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THE AUTO BUILDER
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Product Spotlight – Gentleman Joe Schubeck: A Living Legend Tells His Story in Hot Rods, Trains, & Planes
Don “Big Daddy” Garlits, in his “Foreword” says, “People of all ages, especially young people just starting out, should read this book for inspiration”
SQUIRT GUN
You have to admit that the thought of injecting water into your engine sounds crazy. We all know that water doesn’t burn and it can’t be compressed. Those unfortunate souls who have tried to do this now have engines that are the equivalent of ship anchors. In this installation, we aren’t going to be injecting huge amounts of water into an engine, but rather a fine mist that’s proportionate to the fuel flow (10 percent to 20 percent), using a high-pressure pump. This will help lower the chances of detonation by reducing the intake charge temperature.
Necessity Breeds Inspiration
The ididit steering column in the 38 Chevy presented a conundrum for the SRRC crew. Its intended path straight through the engine compartment was blocked by the mighty LS1 lurking beneath. Instead of compromising on engine placement or aesthetics, the team got crafty. Inspired by modern car designs, they opted to dramatically shorten the column and snake it around the engine, hugging the underside of the custom aluminum dash. This not only cleared the heads but also resulted in a sleek and streamlined look that complemented the truck’s overall transformation. This excerpt highlights the resourcefulness and ingenuity involved in custom car builds, showcasing how unconventional solutions can lead to stunning results.
Spotlighter
Remembering George Poteet
Hot Rod Hero and Land Speed Legend
George Poteet, a true icon in the world of hot rodding and land speed racing, has left us, but his legacy blazes on like a nitro-fueled firestorm. Poteet wasn’t just another car guy; he was “The Car Guy,” a legend who lived life a quarter-mile at a time and made history on the salt flats. Let’s dive into the life of a man who put the pedal to the metal and never looked back.
Author
The AutoBuilder Staff
Photography by Scott Killeen
From Garage Guru to Hot Rod Hero
Born in 1947 in Memphis, Tennessee, George Poteet was destined for greatness. As a kid, he spent his days covered in grease, tinkering with engines in his dad’s garage. That early love affair with cars set the stage for what would become a lifelong obsession with speed and style.
Poteet didn’t just admire hot rods; he built them, drove them, and pushed them to their limits. His collection of custom cars wasn’t just impressive—it was legendary. Each ride was a testament to his unparalleled vision and engineering skill. The guy had an eye for detail that was second to none.
From meticulously restored classics to one-of-a-kind custom builds, Poteet’s garage was a treasure trove of automotive masterpieces. He was known for his innovative designs and his ability to transform ordinary vehicles into extraordinary machines. Among his notable creations was the “Blowfish,” a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda that became a record-breaking land speed racer. Poteet’s cars were not just about aesthetics; they were built for performance, often featuring cutting-edge technology and engineering marvels that set new standards in the hot rodding community.
Poteet’s dedication to car building extended beyond his personal collection. He collaborated with some of the best builders and fabricators in the industry, always pushing the envelope of what was possible. His projects were often featured in top automotive magazines, showcasing his commitment to craftsmanship and his relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.
The Blowfish and Beyond
If you know anything about George Poteet, you know about the “Blowfish.” This 1969 Plymouth Barracuda wasn’t just another pretty face; it was a beast. Poteet took this classic muscle car and turned it into a record-breaking land speed racer. The Blowfish became a symbol of his relentless pursuit of perfection and performance.
But the Blowfish was just one chapter in Poteet’s epic saga. He had a knack for turning metal and rubber into magic, and his creations regularly graced the covers of hot rodding magazines. Each car was a masterpiece, a rolling tribute to the art of speed.
King Of The Salt Flats
George Poteet’s name is synonymous with Bonneville. The Bonneville Salt Flats are where legends are made, and Poteet was the undisputed king. Year after year, he pushed the envelope, setting records and raising the bar for land speed racing.
In 2020, at the age of 72, Poteet achieved a staggering top speed of 470.015 mph in his Speed Demon streamliner, averaging this speed over two runs. The Speed Demon, a 32-foot-long golden streak powered by a twin-turbocharged 556-cubic-inch Chevy big-block, became the fastest piston-driven vehicle in the world under his command. Poteet’s indomitable spirit shone through, even when the car caught fire on a previous run. Unfazed, he continued to chase speed, demonstrating a resilience that inspired everyone around him.
Giving Back And Paying It Forward
Poteet wasn’t just about going fast; he was also about giving back. His philanthropic efforts were as impressive as his car collection. He supported automotive museums, educational programs, and charity events, ensuring that the legacy of hot rodding would endure.
He also took the time to mentor young gearheads, sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion for cars. Poteet’s generosity and willingness to help others made him a beloved figure in the community.
The Legacy Lives On
George Poteet’s passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will be felt for generations to come. His life was a masterclass in dedication, innovation, and pure, unadulterated passion for cars. As the tributes pour in, it’s clear that Poteet wasn’t just a legend; he was a hero to anyone who’s ever felt the thrill of the open road.
Let’s raise a glass to George Poteet—a man who embraced life in the fast lane and made a lasting impact on hot rodding and land speed racing. His legacy roars like an engine, reminding us all to pursue our dreams with the same fiery determination he brought to every endeavor.
