Staging Duel Becomes Fight On The NHRA Start Line - Clay Millican and Doug Herbert's Epic Burndown!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ก.ย. 2022
- Twenty years ago, one of the strangest incidents in NHRA Top Fuel history took place at Maple Grove Raceway. Clay Millican and Doug Herbert engaged in the longest burndown ever seen in the nitro categories.
A burndown is when both drivers refuse to stage first for a drag race. It is rare to see a burndown go longer than a minute, and extremely rare to see one reach two minutes - let alone in nitro dragsters!
In this interview, @claymillican25 remembers the crazy moment, and then talks about the tragic incidents that would later bring his and Doug Herbert's paths together again.
If you'd like to find out more about the BRAKES initiative (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), go to putonthebrakes.org. Over 100,000 teens and parents have been trained in safe driving, making a huge difference on our roads. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
That has to be the saddest way for two people to become friendly. Bless both of your sons memories.
Clay is such a genuine guy; anyone with that amount of smile lines around the eyes is straight up.
Clay is probably one of the most genuine good people I've ever seen.
Clay, you don’t need a nickname.
You are a class act in my opinion and I wish you great success in NHRA!
then just call him "Class Act" :)
Nice statement!
Caring Clay Millican! You have earned that nickname by just participating in the Brakes program!
I'll never forget that moment. Watched it live. The early 2000s were incredible for both NHRA and IHRA
Over 40 years ago I lost my son due to a sailing accident. Every time you talk about your loss, I get a tear in my eye. It's GOOD and reminds me that life is but a gift on loan, so live every day as if it may be your last. Thanks for sharing your story with us and keep stomping on the loud pedal.
Sir, you are a down to earth, stand up guy! I wish all the guys that run in NHRA had the great attitude you have. Best wishes in all you do.
I lost my son Sept 27 2020. This video brought tears to my eyes UNFORTUNATELY I can relate to your pain brothers. All we can do is move forward and TREASURE the memories. That's why I have this profile pic. It's my favorite pic of him. And my first car I painted
Sorry for your loss. Couldn't imagine one of my children dying before me. Hope you and your family are well
@@Shiftheads Thanks. The 27 this month will be 2 years. I'm at as much peace as I will get.
You 2 make me proud to be an NHRA fan. Handshake to both of you.
Man that brings back memories. I had forgotten about the big burndown. Its amazing how tragedy will bring people together. Awesome video...honestly one of my favorites so far. Thank you !!
Glad you liked it!
Has it REALLY been 20 years since this now?? This will FOREVER be one of the greatest staging duels/burndowns in all of NHRA history! One of the most memorable ones for me that I remember and know of beside for examples, Warren Johnson vs Dave Connolly at Denver in 2005 and Warren Johnson vs the late Scott Geoffrion in Houston in 1994.
Right? Time flies...
@@LivingNitro Yeah, it sure does...
Donation just made to BRAKES in honor of my own son. Sorry that you boys lost your sons. I cannot imagine. Thanks for helping kids learn to live.
That broke my heart when your son died. He was not only an awesome monster truck driver, but a carbon copy of you when it came to displaying an upbeat, positive attitude if he won or lost.
Tragic way for two hardcore competitors to team up for a common goal. Good on both of you!!
Tons of respect for both of you as fathers. What a history between two teams pushing cars to the limit. When you mentioned losing your son Dalton, it hit me hard. It brings all the memories of my 2 boys growing up, and all the things missed.
I put both my son and daughter through B.R.A.K.E.S approx. 10 years ago. To this day my kids will say I nearly got into an accident today but my B.R.A.K.E.S. training saved me again. I can't thank Doug Herbert and the B.R.A.K.E.S. Staff enough for a program that literally is keeping our kids safe.
Clay, your a Class Act see you at the track...
This is what road-safety should be about. Bless y'all!
I had a personal relationship with Chet Herbert for the last few years of his life. One of the very last cams he personally ground was one for a SBF I built for my 64 falcon. That cam is and I'm sure always will be the best dang cam I've ever had. That car had never had that much mph until he ground my cams. That man had forgotten more about horsepower than I'll ever learn in my life. I still have the car and 15 years later it is still running that solid roller cam Chet ground and his lifters.
There are no true grudges in the racing community. Everyone is there for the same reasons. All good humans.
You’re a great story teller Clay, thank you to you and RWR and Doug, and all your great Spenser’s ! I love your passion. Fron a 60 + year drag veteran.
Thanks for sharing your story Clay. Life's most difficult challenges have a way of humbling us and bringing us together. ❤️
First of all sorry for both family's losses, I can't even imagine the pain. Second everyone could benefit from the story you just told. We tend to take things for granted and hold onto things that don't ultimately matter. Very touching testimony!
Well said Kevin,there's a video on you tube.Clay does an interview discussing the day he got that knock on door when he lost his son.It was gut wrenching,its always in the back of my mind.If you ever get a chance you need to go check him out in person.It amazing how he tames that 11,000 horsepower beast
Over the years I have kinda stepped away from the drag racing, but since meeting Clay and holding a conversation with him in I'm guessing around 2004, he is a constant for me. Outside of racing, he is still just one of my favorite humans. His positivity and authenticity are just above and beyond most. 💙
Clay- you are such a class act. Didn't know you lost a son. I remember the burn down and what a touching story about when Doug lost two sons. As a fellow father, I can't imagine the pain from that loss. Onward and upward. Hope to say hi to you in Dallas next month.
Amen to that!
Now it's unanimous, everyone likes Clay Millican 👍
Clay, this is one of the most touching stories I've ever heard. Thank you for sharing with all of us. Class act you are sir..
I met Rick Stewart in Denver after the Saturday races. He never reacted politely to a stand off like that. He was a very nice guy, and answered my two or three questions, but his thoughts were, "I'm the starter, you move in, you stage, you go. Anything else is holding up the show."
A carbon copy of his mentor Buster!
Every time a little kid says he wants to be a race car driver when he grows up, I hope that kid grows up to be like one of these guys.
My stepson did the BRAKES class and I went to see it. About 2 weeks later there was an incident on the highway while my stepson was driving his mom. I am absolutely convinced that they would have both died had he not taken that class. As it was, he drove through the trouble without a scratch. Thank Doug and Thanks Clay!!!!!!
Have met both these guys, Doug built my engine in my old classic 57, they are both class at its finest. Good memories and good lesson.
I met you at Martin Michigan when you ran IHRA I rode the elevator with you and your wife at Covington Kentucky in 2005 At the IHRA World Championship Awards banquet. You are a class guy and a great racer. God speed to you and all you do you are a inspiration to what we love.
Man... this was a great story. So sorry for the loss of both your sons. And letting bygones be bygones is a wise move for anyone who wants to live a joyful life.
Clay Milican has his You Tube channel.. he is an awesome guy, very personable. He is a legend in my eyes.
How can anyone not like Clay? Even if he beat me I’d be smiling.
I was at Phoenix when Doug got the call. Fast forward to 2 yrs ago I got the call.
🙏🙏
All else aside, that was a really nice fella talking, there. Maybe our politicians could learn a little by watching this.
I followed Clay a lot in the IHRA as well the NHRA. He is really a great guy. He is always smiling and a positive racer. He had a very long reign in the IHRA. VERY sad to hear about his son. Awesome program! I love to see these guys give back to the community. I wish them all the best that God has to offer!
Awesome story, you're such a great guy Clay!!
Thank you for the old school memories Clay many wildnight's in years past . I enjoy every burn out you and now can add your wife to the big time burn out fun . If you have anymore Elvis video I'm sure everyone would be grateful to see it. Your channel is a great families first channel .
Thanks for posting. Stories like this are why drag racing is so great.
Clay was my favorite driver in the IHRA before this even happened. This cemented him as my favorite top fuel driver of all time.
Thanks for sharing that story Clay,,, I'm tearing up now.. Respect
Ur an awesome guy Clay . I’ve talk to u several time at different tracks and always enjoyed ur kindness and down to earth personality. Keep the faith.
Wow, really tugged the old heart strings with that story!
Thank you so much for all you do for the sport and fans. So So sorry for your loss, I lost my son 2 1/2 years old in 1993. I just watched you in St.louis 2022 Midwest Nationals, and always enjoy your smile and energy. May God bless you and your family and crew.
Love your stories! Always entertaining and never dull! I am truly sorry for the losses you and Doug have been dealt. Keep that positive vibe, and keep the content coming!!!!
Thanks for sharing, Clay.
You are so humble. Thank you for sharing this. ♥
Thanks for sharing, and helping drivers.
Dude that was one of the best stories so far. You both been thru so much. Great tail. Keep em coming and lets grab another wally
Clay, love your videos. How kind you are to everyone. We said hello to you at Indy. You are a true gentleman!
Clay with his welcoming personality has truly become well has been the class of the field in Nitro top fuel racing
That story epitomises what I have always thought of you youre a class act Sir sorry for both of you losing your son / sons thats a hard road to travel for sure
Never knew how Doug got his nickname.
I did have the opportunity to work for Doug and go to Bristol as part of his drag racing team a few years back.
Thank you Clay for sharing this video.
Heartbreaking and uplifting at the same 3. Always nice to know there's good people out there
I am very fortunate that I have worked with both Clay and Doug (I am a photographer for a Drag Illustrated Magazine) and I can tell you for first hand experience that both of them a total class acts! I actually had a chance to shoot Clay again yesterday (Sept 23rd) and he is always in a great mood. Just an overall really good Dude!
NHRA has some of the most down to earth folks of all sports it seems. Bravo
long and sort of what I took away from this was the humbling story of these two men, and the good work the continue to do.
I have always been a Doug fan, watching you 2 in the IHRA, and then seeing this happen, HELL he is 3X your size, you have been my favorite driver. mad props
A true class act and a good role model. I have always been a fan since he signed my hat in Ennis tx 30 years ago.
He is one of the best!
Wow, what a great and heartfelt story. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you for an amazing story, rivals come to an understanding and teaching kids to drive
Much respect to both drivers, humbling story.. lessons learned, life is more important than any issues in life
Thanks guys for the memories. God Bless you and your family's.
Clay, you posted this four weeks ago but I'm just now seeing it. I lost my oldest son back in 2006 to a work related car accident. I'm sorry for your lost and for Doug's lost as well. I have a new respect for you both based on this story. I hope I get to see you and talk with you at the Fall Nationals here in Texas this weekend if I'm able to make it. If not, good luck to you and your team.
Thanks for sharing the history with us. Stay safe
One of my favorite memories from racing was being at joe Byrd’s house with clay and dalton for the group class we did before he started racing for joe, I’m so sorry dalton passed and especially for the way it happened, he was such a nice kid and an amazing competitor to race against.
Your good man Clay,met you in Pamona last year was a guest through Mainline.I watch all your videos had no idea how much I didn't know about drag racing life lessons and maintaining a good attitude.It today's world,
it's nice change of pace knowing there still good people out there.
Great video. And thank you for reminding me to register my son for BRAKES, which I forgot about.
At that moment I tested up. You have always been my favorite driver. Even in IHRA. thank you 👏👏👏
Much respect to you Clay. You're a great example of a gentleman driver
Heartbreaking and yet fills your heart. Thanks for sharing this story.
Love you sharing this thx!
This is one of the greatest stories I've ever heard! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing this very touching story and my condolences on the tragic circumstances...............
Incredible story. Thank you! Continued good luck to you.
I hung around the drag boat racing scene for many years. I had family directly involved in the racing, promotion of the sport, RESP (Racer's Emergency Support Program), RFC (Racers for Christ) and other events and charities. It was amazing how all the racers, crews and all the families were supportive of each other. If you needed a part and didn't have one, chances are one of the other race teams did and would gladly give it to you. There was plenty of teasing and good natured fun, but I've never been around more people that were laid back and friendly in my life.
That's life! And after today's story of yet another...That's life! I am enriched...yet a little more today. Sharing your sons is a noble and, yet humbling thing to do. Thank you so much for sharing.
Class ACT....CLAY ! Awesome story I have never heard. Thank you. 59 and have ALWAYS been a fan of your addictive smile and positive attitude.
Clay ...thanks for sharing your story !
Great story, Thanks for sharing!
What a great story! Thank you Clay!
BLUE THUNDER was one my favorites!! Love the content keep up the good work! love these types of videos. Nothing like reminiscing it's good for the soul!
What a great great guy! My nephew and I watched Clay film a commercial for Coke in person in the mid 2000's at Commerce Dragway then saw the commercial the next day during the finals. Crazy how life brings rivals together for a common cause!!
You are an amazing human!!! Well done sir.
Wow, great story. I have a similiar one I pray I can share with you some day. Keep them coming and this is you and the teams weekend. Win lights :)
As far as I'm concerned Clay certainly has a nickname.
Clay "Class Act" Millican
Wow very touching story, thank you for sharing . I have two boys as well and your story really hits home.
thank you sir for sharing what has to be an almost unbearable loss and the story of the end result from what started as a simple grudge match showdown
Great pod cast!!!
Great story, thank you for sharing it with us.
I love that story. Godspeed to both of you and your families.
I worked at a cabinet shop next door to Clays place when that went on. Clay and Mike were always so down to earth and let us check out the equipment in between races. Clay dominated IHRA in those days hands down!
Proof that real competition and sportsmanship do go together.
A wonderful lesson hard learned by these two competitors with hopefully happy endings for others.👍👍
The both of you show what a "Real Man" is.
What an awesome story that turned into a great friendship!
Kids will change your life my son was in a role over Saturday night and got 3 broken places in his neck one compounded fracture Vertebrate and broken shoulder blade im so thankful he is a live walking and about to go home
WORDS TO LIVE BY,PEOPLE ! THANKS CLAY !
Hell of a story. In less than 10 min you made me laugh and tear up. Thank you for sharing.
Some of the most wholesome humble people I have ever met are racers. Just built different