Staging Duel Becomes Fight On The NHRA Start Line - Clay Millican and Doug Herbert's Epic Burndown!

Twenty years ago, one of the strangest incidents in NHRA Top Fuel history took place at Maple Grove Raceway. Clay Millican and Doug Herbert engaged in the longest burndown ever seen in the nitro categories.
A burndown is when both drivers refuse to stage first for a drag race. It is rare to see a burndown go longer than a minute, and extremely rare to see one reach two minutes - let alone in nitro dragsters!
In this interview, @claymillican25 remembers the crazy moment, and then talks about the tragic incidents that would later bring his and Doug Herbert's paths together again.
If you'd like to find out more about the BRAKES initiative (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), go to putonthebrakes.org. Over 100,000 teens and parents have been trained in safe driving, making a huge difference on our roads.

[@joecucch8261]

That has to be the saddest way for two people to become friendly. Bless both of your sons memories.

[@Wikkus]

Clay is such a genuine guy; anyone with that amount of smile lines around the eyes is straight up.

[@nastychevys]

Clay is probably one of the most genuine good people I've ever seen.

[@mre1984]

Clay, you don’t need a nickname. You are a class act in my opinion and I wish you great success in NHRA!

[@herehere3184]

then just call him "Class Act" :)

[@hughobrien4139]

Nice statement!

[@69BigLou]

I'll never forget that moment. Watched it live. The early 2000s were incredible for both NHRA and IHRA

[@nicolelongneckergallery]

Over 40 years ago I lost my son due to a sailing accident. Every time you talk about your loss, I get a tear in my eye. It's GOOD and reminds me that life is but a gift on loan, so live every day as if it may be your last. Thanks for sharing your story with us and keep stomping on the loud pedal.

[@scottsigmon926]

Sir, you are a down to earth, stand up guy! I wish all the guys that run in NHRA had the great attitude you have. Best wishes in all you do.

[@erickschulte4960]

Man that brings back memories. I had forgotten about the big burndown. Its amazing how tragedy will bring people together. Awesome video...honestly one of my favorites so far. Thank you !!

[@LivingNitro]

Glad you liked it!

[@IndigoRambleyFan]

Has it REALLY been 20 years since this now?? This will FOREVER be one of the greatest staging duels/burndowns in all of NHRA history! One of the most memorable ones for me that I remember and know of beside for examples, Warren Johnson vs Dave Connolly at Denver in 2005 and Warren Johnson vs the late Scott Geoffrion in Houston in 1994.

[@LivingNitro]

Right? Time flies...

[@IndigoRambleyFan]

@@LivingNitro Yeah, it sure does...

[@WindowtotheMagic]

Donation just made to BRAKES in honor of my own son. Sorry that you boys lost your sons. I cannot imagine. Thanks for helping kids learn to live.

[@waynewilliams8554]

Tragic way for two hardcore competitors to team up for a common goal. Good on both of you!!

[@Skinkutter]

Over the years I have kinda stepped away from the drag racing, but since meeting Clay and holding a conversation with him in I'm guessing around 2004, he is a constant for me. Outside of racing, he is still just one of my favorite humans. His positivity and authenticity are just above and beyond most. 💙

[@superhawk20002]

Tons of respect for both of you as fathers. What a history between two teams pushing cars to the limit. When you mentioned losing your son Dalton, it hit me hard. It brings all the memories of my 2 boys growing up, and all the things missed.

[@zimmyman564]

I met you at Martin Michigan when you ran IHRA I rode the elevator with you and your wife at Covington Kentucky in 2005 At the IHRA World Championship Awards banquet. You are a class guy and a great racer. God speed to you and all you do you are a inspiration to what we love.

[@KJP33]

First of all sorry for both family's losses, I can't even imagine the pain. Second everyone could benefit from the story you just told. We tend to take things for granted and hold onto things that don't ultimately matter. Very touching testimony!

[@jamescantrell5021]

Well said Kevin,there's a video on you tube.Clay does an interview discussing the day he got that knock on door when he lost his son.It was gut wrenching,its always in the back of my mind.If you ever get a chance you need to go check him out in person.It amazing how he tames that 11,000 horsepower beast

[@RealRickCox]

Man... this was a great story. So sorry for the loss of both your sons. And letting bygones be bygones is a wise move for anyone who wants to live a joyful life.

[@imageskj1]

Thanks for sharing your story Clay. Life's most difficult challenges have a way of humbling us and bringing us together. ❤️

[@chrisminter271]

Thanks for sharing that story Clay,,, I'm tearing up now.. Respect

[@bradjohnson9671]

Clay, this is one of the most touching stories I've ever heard. Thank you for sharing with all of us. Class act you are sir..

[@larryh968]

The both of you show what a "Real Man" is.

[@rickpayne3915]

Never knew how Doug got his nickname. I did have the opportunity to work for Doug and go to Bristol as part of his drag racing team a few years back. Thank you Clay for sharing this video.

[@williamforbes7156]

long and sort of what I took away from this was the humbling story of these two men, and the good work the continue to do.

[@dr.arikgreenberg25]

What a beautiful, touching story. My sincerest condolences for the loss of your son. Blessings.

[@ldtenenoff]

Clay with his welcoming personality has truly become well has been the class of the field in Nitro top fuel racing

[@lewiskemp5893]

I lost my son Sept 27 2020. This video brought tears to my eyes UNFORTUNATELY I can relate to your pain brothers. All we can do is move forward and TREASURE the memories. That's why I have this profile pic. It's my favorite pic of him. And my first car I painted

[@Shiftheads]

Sorry for your loss. Couldn't imagine one of my children dying before me. Hope you and your family are well

[@lewiskemp5893]

@@Shiftheads Thanks. The 27 this month will be 2 years. I'm at as much peace as I will get.

[@Bobbyd0052]

WORDS TO LIVE BY,PEOPLE ! THANKS CLAY !

[@rogerdavenport9618]

Have met both these guys, Doug built my engine in my old classic 57, they are both class at its finest. Good memories and good lesson.

[@DragsterJeffCrider]

You’re a great story teller Clay, thank you to you and RWR and Doug, and all your great Spenser’s ! I love your passion. Fron a 60 + year drag veteran.

[@neilreid2298]

Clay- you are such a class act. Didn't know you lost a son. I remember the burn down and what a touching story about when Doug lost two sons. As a fellow father, I can't imagine the pain from that loss. Onward and upward. Hope to say hi to you in Dallas next month.

[@hughobrien4139]

Amen to that!

[@gilbzmusic7186]

NHRA has some of the most down to earth folks of all sports it seems. Bravo

[@jimmyk6336]

I put both my son and daughter through B.R.A.K.E.S approx. 10 years ago. To this day my kids will say I nearly got into an accident today but my B.R.A.K.E.S. training saved me again. I can't thank Doug Herbert and the B.R.A.K.E.S. Staff enough for a program that literally is keeping our kids safe. Clay, your a Class Act see you at the track...

[@93da9tegsmom6]

This is what road-safety should be about. Bless y'all!

[@5IMON5AY5]

Wow, really tugged the old heart strings with that story!

[@scottquasebarth677]

Thank you so much for all you do for the sport and fans. So So sorry for your loss, I lost my son 2 1/2 years old in 1993. I just watched you in St.louis 2022 Midwest Nationals, and always enjoy your smile and energy. May God bless you and your family and crew.

[@OfficialNakatsuMegami]

Clay Milican has his You Tube channel.. he is an awesome guy, very personable. He is a legend in my eyes.

[@albertaaron5113]

Thanks guys for the memories. God Bless you and your family's.

[@derrickcotton5492]

I followed Clay a lot in the IHRA as well the NHRA. He is really a great guy. He is always smiling and a positive racer. He had a very long reign in the IHRA. VERY sad to hear about his son. Awesome program! I love to see these guys give back to the community. I wish them all the best that God has to offer!

[@matthewb8229]

I met Rick Stewart in Denver after the Saturday races. He never reacted politely to a stand off like that. He was a very nice guy, and answered my two or three questions, but his thoughts were, "I'm the starter, you move in, you stage, you go. Anything else is holding up the show."

[@reecetbobby5347]

Clay was my favorite driver in the IHRA before this even happened. This cemented him as my favorite top fuel driver of all time.

[@picklefart]

I had a personal relationship with Chet Herbert for the last few years of his life. One of the very last cams he personally ground was one for a SBF I built for my 64 falcon. That cam is and I'm sure always will be the best dang cam I've ever had. That car had never had that much mph until he ground my cams. That man had forgotten more about horsepower than I'll ever learn in my life. I still have the car and 15 years later it is still running that solid roller cam Chet ground and his lifters.

[@modacare4546]

That broke my heart when your son died. He was not only an awesome monster truck driver, but a carbon copy of you when it came to displaying an upbeat, positive attitude if he won or lost.

[@jackg.2780]

Clay, love your videos. How kind you are to everyone. We said hello to you at Indy. You are a true gentleman!

[@glenncerny8403]

Proof that real competition and sportsmanship do go together.

[@waybad]

At that moment I tested up. You have always been my favorite driver. Even in IHRA. thank you 👏👏👏

[@ASennaFan]

Thanks for posting. Stories like this are why drag racing is so great.

[@tedsmith3061]

That's life! And after today's story of yet another...That's life! I am enriched...yet a little more today. Sharing your sons is a noble and, yet humbling thing to do. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@rbeldenphotography122]

I am very fortunate that I have worked with both Clay and Doug (I am a photographer for a Drag Illustrated Magazine) and I can tell you for first hand experience that both of them a total class acts! I actually had a chance to shoot Clay again yesterday (Sept 23rd) and he is always in a great mood. Just an overall really good Dude!

[@hjc5458]

I was at Phoenix when Doug got the call. Fast forward to 2 yrs ago I got the call.

[@dakotaautosales9673]

🙏🙏

[@stephenwayant2790]

Heartbreaking and uplifting at the same 3. Always nice to know there's good people out there

[@ljkking622]

How can anyone not like Clay? Even if he beat me I’d be smiling.

[@GMitchell5150]

You 2 make me proud to be an NHRA fan. Handshake to both of you.

[@tbone67gthenderson78]

Clay is one of kind! Class act in every aspect 😎

[@taylormade710]

Much respect to both drivers, humbling story.. lessons learned, life is more important than any issues in life

[@pdr7159]

Ur an awesome guy Clay . I’ve talk to u several time at different tracks and always enjoyed ur kindness and down to earth personality. Keep the faith.

[@kurtfoulke5130]

Now it's unanimous, everyone likes Clay Millican 👍

[@scottgoodwin1073]

That story epitomises what I have always thought of you youre a class act Sir sorry for both of you losing your son / sons thats a hard road to travel for sure

[@hyabussa5747]

Thanks for sharing, Clay.

[@mesaman3000]

Love your stories! Always entertaining and never dull! I am truly sorry for the losses you and Doug have been dealt. Keep that positive vibe, and keep the content coming!!!!

[@triggeredmuch3070]

A lot more people need to hear this story.

[@ThomasDuffyRE]

Wow what a crazy story with twists and turns! Clay is a good guy!

[@brandygray5894]

Awesome story, you're such a great guy Clay!!

[@jamesascher8147]

Much respect to you Clay. You're a great example of a gentleman driver

[@brandonreeves5979]

What an awesome story that turned into a great friendship!

[@brandonpennington1983]

I have never seen Clay Milican not smiling. Awesome guy

[@shardhoney]

You are so humble. Thank you for sharing this. ♥

[@theboat9311]

Thank you for an amazing story, rivals come to an understanding and teaching kids to drive

[@randallburgess46]

I have a great respect now for this man. God bless you and your family Clay.❤️. 📕

[@13699111]

Thank you for the old school memories Clay many wildnight's in years past . I enjoy every burn out you and now can add your wife to the big time burn out fun . If you have anymore Elvis video I'm sure everyone would be grateful to see it. Your channel is a great families first channel .

[@blobcsgo7190]

Thanks for sharing, and helping drivers.

[@kennethjacobs725]

Clay, you posted this four weeks ago but I'm just now seeing it. I lost my oldest son back in 2006 to a work related car accident. I'm sorry for your lost and for Doug's lost as well. I have a new respect for you both based on this story. I hope I get to see you and talk with you at the Fall Nationals here in Texas this weekend if I'm able to make it. If not, good luck to you and your team.

[@danielcarroll5667]

Thanks for sharing this very touching story and my condolences on the tragic circumstances...............

[@THEVROD64]

Class ACT....CLAY ! Awesome story I have never heard. Thank you. 59 and have ALWAYS been a fan of your addictive smile and positive attitude.

[@robertdinicola9225]

There are no true grudges in the racing community. Everyone is there for the same reasons. All good humans.

[@ericstromberger5229]

Heartbreaking and yet fills your heart. Thanks for sharing this story.

[@pauloehmen1665]

Thanks for sharing the history with us. Stay safe

[@timothyblackburn6801]

This is why the NHRA is head shoulders above all other sports. ITS THE PEOPLE INVOLVED.

[@scottmaguire2560]

Dude that was one of the best stories so far. You both been thru so much. Great tail. Keep em coming and lets grab another wally

[@walrus2796]

I have always been a Doug fan, watching you 2 in the IHRA, and then seeing this happen, HELL he is 3X your size, you have been my favorite driver. mad props

[@stanleymartin1613]

Wow, what a great and heartfelt story. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@ridetilludie1]

One of my favorite memories from racing was being at joe Byrd’s house with clay and dalton for the group class we did before he started racing for joe, I’m so sorry dalton passed and especially for the way it happened, he was such a nice kid and an amazing competitor to race against.

[@tgafire87]

Hell of a story. In less than 10 min you made me laugh and tear up. Thank you for sharing.

[@ralpheckis7142]

Incredible story. Thank you! Continued good luck to you.

[@Ras7685]

Clay ...thanks for sharing your story !

[@timrobertson299]

I had the privilege to meet Doug one year as me and a co worker won tickets from Snap On tools to go to the Gateway Nationals, we had tickets to hang out in there pit and eat with Doug and his crew, the guy was very down to earth and just a blast to hang out with.

[@stevenmcc2119]

True words spoken at the end and how things do change in life and sometimes a tragedy can shed light on things …don’t hate just let it go live life and enjoy it

[@frederickking1660]

Great story of life and forgiveness. When I was younger I didn't really understand maturity and growing wiser with age. Iam seeing it and understanding better with each passing year.

[@hughobrien4139]

Such a beautiful lesson on life shared. We never really know what someone else is going through. Even when we’re going through something very similar. The imperfect side of us as humans do judge. I believe we can all agree we do so to often without a thought. Hearing this story gives pause for many humanitarian benefits for us all. Never knew much about Clay Millican until watching these KZbin videos. I quickly began understanding why the man is where he is. I’ve read up in more detail in his life and there are numerous lesson to be learned by doing so. I suggest reading up on the man and I hope one day he is compelled to write us more detailed lessons. I believe the world will do good to learn from them. Thank you so much for the leadership!

[@FishfryOGMcTaco]

I worked at a cabinet shop next door to Clays place when that went on. Clay and Mike were always so down to earth and let us check out the equipment in between races. Clay dominated IHRA in those days hands down!

[@jamescantrell5021]

Your good man Clay,met you in Pamona last year was a guest through Mainline.I watch all your videos had no idea how much I didn't know about drag racing life lessons and maintaining a good attitude.It today's world, it's nice change of pace knowing there still good people out there.

[@wyattyeary8050]

Some of the most wholesome humble people I have ever met are racers. Just built different

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

Im so sorry for your loss Clay. I saw Doug right after him losing his sons. I did not know what to say except Im so sorry for your loss. My son is a LACF fireman, and I worry about him every day.

[@FredFukkinBear]

I hung around the drag boat racing scene for many years. I had family directly involved in the racing, promotion of the sport, RESP (Racer's Emergency Support Program), RFC (Racers for Christ) and other events and charities. It was amazing how all the racers, crews and all the families were supportive of each other. If you needed a part and didn't have one, chances are one of the other race teams did and would gladly give it to you. There was plenty of teasing and good natured fun, but I've never been around more people that were laid back and friendly in my life.

[@aSinisterKiid]

As far as I'm concerned Clay certainly has a nickname. Clay "Class Act" Millican

[@porschetech72901]

thank you sir for sharing what has to be an almost unbearable loss and the story of the end result from what started as a simple grudge match showdown

[@jamieday6602]

What a great story! Thank you Clay!

[@toddnance454]

Love you sharing this thx!

[@rogerholloway8498]

Great story, thank you for sharing it with us.

[@Doogie1954]

Wow very touching story, thank you for sharing . I have two boys as well and your story really hits home.

[@billanderson6826]

Great story, Thanks for sharing!

[@tye-gehring]

I love that story. Godspeed to both of you and your families.

[@randywl8925]

What a story. 🤣 Ive never thought about the "who stages first" in my life. You're a really fantastic man. Youre story telling is a bonus. ...........oh, and that noisy thing you drive is cool too. 🤣 Thank you for telling this story . I never knew about your own son. Happy new year and a great 2024 season.