RACER: Robin Miller on Don Branson
The standard line at the time was there were bold race drivers and old race drivers but there were no old, bold ones.
Don Branson was the exception.
At the age of 39, Branson qualified for his first Indianapolis 500 and also edged out A.J. Foyt for the 1959 USAC sprint car title in a preview of things to come. "Pappy," as he was known, would go on to win six big car races, 28 sprint features and 15 midget main events against his younger competition and against the odds.
Branson, who also captured the 1964 sprint crown, was diabetic but kept that a secret because had it known his condition, USAC would not have granted him a license. So to think he won 100-mile dirt races in searing heat and humidity with no power steering while fighting such a handicap is truly remarkable.
After announcing 1966 would be his last behind the wheel, the 46-year-old lost his life in the sprint-car finale at Ascot Park that November.
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Пікірлер: 15
Thanks Robin. Don Branson and Judd Larson were my father's favorite sprint car drivers.
To give an idea of how good Don Branson was, for the decade of the 1960's in the Champ Car series Don qualified on pole 12 times tied for 3rd with Parnelli. The two guys ahead of him were A.J. and Mario.
Them open wheel drivers back then we're GIANTS. Don't think any drivers from any era were braver or had more talent than the open wheel of that time. Branson, Foyt, Unser, Andretti....All Giants.
Really good biography of Don Branson. Thank you so much.
That fabulous picture of "Pappy" Don Branson, @
There are a couple of side notes about Branson I get a kick out of. In 1961 after Bob Estes sold his entire racing operation to Bruce Homeyer, which included the driver (Branson) and mechanic (Jud Phillips), Branson was released due to his age and inability to finish races. Homeyer in his infinite wisdom hired fellow drinking buddy Jack Rounds. That lasted about 2 months.
Thanks Robin 😎😀
I’m wondering if Mr. Branson fought in ww2. I remember reading something to that effect long ago, something about him being a war hero. And THAT should ALWAYS be ACKNOWLEDGED
Excellent
Robin: We love what you're doing. How about a lingering close up of the great pics you show us.
Thank you Robin those men were racers and men back then .not like the whips that race today
Where did you get the 1953 B&W sweatshirt. That's the year I was born, Dad went to the 500, Mom babysat me at home, wish I was there. I want to buy one. Thanks,
During the 1950s, there were limited resources for diabetics. Today, thanks to today’s technology, there are more resources and education about diabetes.