The Birth of a Legend: NASCAR's Early Days and Pioneers (Bill Blair Jr's Personal Museum)

[@Stapleton42]

It blows my mind to think this stuff was happening almost 100 years ago now. In my mind the 1920s still registers as 80 something years ago 😵‍💫 Stapletonautoworks.com

[@steeliewheelies]

Same here…”50 years ago” is still the 1950s or earlier to me

[@rodney1818]

I have a 1/24 scale Big Bear semi truck I've had since I was a child

[@mickeyspeer4919]

Man I just thought, you probably weren’t far from Engle Hollow. You have got to find somebody to take you through Junior Johnson shop. I don’t know how much is left but Flossie ended up with the old place. We need to see what’s still there.

[@outfitsgarage88]

Some of the tuning technics he was talking about my dad taught me how to do. He would have been 88 years old now if he was still with us. A lot of old school knowledge left with him.

[@Stapleton42]

@@mickeyspeer4919 The people who live there now want to wait a while before filming anything there

[@sbcbuilder4279]

My dad gave me a 1946 Ford truck with a flathead and said "If you want to learn to be a mechanic, figure out why this truck has no power." My dad never told me that only 2 cylinders actually had compression. I changed the points, the spark plugs and took the carb all apart. I did this after school. I was only 10 years and I was excited that if I got it to run I would get to drive it. After 1 month of thrashing on this I finally asked for help to which my dad then taught me about why an engine needs compression to make it run. It is pretty rare today to have the art of repair taught that way anymore. Keep this kind of videos coming.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man! We will

[@Bbbbad724]

My dad and uncle’s did the same thing with me. When the 352 and the 361 Edsel Police Interceptors came out, they’d be in 49 Fords and they would lay in the gravel. The first multiple carb FE intakes and Fenton headers would stay all over those 283 Chevys. The Fords were good handling being low to the ground. The 283s could rev up though.

[@alfee9411]

Gotta have "squish" as the old timers said to me ...

[@Timbo428CJ]

Mitchell, you've only scratched the surface of the "OLD" Nascar era beginnings. I can't wait to see what you've uncovered next. The more your channel gets out there, the more I'd like to think the ole timers left will contact you to tell you their stories. Keep at it !!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!

[@Bbbbad724]

I ll tell ya Mitchell these with the first OHVs were crazy. The 303 Rocket 88 in a 39 Ford.

[@brianbeilmann2992]

Yes. This is history at its best. The guys this time. Hell ya.

[@NoraBear61]

😮😊

[@alfee9411]

Yes that's what we hope for. Solid interviews always!!

[@woodyholland9865]

Every time I watch one of these things, I am amazed at the memory these folks have. Mr Blair is 86 and his mind is still very sharp. Thanks for doing this. It is something that will one day be lost.

[@Carolinaishome]

Was born and raised in High Point. My grandmother was a Blair. If I remember she was a cousin. My father was raised on Clover Hill Farms dairy across the street from the old High Point speedway down on Johnson street. I met Bill Blair once as a kid at Harb's Garage. They had several old vintage racecars there for a carshow. He knew my dad and they talked for awhile. I was blown away that I was actually related to him. Back then I was a huge Nascar fan.

[@sethcollins1770]

I'll be, we are cousins. My grandmother was Alwayne Blair, she grew up on the farm

[@alexsmith1116]

I’m also in the family tree! My grandmother was Patricia Blair (Bill Jr’s sister). It’s a shame I don’t know much about my family’s history, my dad never talked about his grandfather/my great grandfather (Bill Sr)

[@joshjones3408]

You can tell he really enjoys talking about the history of his dad an moonshine hauling an racing... 👌👌👍👍

[@theonly9]

My grandmas dad was racing these cars. He was a moonshiner in GA. We had a great photo of him and his team with the car at the track in black and white.

[@georgedreisch2662]

The flat head / jerrycan dry sump, and oil pre-heat, blew me away. Realizing it ain’t for everyone, seems many of these “visits”, understandably, get edited down. Maybe, “extended” versions, in all your free time,😜, on your second channel, could be a long term goal? All of these episodes seem to have details, of innovations, that flash me back, that I suspect, would be of interest to other’s as well. Great job Mitchell and Logan, preserving this history, not only of the various sports, but, the evolution of technology and innovation.

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man!

[@IndianGraveGarage]

Wow, who would have thought that they were running nitro in the 40's, and no oil filters! This guy is a walking historian....loved it!! Keep em coming!

[@b.w.22]

Hey man - I’m writing an additional comment because I’ve been rewatching some videos of yours and thinking about your project here. First, it was so cool to revisit Jimmy Means’ videos and have more click into place, now that I’ve learned even more about him and the “Winston Cup” racing we all love. You two really are creating a body of work of histories and interviews, primary sources, that will serve as a reference for others. It is already doing this, and I’ve said it a lot, but this is super worthwhile. For example, Waddell refuting the rumor about the “show car from a local Hardee’s wins Daytona” is legit important history, without which the “funny story” becomes fact. So yeah, again, thank you. I also wanted to encourage trying to get more interviews like this one, with people who experienced things first-hand but aren’t so famous that they have “set answers” to things after being interviewed so many times. People that come to mind are Robert Gee Jr., Tony Eury Jr., Jimmy Means’ son, the bus and hauler drivers, production assistants at CBS or MRN, less prominent NASCAR officials like flag men or the guys who stood at each pit, etc. I’m sure this has occurred to you guys and you definitely feature folks like the fabricator “Rambo,” but surely someone like Greg Sacks would have a ton of insight on Cup racing, Hendrick, as well as Days of Thunder since he drove as “Cole Trickle.” Anyway, just some ideas!

[@Stapleton42]

You are very right and we plan on doing just that!

[@jeffreykoller8929]

You have a dream job and do a fantastic job. Keep up the great job. I wish someone would do something with the old time hot rodders and customizers.

[@Stapleton42]

@@jeffreykoller8929 Thanks man! Who comes to mind? Maybe we can do some of that.

[@Ratkat71]

You two have knocked it out of the park again! Just when I thought you got it all you stepped back further in history and found an absolute gem! Blair is a human time machine. I'm so impressed, thank you for this episode it was truly impressive.

[@Stapleton42]

thank you!!

[@joshjones3408]

(Fancy cap) A wicked stretch of road... right up there with mount eagle mountain right out side Chattanooga TN when it was a 2 Lane...

[@thedr309]

its my buddy!! such a great man and even better friend! hope you got Jack Tant on your list! his wife Sheila is a wonderful pperson as well. you could of made this video 4 days long and you still would of only scratched the surface. he was on my radio show more times than i can count and always fun and always gracious with his time and knowledge .

[@jimhaines8370]

Also people don’t remember how bad brakes and tires and cars handled back then it’s amazing anybody towing and running hard survived. Pontiac at times over the years have some really special stuff. Yes we watch the videos to the end for sure

[@Stapleton42]

Absolutely. We appreciate you Jim

[@KillerGrubwithMarkBagley]

Bill Blair Jr, wow what a historic life I mean he was around for the forming of what eventually became NASCAR!!! I am like WTF he's 86 years old still going strong telling his stories sharing his wealth of knowledge, bless this man. Mitchell and Logan y'all never cease to amaze me with the content you make, thank you once again for sharing this with all of us, it's a blessing. Thank you !

[@Ezzz-of3gr]

When I was 17, Fonty Flock, took me around the Daytona International Speedway in a Florida Hiway Patrol Car at 150 MPH.... No seatbelt, helmet, nothing... He was a great guy... Took me into Frances office. Introduced me and gave me a small card signed by Bill France. I was a dumb kid but he took the time to do that...great guy. True Story..

[@mclaggen6144]

I knew both methanol and nitro were around back then but i never would have thought they would be running them in a 40's flathead at full noise for hours on end

[@Stapleton42]

SAME

[@gmwillys]

Outstanding work! Please air the remaining footage. The amount of knowledge that Mr. Blair has must be preserved for all to see. Keep up the great work!

[@Barleywine14]

Bill Blair is a good man. Always like talking to him.

[@jesselyall7519]

Sad that in 150 years unless ur a prominant or popular person. We will not be remembered in future generations. Sad. An thanks for what an all ya do to preserve history. Much appreciated

[@joegilly1523]

Bill Giving a great History lesson,thank you.

[@Stapleton42]

Our pleasure!

[@MRosati5000]

@@Stapleton42 Your channel has great content. From outside Philly.

[@codydutton9976]

Southwest Virginia had one of the first Virginia dirt tracks post WW2. It was called Southwest Virginia Speedway. There is very little literature in existence about it. It was located in Marion Virginia. The location is a hayfield today but can be seen from the road. Bill Blair is noted in one of articles about racing here along with Curtis Turner.

[@jamesferguson768]

this has got to be the coolest thing I've seen on KZbin and a long time!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks James!

[@ShakeTheFrostOff]

You’re providing an outstanding service of documenting authentic American history. Thank you, your work is invaluable.

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you very much!

[@cobramike13bravo63]

Mitch, just when I think you can’t possibly beat your last video. You can tell how much this old timer loved and admired his dad. Thanks for sharing bud, what a wealth of knowledge, he reminds me of my grandfather.

[@LMULLIKIN44]

Great video, Thanks again for keeping old NASCAR alive.

[@tedzehnder961]

The gentleman has a lot of history and some good stories and memorabilia .

[@jaredoaks6317]

Audio sounds great with the guest wearing the microphone. You and Logan are documenting racing history for generations to come. Keep up the awesome work

[@Stapleton42]

thank you jared!

[@rooster_holyfield]

Man I love that you want to preserve this stuff. You said something in one of the race shop videos, that you like to stand where those buildings and just think about who else has stood there. I do the same thing! I’m 39 years old and I feel the generation behind me doesn’t care yet. So it’s awesome you are doing all of this!

[@jamolepley9340]

These videos are Priceless bro don't stop doing this man it's very interesting I love listening to the Old Timers talk❤

[@greenmirror5555]

omg the original "hub" dyno! What a find! Great Video Mitchell! Thank You all! I also love him discussing lb/hr needs for type of fuel and timing adjustments...I see sun distributor machine under a cover against the wall! This is pretty high tech stuffs!

[@bobo1959er]

Stapleton42 You are the Bomb! One more generation and no one will understand . These are priceless.

[@Stapleton42]

Well said. Man. That one more generation statement is very true. I will remember that one and use it later...

[@shawsgarage3635]

Thanks!

[@gcrauwels941]

I am so thankful that you're preserving the memories of NASCAR's pioneers. That supercharger was wild.

[@ldnwholesale8552]

Watch Iron Trap Garage,, he is using that sort of stuff!

[@bluegrassboy2448]

This. Is. Pure. Gold.

[@kennethward3354]

Thank you an much Respect for the Blair Family

[@guns-gas-diesel]

Outstanding! The Pontiac history was off the hook.

[@daverenfroe3645]

ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!!!! Mr. Blair is the PERFECT person to ask and I was going to send you a recommendation to contact him ! THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!!!

[@jamesjones-qj5jg]

Thank you sir please keep telling the history of nascar you are awesome me and my dad watch all your videos just know that there are people out there that really appreciate what you’re doing

[@joegilly1523]

Very cool that Bill gave you a really cool tour.

[@Stapleton42]

Definitely! He is a great guy

[@joshjones3408]

There is more metal an history..in the latch he used to open the hood at 3:07....then most men well be able to understand much less even try to achieve...... I'd like to thank you again you an your miss...for getting out an getting this stuff documented....I can not speak for every one but this say more about who y'all are an where yall well go in life an i believe it's going to be all the way to the top....👌👌👌👍👍👍👍 great video 👍👍

[@tarheelpatch3386]

Another neat story is the Sox & Martin drag racing story, out of Burlington NC alot of those guys are still living.

[@Stapleton42]

Working on that one with Buddy Martin and Herb McCandless!

[@augieschultz2530]

Man I love this stuff. You’re doing a fantastic job of capturing these stories and personalities. Thank you.

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@jimhaines8370]

Grancor was the brand that the Granatelli brothers had made and sold back in Chicago before the Indy 500 days and Studebaker and the world famous STP era

[@stuartpulvermacher6861]

It must take a lot of searching to find all this old school history Its really cool Thanks to you and Logan for bringing us old guys along Much appreciated

[@theskilz00]

My hometown of High Point North Carolina was well represented during that era! Very nice video guys! Thank you both.

[@robertellison4691]

Bob Welborn and Jimmy Lewallen were two other racers in Nascar early days from High Point. Maybe Jim Pascal also.

[@throttlewatch4614]

Thank you Mitchell for bringing us this awesome history content

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joehoulihan5305]

How you guys find all these great stories that need to be told is amazing!! Thanks again for keep this piece of history alive! So Cool!

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you Joe!

[@outfitsgarage88]

Very cool video. I really enjoy the olden days of racing and Nascar. The history my stay alive. Keep-a-hammerin Stapelton42

[@YesSir34]

Love your ch dude. Your content is awesome. Keep finding these people so they can share before the stories are lost!

[@Mikesacco1B]

Thirty seconds in and I new this was gold. Great stuff!!

[@waynewilliams8554]

Bill really caught me off guard,, when he pointed to a photo of him racing in West Palm Beach, Fl. Sadly they demolished the entire facility 2 years ago and left it without building what they bought it for. Fantastic video!!

[@gregorygolden1296]

I knew Jack Choquette who was the '53 or '54 NASCAR National Modified Champion. Was a really cool man. If he told me something about my racecar I did it. Jack is surely missed. GOD BLESS Mr. Choquette.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Love what you are doing... Preserving, and finding, history is SO important.

[@Stapleton42]

thank you!

[@Robdrummerman3]

Thank you for showcasing the enginuity behind the founding idea of NASCAR!!!

[@Stapleton42]

Our pleasure!

[@Mark-um7ey]

Wow, just wow! Awesome that you have documented his story! Thanks y'all, good stuff!

[@shanedowie8993]

Absolutely amazing to hear and see that stuff. What a treasure he is to be still here to share his stories. Brilliant job capturing it all. I even heard him say that he had audio of some meetings organizing rules….just amazing !!

[@robertsteele5215]

We're lucky to have lived long enough to hear from these old moonshiners tell there story's. Thank you!!

[@Stapleton42]

It was an honor to get to hear them! Thank you Robert

[@evanwilliams6406]

This is the pioneer era, if it weren't for guys like Bill Blair from this era, there would be no NASCAR that we have today. Bill stands on NASCAR's win list with three wins.

[@b.w.22]

This was really interesting, getting to see the connective tissue between moonshine running and racing. Fully support this part of your work, tracking down stories and figures who had a closer connection to the stock car racing NASCAR is named after.

[@greenmirror5555]

The pontiac stuff can be a video to itself. I remember Dave Johnson running I think a Jerico 4 speed in the white warrior 63 Tempest nostalgia super stock banging gears at Norwalk raceway park. The early 60s Tempest has very classic lines...love em!

[@Stapleton42]

That would be cool

[@Greaseland]

Old Nascar and a big time Pontiac drag racer.Wow!

[@gordonward4671]

Oh man I loved this guy a wealth of information

[@moparmyles4312]

Awesome content. So glad these guys are still around for you to get all this knowledge from. Thanks for all your hard work in keeping this history alive.

[@mrad6533]

Mr 42 you found your passion and doing a great job with this

[@irieman442]

Thanks for doing this you two. We really appreciate it. I am so happy you spent the day with Ed Pink. He is a drag racing legend. Get Prudhomme next, he has some stories. Take a couple days and visit his shop in California. It's awseome!!

[@Stapleton42]

I would love to. Maybe Kenny Wallace can help us with that

[@irieman442]

I bet the Pedregron family or the Rahal family could help... or anyone that knows them. We need the same type of history in NHRA. Keep it coming. The legends and their stories are slowly fading@@Stapleton42

[@Mr1957CHEVY]

It’s a history lesson that is fun with all the stories behind every part 🏁🏁🏁

[@Frank-sf1wh]

I just found your channel, I’m glad I did. I used to race too, some of the tracks I was on are gone now. Eugene, Oregon. Riverside, California, are just 2 of the tracks I played on.

[@Stapleton42]

welcome to the team Frank!

[@charlotteann7241]

i happy that u r doing the preservation of these cool guys....like u say we would not have the things we take for granted in the car world if it were not for guys like him and his dad,

[@OlSgtLove]

Love seeing all the early parts and stories!!!! To hear this Gentleman's knowlodge and history !!! Great Stuuff !!!

[@Radikul71]

Another great video Mitchell ! Love hearing the old stories and the old tricks that were used way beck in the days ! And I agree , hanging the microphone on your guest's make them very easy to hear as some are not easily understable at times , You on the other hand have a very clear distinct voice and is easily heard . Keep up the good work !

[@RAEckart22]

44:00 It's good to finally set the record straight. Not to take anything away from Tim Richmond, but looks like Fonty Flock was the first to "Let it all hang out"

[@michaelanderson8053]

If possible play the whole unedited video I would love to watch the whole thing. Thank you for your wonderful videos.

[@Thebassguru84]

That old timer knows where everything is and what it does in that shop

[@Stapleton42]

He sure does

[@DavidLeslie65]

It's amazing how you have managed to find so much history of stock car racing

[@Stapleton42]

there is a lot of it!!

[@Mercmad]

There's some great vids on you tube taken from Bills car as he races against other flattie powered racers. I'm also a great fan of the '39 Std Coupe. I had one in my teens which had been a circuit racer!. It was my only car so it was my daily. Grancor on the intake manifold was the Granatelli Brothers of STP fame and the Novi indy cars. And numerous records on the salt in the 1960's. They also owned Mc McCullough supercharger company too. They Branded them as the Paxton Supercharger . Bill Paxton-McCullough also invented the Mc McCullough Chain saw!.

[@roadkingryder6685]

Damnitboy. You knocked this one outta the park. I remember being a fan of this guy drag racing in the late 60's and early 70's and wondered whatever happened to him. I really had no idea who he was and certainly didn't know anything about who his dad was and his connection to pre Nascar stock car racing and moonshining. This is definitely one of your best videos yet. What a wealth of knowledge and a cool dude this man is. I bet he does have some stories. LOL Great job by you and Logan. You guys are absolutely crushing it!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!! Small world!

[@PatrickNash-sg6wz]

How could you not root for the strip teaser?haha..

[@1_Lost_Soul]

I like your passion and enthusiasm. I appreciate you. Keep up the good work young man. I wish that a lot of people had the same kind of fire that you've got. Unfortunately times have changed.. people have changed.. and racing has changed. I've been in and around the sport for almost 60 years and it's incredible to see what was to now what is. Regardless, don't ever give up what you're doing. It's fantastic. 👍

[@santerresongarage7486]

Wow!, just wow man, you guys keep doing what you do, amazing interview like always. Big fan of your channel. J. F.🇨🇦

[@Stapleton42]

Much appreciated!

[@shafferjoe1962]

I loved it. He is a walking talking history book. Keep them coming, I love this. God bless you both.

[@Stapleton42]

We will don't worry!

[@steeliewheelies]

Very cool thank you for documenting and preserving this history

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man it’s an honor to do it!

[@ThatGuyWithTheRedDakota]

I swear I had a grin from ear to ear watching this. This is the best video yet! Man you're just killing it!!!

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man that is my goal for every video for at least one person to say it was their favorite!

[@ThatGuyWithTheRedDakota]

@Stapleton42 I don't think thats the first I've felt that way and I have no doubts that I'll be saying it again.

[@bobsnyder2449]

The new microphone placement works great. Thanks Mitchell! 🏁

[@Stapleton42]

Good to hear!

[@joeroyward6457]

Mr. and Mrs. Stapleton again you have thoroughly impressed with old 75 year old. Uncle Albert and Thomas brother Fayetteville North Carolina is Mr. Blair is the real deal he knows more about the real era of racing 40s 50s and 60s and most people share all those things with me and you to share them with us. Thank you, I got cold chills some of the things that he wrote back real memories for me because I followed my uncles around just like he did his dad. round just like he did his dad. Thank you again very much. Look forward to the next.

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you !

[@JimmyOliver-g6f]

Mr . Blair is a living encyclopedia.

[@brianbeilmann2992]

Damn I missed the picture explanation. That’s freaking great

[@jmkenny]

This guy is such a badass! 65mph behind a station wagon 😂 This episode was amazing, thank you🙏

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man!!

[@johnmorgan4921]

That was great! You guys are doing a great job gathering this history. That early supercharger was really cool, well, everything was really cool!! Thanks, cheers!!

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Hobocreekfarm]

We appreciate ever video you do for us. Not much on the internet do I find important , but this my good man sure is.

[@Stapleton42]

thank you very much sir

[@JonAustin-vu8cc]

Aura a great program I use it all the time

[@speedwaystevecronk6680]

Every time I watch one of your new Racing History video I learn something or are reminded of something I had not thought about for a while. I myself would have no problems with a hour and a half video learning history and early horsepower tricks . today is there a wholesale / retail supplier for Nitromethane ? NHRA gets it somewhere. Thanks for all the camera / edit work. Mr. Blair is a great interview and his collection is outstanding.

[@Stapleton42]

Good question Steve!

[@waynekaminski5438]

Wow, the amount of flammable, volatile substances these old timers were handling in their back yards and shops...just think of it as homemade chemistry labs but used for a very specific purpose of racing! Thanks for Mr. Blair. His collection is really good instruction on how racing was done in the 1940's. He was right in the thick of NASCAR beginnings.

[@Stapleton42]

Totally! I can't even imagine. Bill told a story of a big explosion but I think it got lost in the editing process shuffle

[@RAEckart22]

That you could just buy whatever chemical you felt like, unexplained & unregulated - WOW

[@newtonfirefly3584]

@@RAEckart22 Yes, as the US Constitution is written, intended with NO Government Regulations, Restrictions, Authoritarian Governance/ They still knew they required the 18A to prohibit Alcohol Beverages, then the repeal 21A. then the Plaintiffs to sue in US Supreme Court to remove the US Congress Alcohol Beverage Prohibition Act, rule, as Unconstitutional in 1934 post 21A, thus Null and Void !! Will any citizens follow these with proper legal action, suits again thus achieve the same results ?!

[@steeliewheelies]

I don’t like not knowing either. I know I thanked you already but I just came back to finish this and got to the end. Hell yeah man, I want to know it all

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man!

[@Coalblack79k10]

This channel is amazing some of this stuff would’ve never been heard by anyone but his family if not for you 👍

[@twister563]

i never realize how much robert gee had an impact on racing and bill blair sr and jr the same way thank you so much for this video iwished you could have got but i realize its not easy to do

[@user-yt8jr3ec9u]

Great video! Mr. Blair sure had a great memory. Thanks for doing these videos, I have been following NASCAR and NHRA since mid ‘60s, I have heard of a lot of those people he mentioned in the video but I had never heard of him or his dad. Would be interesting to hear how you found out about them. Good job!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man! We met Bill at the NC auto racing hall of fame events!

[@DownwardFlame]

Awesome stuff! Very cool to see more on the vintage cars and the people behind them. I race a vintage class in Eastern WA/ North Idaho. '28-'48 original steel bodies, straight axles and leaf springs, and either flathead v8 or inline sixes for power. Some of the most fun I've ever had! The cars always get a TON of attention.

[@Stapleton42]

Man that is awesome

[@Cobra-Scott]

This video was very educational. Love hearing about the history.

[@brianbeilmann2992]

That car is wow what a machine.

[@manowire2112]

My favorite episode yet Awesome !!!!