Mahoney’s Two-Toney
September 17, 2024
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THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
ELECTRIFIED
If you are like many of us who have at one time or another opted for a less expensive vehicle to build, then this how-to will be of interest to you. At the cost of certain features or creature comfort conveniences—mundane items like power windows and locks—we often begin with what may be considered a strippo model or a basic transportation car that is … well, available. These cars can, after all, make for a great foundation that can easily be personalized, just like we are doing here.
Triple Crown of Rodding 2025: Top 30 Review
In its third year, the Triple Crown of Rodding keeps getting smoother, stronger, and more refined—like a finely aged bourbon, each year’s competition distills the craft down to its boldest, most balanced builds. The 2025 event brought a level of intensity and talent that proved just how far the hobby has come. Builders came prepared, and the competition was fierce, with every entry pushing boundaries in creativity, engineering, and execution. This wasn’t just a show—it was a proving ground where only the most exceptional rides could shine.
The Injection Connection
In 1999, Stotts decided to replace the carbureted 350, which was installed in 1991, with a Corvette TPI motor. Stotts wanted to bring the car into the new millennium with style, adding the extra convenience of electronic fuel injection. A resident of Mena, Arkansas, Stotts visited nearby Street & Performance to get started on his project. The S&P guys are well-known for being wizards when it comes to figuring out how to stuff an EFI motor in an older car and actually making it work.
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.
