he was a good and nice man. see him race.

One of the best dirt chassis fabricator ever! Stronger than dirt

@HistoryMysteryMan

10 ай бұрын

An incredible man by all standards. Thanks for watching...HMM

I picked up some parts for a friend om my way back from Southern Indiana and while at his shop got the pleasure of meeting Mr. Rayburn and was shown around the shop by him. He was a true class act and I'm proud to have met him and got the opertunity to speak with him.

@HistoryMysteryMan

Жыл бұрын

Great story! Thanks for sharing it here. Mr. Rayburn was an amazing man...thanks for watching! HMM

One hell of a man

@HistoryMysteryMan

Жыл бұрын

I'll buy that! Thanks Jerry...HMM

What a great video. He was a great man and always a helpful fun guy. My family has always spoken about him in the highest regards and always will. I would like to thank you and for doing this great video and interview and I would also like to say how sorry I am for the loss of this great man’s family. I will always remember him and think highly of the memories I have of him

@HistoryMysteryMan

11 ай бұрын

Thanks again. CJ was indeed a great man...so dang humble too! HMM

I remember him when he first started in the car and that cigar

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

CJ is a legend...thanks for watching, Tommy. HMM

My first late model was a CJ Rayburn cantilever car

What a BLESSING 🤗❤️🙏 I love the stories from years gone by by the BEST RACE CAR BUILDERS/DRIVERS/MECHANIC'S.. I COULD LISTEN TO THESE STORIES FOR HOURS!! LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND THIS PRECIOUS HERO FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF A MUCH BETTER WORLD 🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🏆🏁🏆🏁🏆🏁

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Teresa! I really appreciate your support. Of a "much better world" for sure...

@teresagoodwin7458

2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryMysteryMan AMEN 🙏🇺🇸🤗

God bless 🙏

Hello. I’m new to your channel. I had to subscribe to you when I seen this video! I was lucky enough to meet this amazing man when I was a young kid before I joined the USMC… my uncle and cousin both raced dirt latemodles out of KY AND the of course was Rayburn race chassis . Mr Rayburn was still racing at the time and ALWAYS ran the high line of the dirt track and it definitely made it extremely exciting to watch. He was always super kind and would humor me by answering tons of questions for me as a young boy that was just getting into racing cars. I had really only raced karts at the time but you would have thought that I had been racing for years. He was just so nice

@HistoryMysteryMan

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for your subscription! And thanks for all your thoughts on CJ; he was an incredible man. I had another interview lined up with him, but unfortunately he passed too soon. Thanks again...stop by anytime! HMM

I have watched CJ's cars win a lot of races on dirt and pavement. Saw CJ many times at the Speedrome and he was always helping drivers. He will be missed greatly in the racing world.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

CJ is an icon of the industry. His loss is felt across the world...thanks. HMM

This is a amazing guy and interview great guy

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely...I'd like to do another one on CJ. Thanks Keith...HMM

Wow, awesome! THANK YOU, learned alot. Finally realized there has been great late model dirt action nationwide once nbc sports starting airing races a few years back. Since then ive watched ALOT of races on you tube. When i think of Mr. Rayburn i remember an interview at Eldora where he expressed that hes more interested in seeing the rides he built and sold excel than the ride he was in. The only other driver/ builder i can think of that had that ethic is Norm Nelson in late 60s early seventies.

@HistoryMysteryMan

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome; thanks for watching. CJ was truly one of a kind. I had a second interview lined up with him when he died suddenly. Cool reference to Norm Nelson! HMM

@MrChristopherHaas

10 ай бұрын

@@HistoryMysteryMan i cant think of anyone else who built em then took a back seat. Can you?

@HistoryMysteryMan

10 ай бұрын

CJ was a rare commodity any way we shake it out...sure wish I could have had that second interview. @@MrChristopherHaas

They still aren't turning 14.71 in a dirt half mile. I saw woo late models last year on a 3/8 the and they were turning low to mid 15s on that. Wow, that's Sprint Car times, no joke.

He built alot of good working race cars and he was also a good racer himself

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely...CJ was all that and more. Thanks John!

i just bought a rayburn late model

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! HMM

Cj is a great guy with a huge heart and is a great friend cj is a example to everyone that life is only what you make it if you want something out of life you have to go after it wide open this is a man that grow up with nothing and turn it into a Empire thats dedication and determination 100% no one gave him anything he did it all on his own cj you are a legend and we appreciate what you have done for the sport in racing your legend and talent will carry on fir many many years to come. God bless we love you my friend

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Very well said Jeff. I think you captured CJ as well as anyone could. Thanks for taking the time to watch...

PRICELESS ❤️🤗🙏

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

I'll buy that...thanks!

Oh my God. It is so cool to hear stories from these old guys. Pure gold

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching...sooo appreciated. HMM

I'm alot like CJ, i never looked at anyone else's cars, i built mine my way, and they won, and they are still winning 28yrs later. I admire Mr. Rayburn definitely one of the greatest ever, at whatever he chose to do.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Well said Jerrell. Do you build dirt late models?

@jerrellkull5347

2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryMysteryMan not yet but planning on one before to long. I build open wheel modifieds, street stocks, pure stocks, and 4x4 rock crawlers right now.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

@@jerrellkull5347 Very admirable. Where's your shop?

I was lucky enough to spend a weekend at CJ's racing compound back in the late 90's, I thought I was in race car heaven...lol CJ, his wife, and his son Christian were the nicest people they could be!

@HistoryMysteryMan

Жыл бұрын

Mr. Rayburn was so dang amazing...a man among men. Thanks for taking the time to watch! HMM

I got part of his hood and used to go to his parties outside Indianapolis during the PRI show back in the early 2000s

@HistoryMysteryMan

4 ай бұрын

A CJ Rayburn Party!? Wow...now that sound amazing. I had a second interview set up with him, but in an instance, he was gone. HMM

So much wisdom and still AMAZING ❤️

RIP CJ hope to get to race you in heaven

RIP CJ Legend.

Jan 1 2022...CJ Rayburn passed...RACE IN PEACE

A friend of mine was talking with CJ about purchasing a chassis and it was towards the end of their talk he asked CJ what options were available, CJ told him "you can buy it or you can't". Needless to say he bought a chassis.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

That's hysterical! Thanks for sharing it here!

James Thomas Fields The Owl Critic

You need to visit rocket chassis in shinston WV

@HistoryMysteryMan

4 ай бұрын

Now that's a great idea; thanks for that! HMM

I’ve always related CJ with dirt racing, but not long ago, I watched a YT video of an asphalt late model race at Speedrome (I’m from NC and have no idea where that’s at) from the 80’s and he was kicking their butt! Was something like a state championship race. Definitely a legend!

@HistoryMysteryMan

3 жыл бұрын

CJ had it figured out everywhere and anywhere...pavement or dirt. Remarkable man...thanks Tom T.

@Brykk

2 жыл бұрын

The speedrome is probably either in downtown indy on kitley avenue, or the one on 65 just north of louisville, in jeffersonville indiana.

@jesseellett4018

2 жыл бұрын

Speedrome is just east of downtown Indy. The race is a 3 hour figure 8 endurance race. Sadly, Mr. Rayburn passed away today.

@tomt9543

2 жыл бұрын

@@jesseellett4018 Very saddened to hear that! He was a good guy who helped an untold number of racers, and lead the pack for a good many years in dirt track chassis building. RIP CJ!

Got to meet him in Florida this February.. with Tom Nesbitt. Great to sit there and listen to them go back and forth. CJ still has a very sharp mind.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Now there'a an awesome memory you have. I think I'm going to have to go back for round two with CJ...thanks!

good to see u cj u ment a lot to my dad

@HistoryMysteryMan

3 жыл бұрын

Seems as though CJ meant a lot to a lot folks. Thanks Terry...

@terryclements2541

2 жыл бұрын

rest in dad bobby clements

@terryclements2541

2 жыл бұрын

he always said cj was his best friend

Good old CJ is one of the Best!!! Glad I got to meet him plenty of times. Even brought my son out to a race and told him you have to take a picture with this man. He was in a trailer with my sons hero but did not even know he he was until I told him after the picture my son almost fell to the ground. Lol. He was in Rodger Longs trailer talking shop, they both took time out to sit and chat with them both. Great guys!!!! Glad I still have that picture and still bring that up with my son after 20 some odd years

@HistoryMysteryMan

3 жыл бұрын

That's an awesome memory Jim; thanks for sharing it with me. I'm thinking about going back to CJ and doing another interview. Thanks for your support!

Thanks so much for this interview! Even worked on a race car and the owner wanted me to go out with him to CJ s shop. Sorry we never made it out their.

@HistoryMysteryMan

3 жыл бұрын

You're always welcome Jim...thanks!

Great video

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jerry...greatly appreciated. HMM

Back in the 1980s Charlie Glotzbach used to drive and win with CJ Rayburn Late Models on the pavement at the Sportsdrome in Jeffersonville Indiana. Used to go and watch him when the Salem Speedway was shut down. My son also raced against CJ at Brownstown Indiana. The was good friends.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Well that's super interesting. I didn't know that CJ had a connection to Glotzbach. Thanks for sharing that here...appreciate you coming back. HMM

That was great

@HistoryMysteryMan

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Greatly appreciated...

Just seen CJ Last last got his autograph last year and a photo with him last night 😁 such an amazing guy really nice!!

@HistoryMysteryMan

3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome Charles. I should have gotten my pic taken with him. What was I thinking?

Can Rayburn is a legend in dirt racing and he helped so many drivers I can never understand why this man hasn't been given an award for his dedication and his soul he's given to our sport just a small list of drivers that I know that drove his cars Billy Moyer Tony Stewart Steve Barnett Greg Johnson russ petro that's just some of the drivers I seen at his house even myself had a sportsmen car that was half Rayburn chassis

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

No doubt. If there are awards out there, CJ has earned every one of them. Thanks for your support!

@petiecoe5294

2 жыл бұрын

I agree, he deserves a plaque in florence for all the reasons stated here, he's another reason dirt LM racing is to the level it is, i guess I didn't always agree with cj but i do admire him and his drive, tks cj for all you've done for the sport we love,

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

@@petiecoe5294 Well said!

Ole buddy I've watched this so many times sense you put it on KZread I want to thank you all these interviews are so needed in this world today from CJ Rayburn to Karl kinder to Steve kinder I can back up CJ on that statement about smoke he thanked Barnett but not him Barnett drove Rayburn chassis as well smokes personality is lacking maybe all these young dreamers can watch these videos and become the next CJ or Steve or Karl probably not but gonna have a little faith in these new racers

@HistoryMysteryMan

Жыл бұрын

Thanks low rider; I sure appreciate your support...thanks for watching! HMM

Very informative we raced late model in the early 80's we had to repair or car Jeff purvis let us use his shop we raced calvert city paducah KY & haubstat Indiana 'jeff city mo. I've me purvis and probably say CJ RABURN BUT DIDN'T NO IT LOVE THE VIDIO'S

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Jeffery!

Man,it just gets better everytime I watch your interviews,and the people are always the greatest kind of folks,so interesting,this was a really good show,one thing I felt sad for Mr. Rayburn,when he spoke about Tony Stewarts,induction into the Hall of Fame,and how he mentioned all that were part of his success,but C.J. Rayburn was not mentioned,and it seemed to hurt him,it hurt me.And now that Mr. Rayburn has passed away,Tony will never be able to right that wrong.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Good points Mark. CJ certainly belongs in all the Halls of Fame, wherever they may be. What an icon. Thanks for coming back, Mark...always appreciated. HMM

My teenage years were spent in whiteland. I ran in the same circles as some of the guys that used to work for cj, and i had some friends that were close with him, so i had several outings with cj and his shop boys. Ive some some really good memories of those days. I still remember a story that involves a bunch of cj’s boys, a black chrysler limo, and some pretty wild nights at the holiday inn in franklin. I find it hard to believe one small town like this could have the likes of cj rayburn and bob glidden, all in one small town. And i was blessed enough to have a small connection to both of these legends.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Seems like there'd be some dedication signs in Whiteland, honoring both CJ and Bob. Thanks for sharing your stories here; I appreciate you!

@Brykk

2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryMysteryMan there used to be a sign on whiteland road(sr144) that runs from the interstate into town than commemorated bob. It was sign that said said something like “welcome to whiteland - home of 10 time world champion bob glidden”. The last time i saw that sign it was badly faded and i believe someone “removed” it. Another fun fact that a lot of people dont know - you can actually stand in cj’s parking lot and hit gliddens shop with a rock.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

@@Brykk Two motorsports icons living side by side in Whiteland...amazing! That sign is now a collector's item in someone's shop I'm sure...thanks again!

@Brykk

2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryMysteryMan just found your channel. Thank you for the interviews and coverage. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your work.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

@@Brykk Thanks! I appreciate you!

Stronger Than Dirt!

@HistoryMysteryMan

3 жыл бұрын

You know it...thanks Don!

RIP Uncle CJ!

I wish the suspensions discussion wasn't so cut up. My other concern is, so many interviewers feel the need to steer the conversation. Let these old guys talk.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Understand completely; I'm working hard on that. It stems from some people who won't talk much, so you're always having to jump in...bad habit that I'm correcting. Thanks for watching...

@bb3b644

2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryMysteryMan I thought you did a good job! He's one of those guy's that you have to pick stuff out of, or you'd just be sitting there looking at each other.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

@@bb3b644 Thanks!

In southern Oregon there is a guy by the name of Bruce Rayburn. (No relation) He had a CJ car back in the 80’s and was very dominant with it on the west coast during the outlaw wedge car era. Then he started building chassis and everyone would confuse his stuff with CJ’s stuff. Then he really got popular with the dirt modified guys in to 2000’s. But is company is Rayburn race cars. Wonder if Bruce is still building cars??

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

First I'd heard of Bruce Rayburn...interesting. Be a cool story. Does he live in Oregon? Thanks!

@billiebobthemechanic

2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryMysteryMan as far as I know he still lives in eagle point Oregon and is still building cars. Definitely a local hero in the southern Oregon racing community.

You should go visit Ray Godsey! Late model legend!

@HistoryMysteryMan

3 жыл бұрын

Great idea...thanks.

It's crazy, I'm from Northern Illinois, and up there, there were Rayburn racecars all over. But I'm in the Panhandle of Florida now, and down here, they don't know anything about Rayburn's! At least not around me. People look at me funny when I ask if anyone runs one down here.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

I'm surprised, considering how well known CJ is. But, he's up there in years and newer chassis manufacturers are taking hold. Thanks Jeff; I appreciate your thoughts...

@nunyabusiness8887

2 жыл бұрын

Central Illinois, here. Everyone was using Rayburn's when I was a kid, back in the 80s and 90s, at Fairbury, Lasalle, Kankakee....

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

@@nunyabusiness8887 Yeah...Rayburn chassis were definitely the go-to chassis during their era. Then everyone copied Rayburn's design...

@nunyabusiness8887

2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryMysteryMan LOVE your videos, man. Just finished the Jack Hewitt story. Good stuff!

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

@@nunyabusiness8887 Thanks so much; I sure appreciate you!

17:45 Butch Miller "drove" my jacked up Tamiya Blackfoot for a moment off the backstretch at Cayuga on an ASA race weekend one time. Damned if the 6 cells ran out just as he fired off. But he was gracious and kind and handed me back the Futaba pistol. He wife was like "Yeah, he'll try anything with wheels" and talked about the R/C stuff they had back at the house. Oh, the '80's...

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Cool story; thanks for sharing it here!

Lol I was Rayburn’s welder for a while the entire upstairs of his shop is trophy’s I’m sure there’s thousands of them up there

@HistoryMysteryMan

3 жыл бұрын

Wish I would have known that; I would have asked to go up there and check it out...thanks!

This is great could you please do one with Freddy Smith

@HistoryMysteryMan

3 жыл бұрын

You are the second person in the last day who has asked about Freddy Smith. Any idea where he lives? Thanks Nathan...

@nathanpike1908

3 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryMysteryMan kings mountain north Carolina

@HistoryMysteryMan

3 жыл бұрын

@@nathanpike1908 Thanks...

CJ learned engine building tips from Bob Glidden the drag racer back in the day

@HistoryMysteryMan

3 жыл бұрын

That's a cool story...thanks for sharing it here Kent...

not sure if it was even mentioned but when i met the masters brothers in 1983 when they first started building race cars, i had been introduced to them by jim curry, he drove a rayburn car. jim told me that almost all of the dirt late model builders either copied the rayburn or at the very least most of the design.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

No doubt...CJ set the standard in dirt late model chassis design, and everyone else followed. Thanks Jimmie...

“Can I burra yer tar gurg?” Cj “Buddy if you see what you need you can”. My buddy back to him at Anderson, wing car at an open race.

Great interview and video. One thing though, that Toledo race with the sprint car wing on the roof. Butch Miller won the race, so C.J. did not beat him LOL. C.J. was fast yes but kept burning up his tires and had to pit a few times. I have the video of the night. He ended up wrecking Mark Malcuit after trying to pass everyone on outside on frontstretch on restart and took Malcuit out. Cool event though.

@HistoryMysteryMan

2 жыл бұрын

Well now...that's a super-interesting sidebar, and I appreciate you sharing it here. I think I may have to go back for CJ Rayburn Part 2. Thanks Ron!