw videos with the old boys, thx

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you like them!

[@arthurhouston3]

So many memories we were here for all of this. Changed tiers for Red Farner Kenner La and Baton Rouge La. Watched Davey at BIR. Watch Gary B with penski truck infield Penscola Snowball Bill Gazaway stand right behind us watching the black bags going out the truck. Hot Shoes Belue

[@jimhaines8370]

The times were sure different then and the wild stuff that when on is a classic part of our racing history too never to happen with this corporate world of racing today. I am glad I signed up with Good Chop when they sponsored the first video a few months ago. Thanks for the hook up with the discount on great products with the Stapleton Good Chop deal. Yes I knew of Balough"s racing career from the racing news papers back in the days which was mostly National Speed Sport and Tri-State Speed Press and the few oval track magazines back then but all gone now no more print media. Thanks again for taking the time and money to make all the videos very import to record our history while we still have them around.

[@openoutlaw]

I knew about Gary through Dale Jr’s download but prior to that never heard of him. Dale Jr covered some of high points of Gary’s story and was very interesting. I think you covered more of who he was. Really good video. You guys are covering some very good topics and people. I love what you 2 are doing. Keep going.

[@ThatGuyCamer0n]

Just got done binging the nascar playlist and then this comes out thank you!!

[@gregorygolden1296]

There were so many GREAT drivers who ran weekly at Hialeah and Palm Beach back in those days. I ran at Hialeah in the early 90's. Was a honor to just be able to race at a track that so many top drivers in EVERY class. Once I even led a feature for a while in a Thundercar. Highlight of my racing days. Gary was beyond smart.

[@Michael-oi6qd]

Should of asked Gary where Mario Rossi is

[@calvin8711]

Amazing loved every minute of this interview

[@BrockThompson-v5j]

Gary is an icon up here in the northeast! Got to meet him on many occasions. He has so many stories to tell and he can remember most of them like it just happened yesterday. I got see him with Batmobile on the moody mile man that’s one track I would have love see Larson or bell or even Busch try to run hey billy the kid pauch ran the fast 410 sprint car around that track

[@5jr.racing982]

I knew of him from the infamous "batmobile" Dirt Modified at Syracuse NY....😮

[@angelsoutlawsmotorsportsup5532]

I only knew of Gary from a stock car. Racing magazine article back in late seventies or eighties , but was always fascinated with the storytelling ability of this man

[@billmegnin9288]

He drove my favorite dirt car ever. The Batmobile. Raced it in my home town at the Syracuse Mile.

[@chrisedgemon4943]

hell of a driver used to keep his car roped off an always ran chrome wheels could drive anything but had the money to play all he wanted I listened to the series about the Mario rossi disappearance he don't like talking about that

[@kevinshields8278]

Awesome as always! I knew Gary's name for the other things plus being a driver, Jr's podcast with him never told these stories which I thoroughly enjoyed! I really miss the old days when people could be so creative with so called rules probably why I don't watch cup series anymore when a piece of tape can get you penilized! I think small tire noprep racing is the most wild West of racing out there today yet with the money for a lot of events it's about to be ruined before too long. Thanks for the video, I'm glad you are interviewing legends!

[@Stapleton42]

thank you for being here for it Kevin!

[@brendandillinger9903]

Balough is the man! Thanks Mitchell for the quality videos!

[@truckerdan3592]

Love the videos and I've been a Nascar fan for 40 years this year my first race was the 1984 Daytona 500 watching on tv

[@Chloecatca]

This was great to watch! These guys are awesome! Thanks, for sharing!! 🏁🏆❤️

[@jahblessin3996]

I grew up in MiaMi. Born 1984. Started racing go karts at the old F1 cart speedway behind Miami Jai Alai in 1995 also raced at the Hialeah speedway Naples and Jacksonville. Later ran the FASTRUCK series until we couldn’t afford it anymore we raced all over the state at a lot of these tracks. Funny desoto now is the freedom factory

[@RobRoane]

JFC, I’m from the south but I need subtitles with these guys

[@Stapleton42]

😂

[@jamesstafford62]

In this group only 3 ARE FROM the south lol

[@CrewGuyPJ]

When Farmer broke his leg, it was Donnie Allison that made the trough. The crew had modified the throttle as well..running a cable sideways for Red to push on vs a pedal. Problem was the cast wouldnt move well as Red had to push straight down with his entire leg. He mentioned it to Donnie and Donnie then poured the vigalube(sp) in the trough and it worked.

[@David-if1ou]

You guys got just a fraction of Garys life. When I was racing in local short track series around the 80s I got to talk to him. When he spoke you were just all ears. He was kind of the short track Dale Earnhardt. That man could drive a racecar.

[@alfee9411]

Yes Mitchell You blazed the trail ... Keep diggin Your interviews are better than most and they are all following your shadow in many ways! Thanks for having Gary He was da man and they didn't like it... lol

[@louisgerrain8944]

I watched all of Gary's wins at Syracuse when i was a kid. Some of the best memories of growing up was going to Super Dirt Week!

[@garycrawford1021]

One of the many aspects of appeal and beauty of your presentation is histrionics re North American motor racing. The more I see the more I like. I will relent. Ya got me rollin

[@artnascar9748]

Thanks Mitchell for all the racing history stories and memories. ✌️🇺🇸

[@MikesRepair]

God you could let this be a 4 hour video. These are the guys to hang out in the shop after hours with and just let them talk.

[@speedmaverick]

The guy who helped me when I was a chief in the truck series was Gary's crew chief in his earlier days. Ray Stonkus was an innovator who never got his due IMO. Gary never mentions him. Always wondered if there was bad blood because Ray talked to me about some of the cheating they did together. Just like the stories told Tiger and many others told me about, pretty legendary stuff...

[@taylormeli]

I was always told that Gary was one bad MoFo at new Smyrna speedway or anywhere for that matter. I was told that he’d roll out of that ol RV all boogered up and tell guys that he’d take their 10th place car & win. The man was truly a wheelman but didn’t play by the rules 🤙 cool time in history. He’s like a local legend I hear people talking about him sitting around the fire telling ol racing story’s. “Back story is my 1/2 brothers side of the family were local late model racers and always ran the 00 rainbow car in the nineties 👍”

[@Blackswan19874]

Oh Man Mitchell!! You really dug up a great story teller and a guy who could have had a lot of NASCAR wins , stellar career up North and all over in Late Models , but the crew he hooked up with were certainly not choir boys !!

[@jeffdacook4294]

Remember him racing up here in the north .. Great driver and innovator.

[@ricknorris6943corvair]

I had heard of Gary from stories I read. You guys should put out a history collection of your video's. This is history nobody has ever really done.

[@uncledave56]

Watched Gary race in late 70's and 80's at Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown , NY, 5/8 mile dirt track.

[@richardkrauss2747]

He is wearing a Savoy Automobile Museum t-shirt. It is located in Cartersville, GA and worth a visit…..

[@mikebougher3731]

I haven't watched yet but I know this video will be awesome. Thanks for everything you guys do.

[@LloydCollier-t5j]

Lloyd From DownUnder ;Awesome content guyz ,, There is absolutely nothing like having half a dozen of yu Ol Racing buddies hanging around the workshop on Friday night having a barbie & a FEW bourbons bullchittin about the good ol days,, it happens worldwide and are the best times ever,, this an awesome bit of good ol racing stories ,, LOVE IT GUYS ,, THANKYOU ,, Take Care & Keep On Keeping On ,, Its Enjoyed by all my mates I send it to and they rely on me to pass on your stories. 👍👌🏁🏁🏁

[@gooseflatwaterfowlers]

Gary Balough is an icon when it comes to “creativity” in a race car. Stapleton did you know you were mentioned in this week’s Dale Jr Download?

[@Stapleton42]

Yes I did! 💪🏻

[@gooseflatwaterfowlers]

@@Stapleton42 I hope you are asked to be a guest on there. It would be great episode

[@LevyMorris-r1t]

Another that raced back and was a winner. He was the person to beat in Myrtle Beach in the 50's. Dink Windenhouse he was from Daytona Beach and drove the B 29, blue and white. I think it was a 1937 Ford but I do not remember who he drove for. He is the one I told you that wrecked on the very first night at the NEW Rambi Speedway on the track by himself before the race started that night.

[@jdhaase1417]

Hot Shoe Balough. One of the best books I ever read.

[@matthewmcdonnell2166]

Cool stuff man, fun time it looked like. Thank you!