In 1974 at the old Lakeland Dragstrip in Memphis (IHRA) I remember a grudge match between Big Daddy and Ray Godman (Tennesse Boll Wevil)

 

Since the track was IHRA and did not have a sanctioned timer at that event, all speeds were not certified.

It had been a blistering August afternoon and a front came thru at sunset, lowered the temperature from 90's to 77 and raised the humidity.

Both of the combatants wanted to run before the rain and while the track was still hot.

 

Ist Run:      Godman ran 252.33 thru the traps.

2nd Run:    Garlits ran    251.86   "     "       "    .

 

Godman had the lower combined ET's so he won.

 

I remember being in the pits between races when Don came over to Ray's wheelchair to talk to him and his driver.

"Damm Ray, wish that was a sanctioned run"

"Aw Shoot Don, we do that all the time round here"

"Yeah Rite and I do 350 at Gainesville"

General laughter and next race Garlits busts 250mph.

 

Was it the first, I don't know, I had no idea I was in the presence of legends.

 

HeadSlap

---