Steve Gibbs Interview (1 Viewer)

[Notch1320]

Very interesting interview:

Up Close with The Ambassador of Drag Racing Steve Gibbs

Interview by Al Heisley, Editor May 12, 2022 SLNM: Steve, you began your racing career back in the 1950s. When did you sign on with NHRA and Wally Parks? SG: I started attending drag races in 1957 at the original San Gabriel Drag Strip, strictly as a fan. There was quite a bit of anti-NHRA...

www.slnmagazine.com

 

[Cliff]

San Gabe. I went there once before they closed, was really impressed with the track. When San Gabe closed, the old Irwindale was built, not so very far from San Gabe.

 

[J. S.]

Very interesting interview:

Up Close with The Ambassador of Drag Racing Steve Gibbs

Interview by Al Heisley, Editor May 12, 2022 SLNM: Steve, you began your racing career back in the 1950s. When did you sign on with NHRA and Wally Parks? SG: I started attending drag races in 1957 at the original San Gabriel Drag Strip, strictly as a fan. There was quite a bit of anti-NHRA...

www.slnmagazine.com

Thanks for posting this. I had not heard of this on-line magazine. That was a good article.

For those in the know, is Jack Hart the same guy as CJ "Pappy" Hart who was involved in running Lions Drag Strip?

 

[Mike]

Steve Gibbs is one of the best ever. Loved working for that man.

 

[glofria]

I've always admire Steve for his diplomatic approach and the ability to stay above adversity and all the negativity. An example is how he describes his ending with the NHRA; he expresses his disappointment, but doesn't come across in a bitter way. I remember talking to him in the pits at the first Nitro Revival at Irwindale in 2919, Gordy had just passed away, when he broke down and starting crying with tears. I didn't know him all too well, but I grabbed him and we hugged (seemed like the right thing to do) and then as he started to apologize, I stopped him and told him there's nothing to apologize for.

He may have been tough at times and make unpopular decisions, but he's still human and at this point I'll do anything for him, Cinders and the Nitro Revival.

 

[mole]

His interview on American Hot Rod Foundation podcast was very good as well......

 

[Notch1320]

 

[Cliff]

Thanks for posting this. I had not heard of this on-line magazine. That was a good article.

For those in the know, is Jack Hart the same guy as CJ "Pappy" Hart who was involved in running Lions Drag Strip?

No, Jack Hart was an NHRA official and I think a racer himself, (out of Texas?). CJ Pappy Hart ran the first commercial drag strip, Santa Ana, Calif around 1950. Was involved in tracks for years. Managed Lions Drag Strip for some years. After his wife Peggy passed (who raced cars back in the old daze) Pappy went to work for NHRA. Great man, did a ton for drag racing.

 

[Nick Name]

View attachment 10868

Those were great interviews. However they just stopped. Wonder what happened.

His interview on American Hot Rod Foundation podcast was very good as well......

Those were great interviews, then they just stopped. Wonder what happened. If you ever have any long road trips ahead, find that podcast. Hours of great stuff.

 

[mole]

His interview w/ Ivo is excellent...About 90 mins long....

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1536156480462231

 

[sutton]

No, Jack Hart was an NHRA official and I think a racer himself, (out of Texas?). CJ Pappy Hart ran the first commercial drag strip, Santa Ana, Calif around 1950. Was involved in tracks for years. Managed Lions Drag Strip for some years. After his wife Peggy passed (who raced cars back in the old daze) Pappy went to work for NHRA. Great man, did a ton for drag racing.

Cliff
Jack Hart was a vice president at NHRA. In the early 60s at Lions Jack Hart was racing his dragster, He crashed when he went off the track to the right past the lights he broke both arms, that was the end of his racing. As far as CJ Hart he was like a second father to me and I was honored to be the head pallbearer at his funeral.
Larry Sutton---Lions Starter

 

[Cliff]

I remember when Pappy retired as manager of Lions. You guys gave him a porch swing as a gift. Thought that was cool and also kinda funny, as Pappy would never retire. I have a photo somewhere of Pappy at (then) Firebird. He was driving a golf cart & worked for NHRA as "track personnel", for lack of a better term. He was kind enough to pose for the photo. I also remember the late Steve Evans running Lions & doing the announcing. I used to sit by a loud speaker in those days to hear Steve. He also had great stories about racers & lotsa info on the cars.

 

[sutton]

I remember when Pappy retired as manager of Lions. You guys gave him a porch swing as a gift. Thought that was cool and also kinda funny, as Pappy would never retire. I have a photo somewhere of Pappy at (then) Firebird. He was driving a golf cart & worked for NHRA as "track personnel", for lack of a better term. He was kind enough to pose for the photo. I also remember the late Steve Evans running Lions & doing the announcing. I used to sit by a loud speaker in those days to hear Steve. He also had great stories about racers & lotsa info on the cars.

Cliff
One last story about CJ. the last year he worked for NHRA, when he came bake from Indy he got 3 speeding tickets driving his motor home (he always drove fast) I said how much is that going to cost you. he said I don't know and it doesn't matter I am not going that way anymore so let them come get me.
Larry Sutton---Lions Starter

 

[none]

What happened to the original link?

Alan

 

[SS140]

What happened to the original link?

Alan

That website seems to be no more. Shame...I liked it.