Pro Drag Racer Reacts to Drag Racing Fails

Thanks to Ekster for sponsoring today’s video! Visit shop.ekster.com/rms and get up to 25% off with code RMS
We asked drag racing expert Steph Papadakis to break down the worst drag racing fails we could find on the internet.
Huge thanks to Steph for joining us today! Check out his channel at ‪@PapadakisRacing‬
Real Mechanic Stuff is a channel from your pals at Donut! We feature all kinds of automotive experts, every week.
1 subscribe = 50+ hrsprs

[@yrindra]

Steph correcting Nolan about 5050 grind was hilarious

[@SeanNyte]

RIGHT! 🤣 I was dying laughing about that! So funny! But, of course, if you aren't laughing while watching the videos that they upload ...

[@B.E.Z.nOtLayZ]

He was wrong too 😂 Steph said rail slide when it's a boardslide, frontside at that 😂 right-hand drive would be being goofy-footed 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@shelbyseitzinger927]

Daddapapadkis so smart :)

[@shelbyseitzinger927]

@@B.E.Z.nOtLayZ rail-slide is closer still considering skiing/rollerblading calls them that.

[@coyster530]

Look like a backside boardslide to me

[@raveger0100]

Steph is funny as hell, car catches fire and without a beat says did he get the win, true drag racer right there 😂

[@Brother8237]

Yup as long as you win and are alive that’s a good day at the strip

[@catlover7466]

Lol girl with her feet glued to the track. steph: -squints- is that a fox body

[@l7ragoon]

Hahaha it was hilarious. But did he get the light ? 😂😂😂

[@someordinarystan2692]

​@@Brother82377:03

[@TheJunky228]

hydrazine fire burns invisibly, could have been totally engulfed in flames. that's terrifying

[@budstermcgreen6360]

"Probably leaving cars and coffee" with the mustang sideways really got me ! 😂

[@robertgrant4501]

Got me too lol

[@mobius787]

And half the crowd

[@Questionable_creations]

Thats a good one, cracked me up😂

[@Yohann67]

Well yeah, it is a Mustang after all.

[@rhouser1280]

I love the “Talk later, tighten now” mentality. That’s bit me in the a$$ so many times

[@StoffelDilligas]

I tried drag racing once. But I found it really difficult to run in high heels, skirt and a wig

[@mr.bobcyndaquil4214]

lmao

[@samd7601]

That's what he said

[@TJDST4]

Running in flats is always an option. Winning is winning.

[@StoffelDilligas]

@@TJDST4 I was also told, "rubbing is racing"...... But the police said "rubbing is masterbating, and not acceptable in a public place"

[@TJDST4]

@@StoffelDilligas but did you win?

[@LingLing1337]

Oh snap they got Steph!!! What an awesome crossover episode

[@SpaceMissile]

Yes, very neat!

[@cvspvr]

oh yeah! super cool

[@worst5digit84]

oh yeah! super cool

[@dr.clitoris7817]

oh yeah! super cool

[@NubsWithGuns]

Someone had to push the Hydrazine bs for them so you would believe it.

[@EjTnT]

Steph seems like such a sweet, friendly humble guy. Considering he is a damn LEGEND and essentially a walking encyclopedia, it's great to see him do fun stuff like this. Big love for Donut for making this happen, for Nolan for keeping it cool (I would have fangirled HARD) and for Steph for being entertaining and informative!

[@teavstravel]

Steph is the best. I remember meeting him at SEMA years ago when he was still drag racing. Took heaps of time to talk to us like a regular car guy and shared advice openly. So stoaked to see him still doing so well.

[@Abrikosmanden]

Stephan Papadakis is an absolute treasure! With everything I've seen of him, he comes off as the most calm, lovely, AND knowledgable guy.

[@tylerward4386]

Serious props to the editing and production team members, they are doing an excellent job.

[@patrickmatheson1123]

They should have known the wheel stand was from Byron IL at the wheel stand contest. Two of the paid categories are longest and also most violent.

[@Krynis]

I'm sure others have mentioned this but that Cleetus clip was LZ's 13B Datsun 1200, and the recliner broke, he replaced both seats after this.

[@darrensim295]

11:51 when hes just waiting for Nolan to realise what happened, then the nods.. so good

[@samburt357]

Steph is HIM. Bring this dude back. So chill for having such a deep résumé.

[@darthnocturnis3941]

I think it's BECAUSE of that resume that he is so chill. He is used to having breakfast with death and will go back for tea at 2.

[@cenciende9401]

Steph is what?

[@nthgth]

​@@darthnocturnis3941makes sense and I love that expression

[@DaLoveDonkey69420]

Guys, don't get mad, but I'm starting to get more excited seeing a new Real Mechanic Stuff then I am for Donut videos....(And I love those a lot)

[@brixson7641]

It’s fine that the point of thier company some don’t live videos and would listen to thier podcast or u rn watch more of this than the actual main channel

[@Heyitsallgoodman]

Same

[@Brother8237]

To be fair as a mechanic myself I find this more interesting than the main channel cause it’s just very relatable.

[@tiffnsniff]

They separated content like this from the channel to bring back the old Donut, where quality videos deserve to be again. Then there's this crap that people just eat up.

[@filip000]

Absolutely true. I do love donut, but it's often just entertainment with very little actual knowledge. Here you will always hear either knowledge or experience and that's very relatable and nice to watch. Can't wait for the new video.

[@TsunamiSephi]

I love seeing such a legend on the channel! He was a frequent flyer in the early Super Street days and I will always remember him as the guy who turned import drag racing from a bit of a joke in the '90s, to a serious competitive sport. I feel like he could be credited heavily with the aftermarket scene the way we see it today. Without guys like him showing what our cars were capable of, we may not have ever gotten there to begin with.

[@hippynurd]

I think that the one where the guy was sideways doing a railgrind was actually a wheelie contest, not a drag race, which is why they knew how to keep the wheels up. The railgrind was probably not planned, but kind of awseome to watch.

[@jabh7250]

People talking in details about stuff they know is awesome. I don't give a damn about drag racing, but this is still a great video that managed to keep me watching. Keep it up!

[@DM666DM13]

Learning is whack like that. Couldnt focus in a class with boring teachers. But A+ in every class that they were genuinally passionate about passing along their knowledge.

[@DoctorPhilGud]

13:01 dude literally hit 87.99mph and backed off before he got sent back to the future

[@nthgth]

Or there was just not quite enough plutonium in the chamber

[@foe]

Funni joke

[@MikeHarris1984]

Steph's channel is amazing!!! The high tech, in depth items be walks through, like the CAD and 3D metal printing of an intake manifold that without 3D printimg is impossible to make as a single peice. This guy is a freaking wealth of automotive knowlege like no one else.

[@matz4k]

I have watched Steph's 2JZ Engine Build hundreds of times by now. Love falling asleep to this man building engines :D

[@rizzoid]

Pretty sure that big wheelie at the beginning is from the annual Byron Dragway WheelStand Contest, so the feller was trying to keep it up as the longest wheelie wins the big money. It's a pretty wild event for anyone that likes to see bumper dragging at its best. A quick search on KZbin will turn up many years worth of videos.

[@donaldjohnson5633]

And I believe the footage was the in car from the "Shinto".

[@ElderNerd]

It absolutely was.

[@FastSS02]

Was going to make this comment. They should have shown the exterior shot of this as well. It was pretty nuts. Should have also shown the Pinto that did the back flip wheelie.

[@palleppalsson]

yup, it's not a dude failing a drag race. So much for the experts.

[@patrickmatheson1123]

@@palleppalsson Exactly. He was failing on purpose.

[@Peron1-MC]

5:44 this is so true. always finish what you where about to do. my dad and i where fixing a stuck drum brake on his trailer. we where putting it back together and i had just hand tightened the lugnuts. neither one of us remembered to properly tighten them after we had tested so that the brakes worked. the wheel fell of as he was on the way home. luckely no one got hurt and nothing was damaged significantly but yeah try not to get distracted and finish what you started. or like he said, dont just put the bolts in and leave it. its better not to even do that.

[@nthgth]

For sure. It applies to other areas too, anything where the process has multiple steps and it's not easy to tell by sight if all the steps were done. It's very important at my job too and I build cell sites lol

[@joeschmoe714]

One of the coolest experiences I've ever had was being trackside and seeing Steph run 6.66 @ 212 mph at the nhra pro import finals in Pomona. So many insanely fast and cool cars, such a sick experience.

[@0LukasYagami]

Steph is a cool guy, the way he explains what's going on is so intuitive, great video as always, this channel SLAPS!!

[@obiesunstreak2409]

We want to see the Donut crew visit Cletus and have some fun at the FF.

[@ogre-picklereactions5857]

Yeeeesss that would be sweet

[@awolfeld]

DO A DRAG RACING HI/LOW!!!!

[@SeanNyte]

This was another awesome video from the RMS Channel... I was kinda surprised that they were able to get Steph to be the Guest Star... The Knowledge that man possesses is insane... I would love to meet him and just talk... I can only imagine the stories that he could tell....

[@shred_zed1]

Best part about the Cleetus clip he's just props the seat up, breaks it again but still send it down the track any way lmao. Mans crazy.

[@razor_darkhorse]

Really is worth subscribing to this channel. It's educational. I love the collabs you guys do.

[@tinyhauslife]

I love this series! I have yet to see a bad episode! Way to go, y'all!

[@thomasmcmahan2014]

Dude Steph was an awesome guest to have! Super smart guy too.

[@Axman6]

More Papadakis Donut stuff pleassssseeee, he’s such a treasure to the whole car community, so nice, so knowledgeable, to talented, and all without the ego of so many car boys (much like the Donut crew). I love youse all, great vid.

[@captainunderpants200]

10:37 'You don't know where the limit is until you exceed it' is a mantra I've held for many years.

[@garynewell6947]

Outstanding mechanic stuff you guy's are amazing love watching this

[@ccortexx1478]

Havent even seen the vid but I already know its a certified donut classic

[@samholdsworth420]

Needs more November. Also this ain't donut Media

[@Dubfiance]

​@@samholdsworth420it is Donut this is one of their sub channels.

[@estebanquesadas.4983]

10:50 "How do you know where the edge is , unless you go over once in a while , or a 100 times" EPIC !

[@DareToBeDeviant]

10:07 ~ Eagle Talon, actually. I'd recognize that dinky little "spoiler" on the rear any day. It was the alternative to the Eclipse nobody wanted, the "we have an Eclipse at home" as mom would say. One guy who lives near an aunt of mine has a red Talon and was trying to keep it alive while dailying his 2010 Charger.

[@boofmcgee1]

Love how Stephen corrects the “50-50” comment AND corrects him with the o.g. “Rail slide” 😂😂😂😂

[@zackwest7215]

Soul skater for life

[@scarecrow8004]

12:10 ... aaah, a memory from my youth. I had a 76, 77ish Pinto with a 2.3 liter four speed manual and a friend of mine had a 76, 77ish Mustang II, also with a 2.3 liter 4 speed manual, and we always used to bump into each other on the street and, of course, we always raced. I always, ALWAYS, used to outrun him by a slight margin. Whether I was a better driver or maybe the Mustang was a few pounds heavier, don't know, but I always beat him. One time, we were racing and I went first, second, third and I was, as usual, just pulling him and he went first second, FIRST and he disappeared behind me. It just shredded his clutch. He never would race me after that.

[@krasenpirindov9572]

I love how every time an engine revs, Papadakis is smiling. You know this guy is so passionate for what he does.

[@utbdoug]

So cool seeing Steph back on Donut. One of my favourite builders! Thanks for giving us this guys!

[@Orpxle]

I’ve been told by drag racers they stay away from certain corvette body’s for their tendency to wanna take off, they said it’s cause of their front end design.

[@victortaveira8271]

Aerodynamics !!!!!

[@FastSS02]

Yes, that exact body style, the C2 (63-67) Corvette is actually an upside down wing in aerodynamics.

[@310_Latchkey_kid]

I love how he admits how many engines he has blown!!

[@infernaldaedra]

Over a hundred is crazy

[@PostTraumaticChessDisorder]

The master has failed more times than the apprentice has even tried

[@shaquan9893]

Amazing video. Really loving this content, guys ❤

[@Dirty88Dizl]

I love Stephen papadakis, his channel on building a new supra tip to butt is awesome. Been a long time fan of him. Absolutely awesome 👏🏼 😍

[@jdsim9173]

12:19 That is called a money shift

[@cody39yrs]

Man the Cleetus one wasn't even his car nor his fault LOL. Awesome content for sure though.

[@Kirkbyja]

Is the rotary dastun not his car?

[@DJNokem]

@@Kirkbyja No, it belongs to Adam LZ

[@Kirkbyja]

@@DJNokem oh yea, my bad

[@zachr369]

love content with steph he is always great to watch, super knowledgeable.

[@DarthSeanious]

Love this channel. You always find great guests to react

[@wraithcadmus]

The comment about the supercharger bolts might also explain the driveshaft, I'm sure I saw on another channel (MCM?) about not strengthening the driveshaft too much, as it's cheap(er) and more accessible than many other parts, you want it to be the weakest link, kinda like a fuse.

[@victortaveira8271]

In driveshaft, normally there`s a few mechnical fuses. Some mild steel or alumnium pins in cardan shaft, driveshaft donut or special coupling with fail safe design. This fail safe design is the hardest part in design those parts

[@nthgth]

That sounds very smart if true. I also liken it to crumple zones or airbags in a way - "break this, not that."

[@Saikosu]

this exact format but with drag queens and kings for april fools would be hilarious, just having them try to explain what happened like the pro

[@aaronazzcalibur589]

The thing I like most about donut is they know people watch these who understand a car in and out, but also are people who don't so they explain things for them. Really appreciate that.

[@carguybikeguy]

This was amazing work! Loved this!

[@mf_explosive304]

Camaro might have had the mix off. Hydrazine is crazy stuff. It crushes and melts pistons. Not safe to store either. Awesome episode.

[@Thinginator]

I was surprised by that one, I’ve heard about hydrazine and read about how crazy dangerous it was back when it was a more common drag racing fuel (though iirc it started with land speed record runs). I was under the impression most drag racers consider it to be proven too dangerous to be worth it even if it can be incredibly powerful - and that’s if you can even get the stuff somehow as the danger associated with it means it’s not something anyone can just go out and buy. Never thought I’d see video of someone running their car on hydrazine nowadays, that guy must be insane.

[@nthgth]

Never even heard of the stuff till this video. Looked it up and damn, I'm also very surprised to see its use in anything close to modern. A DragZine article states "handled improperly, hydrazine will kill you in ways you can’t even spell," LMAO

[@Thinginator]

@@nthgth Yeah I've heard stuff like, when cleaning carburetors after running an engine on hydrazine, they'd often leave a solid residue behind that explodes if you tap it, violently enough that you could lose a hand. So basically if you do ANYTHING with an engine that's run on hydrazine, you are risking life and limb for every second of it. And even if it doesn't explode, it's still toxic, so it will affect your health either way. It does make cars crazy fast though, in land speed racing back in the day it could make a normally 65-100 hp Ford flathead V8 put out closer to 600 hp, just from the different fuel. The engine is ruined afterwards of course, but if you only gotta use it once...

[@nthgth]

@@Thinginator that is absolutely insane. That's the stuff of mad scientists and Bond villains. I love it, I need to learn more about it. I wonder if the Camaro in thus video was doing what you said with the flatheads, he only intended to use it once so maybe he just went with the stock LT1 engine. If H gives you about 6x the power, that's over 1600 hp, I could see that propelling the car like we see here before it blows

[@Thinginator]

@@nthgth Yeah, even if the engine can be salvaged afterwards it needs a full rebuild after every run, including new pistons and rods and such. Which, to be fair, most top fuel dragsters do anyway, the only difference of course being a hydrazine engine rebuild exposes you to toxic and highly-reactive chemicals that can kill you in ways you can't even spell... IMO the coolest part though is the green flames produced by burning hydrazine, they look so exotic and wild that it's a shame the fuel is so dangerous to use for that reason alone! It certainly makes for a spectacle.

[@Alanzice]

Is nice to see you guys partnering with Jeff Bezos

[@alvaroooo17]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MarkMunguia1]

😅😅😂

[@Aussie_Man237]

Nahhhh I read top comment and now I cant unsee this

[@MrBradsss]

Another awesome video from this channel, Thanks for everything.

[@histandard31]

Great video, very excited to see this thing run!

[@stefan3225]

Stephan is THE MAN! I watch all his stuff, regardless of its relevancy to my interest 😂

[@RJT2030]

These videos are great. Keep them coming.

[@daltoncole4405]

Okay, I barely follow drag racing. Went to a few events as a kid, and even I know papadakis and I was so hyped. Legit best guest you've had on this channel so far.

[@jordannewell8903]

That camera work at 8:50 is fantastic. Kept the action framed perfectly despite the racer capable of getting the traction needed at any point there.

[@ljprep6250]

That rice burner rear wheelie was the most fun. Gonna have to watch more of these from you.

[@christophertaylor9100]

Another great show, I love this channel

[@shakinbottles]

I like the point homie made about makeing sure you get everything tightened down before dealing with other distractions or people or whatever ive probably left wayyy to much stuff loosened and still get on it and thankfully I've been alright so far

[@longjonsilvernuts]

This brother is highly intelligent with great character. The perfect person to have on the show where personality is everything.

[@frederickduncan3440]

Id say this man is a performance pioneer not just a drag racer. He is an automotive certified treasure!

[@greecoboost]

Papadak is GOATed. I met him and Tanner Foust at a Formula Drift event at Sonoma back in '06 and got their autographs on a poster. Great guys, very friendly.

[@LazrCat0]

Love this guy, he's good at explaining stuff

[@lawrencebeeler6273]

The first clip you showed with the Red Corvette that particular model was famous for that problem in other forms of motorsports as well

[@KeRowKi]

i love this show, keep up the great work

[@Charles-qg4lu]

At 5:44 I remember something like that happening to a corvette c8, when I passed it on the highway it had been rallying to a car meet with 4 others and they had forgotten to tighten their front right wheel and it just fell off, luckily there were no big damages except for the wheel well. When I passed it it was being loaded onto the tow truck.

[@crxtodd16]

Stephen is such a down to earth, cool car guy. Can't help but appreciate him.

[@Jeremy-kg1zr]

Steph was an awesome guest. He's so much more chill than I would have expected. I fucking cracked up at 2:45.

[@highpockets2376]

Stephan is the total entertainment package, enjoyed every comment, thank you.

[@justinollis4979]

Just subscribed funny stuff the 1-2-1 shift nose dive was great

[@Not-TheOne]

I like Steph, real chill and fun attitude.

[@TheRealStructurer]

Nice subject and nice guest. I want more!

[@mattdobson7598]

One of my favorite guests ever! So chill and personable, but you know he’s seen, and done some shit.

[@patrickdiehl6813]

Steph Rocks, Love this Series!!! More Doughnut, MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@LandonGear]

I met Steph a back around 2004 when I was 12 at import drags at Sonoma raceway. He was such a cool dude, I'll never forget it

[@dariopiovani5077]

8:33 I saw that once at a local event in Italy with prepped surface, guy lost his shoe in the track glue xD

[@projectskylinegtr]

That was great! Great reviews!

[@DJPhukk]

Steph seems like a cool dude. Nice episode guys!

[@AnthonyDMolinaro]

lol the "rail grind" was at the byron power wheel stand comp... its all about the wheelies there.

[@luisperea5593]

i like this video, i don't care one bit for drag racing so i like seeing fails. when you cant even keep it straight. hilarious

[@Furry19931993]

12:55 for some reason my brain was like "heh back to the future reference"

[@lemster101]

Awesome having Stephan on the channel. His own channel is amazing too, although he unfortunately stopped uploading.

[@shawnjohnson21]

When I was growing up it was Steph in every magazine. Glad to see he's still setting the bar

[@doctor8342]

3:32 At the drag strip in Calhoun Ga back probably late 90's seen a rear end explode, piece of a ring gear from a 9" caught the starter in the calf he had to go to the hospital...

[@stickybucket1851]

Papadakis is the MAN! Glad you guys had him on!

[@thomastims9583]

The mustang getting sideways is from George Rays Dragstrip in Paragould , Ar. Been there for decades. David and Mike from Roadkill filmed a segment there. It’s like stepping back in time !

[@AFNacapella]

5:48 doing that and respecting someone doing that is such a good soft skill: bring your work into a safe state before you deal with a distraction. the less urgent the distraction, the more you finish. meaning even in an emergency, don't just drop your tool so someone falls over it while you help. or writing your homework: bring the trash out "after I finished my homework"; dinner's ready "let me finish the paragraph"; bae texts "U up?" ctrl-s alt-F4

[@JasonHunterDYR]

That badass mustang drift was at George Rays in Tennessee. Super wild drag strip

[@SkaffenUK]

Steph is excellent, funny and informative.

[@dragonflable5305]

The pacing is phenomenally perfect!

[@turdferguson9190]

Papadakis content is always great!

[@mikayla_collie]

1:50 i think that was during a wheelie competition. im pretty sure i've seen this in the compilation video from that comp. great video guys! :3

[@nthgth]

This guy's awesome! Hope to see him back.

[@falconpowerful2362]

6:00 I’m so glad they didn’t kill the XW Falcon 🥲 . Great wheel work 🤘😎🤘 .

[@MrDportjoe]

In 1971 when I was 15 I went to the HS drags at the1/8 track in Eugene Oregon and got see a total drive shaft failure from the coolest car there in my book a full on Rambler Scrambler. Lights go clutch pops and suddenly the only sound the drive shaft rolling across the track.

[@charliebowen1341]

The second video of the car that ground down the wall was at my home track that was a wheelie comp. Byrons wheel stand comp is always a good time