E.J. Potter the 'Michigan Madman'
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- Drag racers-especially during the sport’s early and less restrictive years-would try anything that made sense. And not surprisingly, they looked in all sorts of places to find them.
While motorcycle guys have often borrowed technology from car guys, some have gone so far as to borrow engines. And no one has been more associated with this than E.J. Potter, affectionately known as the ‘Michigan Madman’.
As Gary Werner, owner of a Potter machine, described him, "E.J. wasn't your mom's kind of role model but he was mine. He roamed the country putting on his thrill, noise, and smoke show. He defied reason by not getting killed on his two-wheeled rodeo bull of a ride, and probably got paid more than most dragster drivers for the excitement he provided."
Potter grew up in the central Michigan town of Ithaca, the son of a scientist. After first competing on dirt tracks, he decided in 1960 to pursue a dream he had sketched in his high school notebooks. The dream, of course, was putting a Chevy V-8 engine into a motorcycle frame.
"Ignorance is a powerful tool if applied at the right time, even usually surpassing knowledge."--E.J. Potter
Although most thought the idea absurd, Potter didn’t. "My tape measure applied to the car engine told me that such a thing was not much bigger than a Harley engine, only longer,” he recalled, “and I set about finding a Harley frame to start butchering on."
At Potter's first race with the machine, Art Arfons was also there with his Allison-powered car ‘Green Monster’. Although Potter's machine started easily enough, problems quickly ended his day. "I was sitting in the pit area surrounded by the remains," he says, "when for the 187th time that day, some guy I had never seen before came up and started looking the thing over. Being submerged in the depths of dejection, I naturally didn't make much of an effort to be sociable. He didn't say much at all, except that it looked to him like I could eventually make some money with that bike if I would stick to it until I had the bugs worked out. He walked on to the other end of the pits and the crew came running up wanting to know what he had said. I made some noncommittal response and said, "Why, who was it?" Art Arfons. Well, I guess you know how that little tidbit of news made me feel after I, shall we say, had just passed up the chance to talk to the King and really find stuff out."
Encouraged, Potter would spend more than a decade building, racing-and sometimes wrecking-six more “Widowmaker” machines. And he did so throughout the world-the fans in England, Australia, and Canada as enthusiastic as those in the U.S.
Because of their enthusiasm and the effect it had on promoters, Potter was paid $1 for every mile per hour he exceeded 100 mph. He quickly realized that his homemade clutch (built from a Harley-Davidson drum brake) was limiting his maximum trap speed to about 115 mph and that, in turn, limited his income to no more than $15 per race. His solution-and Potter always found one-was to eliminate the clutch altogether. As a result of his new "direct-drive" arrangement, trap speeds increased to 136 mph and the promoter was forced to renegotiate.
The engine Potter used was a 327 ci, fuel-injected Chevrolet running on a mixture of alcohol and water, although at various times he experimented with ether and benzene. The transmission was connected to the engine by means of a chain, which was then connected to the rear sprocket by more chain.
Rather than continuing with the full-cradle design of the Harley-Davidson frame, Potter chose a large, tubular backbone and trellis configuration that used the engine as a stressed member. The rear sub-frame was un-sprung, while the front end used an Indian-Enfield telescopic fork. The rear tire was 6.70 x 15 inches and lasted just three runs.
The weight of the machine was 750 pounds with Potter on board, which made for an eventful ride. In fact, he said, "In order to be worth money to a promoter, people have to think you almost got killed. That way, they buy a ticket next time."
Although Potter’s times and speeds were competitive, they didn’t really matter. “What does matter,” said one observer, “is that his bike is a monster, awesome just to gaze at, spectacular in action, and as tricky as a wild bronco to ride."
I read the book the Michigan Madman the two things I learned from E.J potter was 1) always do your own research 2) ignorance applied at the right time can be a powerful tool ...
I think having an understanding wife with a medical kit handy is a big plus too. EJ took some terrible crashes at demonstration events in the south, in one case, tearing himself up so bad he didn't dare take off his driver suit until he got home. Oh ya, EJ crashed in South Carolina, got hurt, loaded the bike and drove home that night. Had to open the shop for Monday morning. Hero, anyone?
BOOK WAS FICTION
an 11 second 1/4 mile pass while doing a massive sideways burnout on a fuckin bike, now thats one badass dude!
That he was
Rest in peace Mr. Potter. You certainly Got my attention when I was a kid. Getting in trouble reading about you in Hot Rod magazines instead of doing my work.
on no, but i bet you learned a lot from those magazines
@@TorqTalkOfficial I couldn't get enough of Hot Rod magazine. It aggravated me that they only put the mag out once a month.
One of my heroes, not only for innovation and original thinking but mainly for the fact he never gave up.
His Super slot car was just one example of his genius/madness and that's what made him special to me.
Those were the days, I loved it when a fuel dragster smoked its tires all through the quarter. In the mid 1960's, breaking 200 in less than 8 seconds was a great run, and for the spectator, the tire smoke was more exciting than the ET or speed. Potter really knew how to put on a show, as slow as the launch was because of tire spin, the ride through the second half must have been thrilling while that tire was hooking up...great video.
Agree, it was definetly about the show.
@@TorqTalkOfficial as a teen in the mid 80s , I used to find all kinds of 70s standard bikes for 50$ in backyards thru my lawn mowing job.
Best one was a 78 kawi kz650 4cyl.
Anyways , the road in front of my parents house looked like a burnout box.
I'd do smokeys and let them ride out until the rear tire hooked up.
Start a nice smokey in 3rd or 4th and sit there until the smoke started getting you, and release that brake and ride it out.
Usually it was anywhere around 50-70mph and 500-700 feet out.
Wore out alot of sneakers dabbing my feet to keep balance.
Good times.
This vid brought back those memories , I don't find much joy in a burnout unless someone has the guts to ride it out like this.
My hats off to you for this , very cool.
The still photos simply don't do the man, or machine justice.
Seeing Video truly displays the scope of insanity.
What a burn out. Michigan man!
E.j. Potter had a bad crash in England when the chain tension axle adjuster bolt broke.. He kept getting more sideways until he crashed.. He spent some time like at least two weeks in a Hospital in the UK .. He said they had Free Health care in UK and that's about all it was worth .. but Shipping his bike back to the USA was cheap because he shipped what was left of it back to the USA as scrap metal ..
Really pleased to find this video; first one in years. Saw Potter racing many times in England at Santa pod ..1966-7 . I have photos I took of him in my album.
Spoke with him too and he was a very nice guy. Sad to hear he died quite a while back.. That V8 bike was amazing.. Happy memories from 50 years back..
Thank You
I saw him there too bouncing his way down the strip, my dad took me there when he was a fire officer from Kettering fire station doing fire marshaling, long time ago
3:25 @@TorqTalkOfficialu
Thank you for, being an inspiration sir.
My favorite EJ Potter rig was the little mini-car with a jet electric starter motor on each wheel - and the electricity came from a P-40 engine sitting behind the starting line cranking a big ass generator hooked to big conductors on each side of the lane. 2000 hp and you don't have to carry the engine along! Sort of like the old street car system...
I have been a fan of EJ's since i saw him make a run on that bike in the late 60,s in Illinois. Had a brief conversation with him in the 90,s when I called to order a copy of his book. The phone # was @ his house and he answered! He even signed the copy. What a great guy. I would highly recommend buying the book "The Michigan Madman" its a very fun read. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for sharing
My Dad grew up in a small town about 20 mile from EJ and knew him. Dad's still alive, I guess EJ died about a decade ago.......According to my Dad he really was a Madman. I guess in the early days he tested his creations out on the local roads and was always getting in some sort of trouble with the police.
He came into the Ithaca Shell station once to get a tire on his bike. Cool thing was “don’t use that soapy water on it” lol . Was S and H tire , cheap but worked for him I guess .
I sat and listened to EJ and Richard Wetzel (an equal genius to EJ) argue for 2hrs over who had a better way to get a bolt out with a snapped off head. Then watching them try and prove their way was better was hilarious. Thanks for the memories EJ!
Dang, wished I'd had been there. My brother and I chased the tractor pulling circuit around Michigan in the early 70's. EJ was just coming on as a big deal. Our dad went along one time and mentioned he knew EJ, the guy was always in the shop where my dad worked (on trucks) bumming transmission parts. EJ ran an Allison automatic trans in the the Ugly tractors and was always chewing up clutch packs. My dad was THE Allison trans guy in mid Michigan, so he saved EJ all his 'spares'. For us kids, it was a bit like having your dad mention he had lunch with Al Kaline every Wednesday. Sorry, gotta be from Michigan to understand.
E J was my childhood hero in new zealand...badass
He was a global icon
Saw E.J. a number of times in So Cal, mid to late 60's. Always a show-stopper! Thanks for the video 😎
Rock on!
@@TorqTalkOfficial Me too!! The good old days!
E.J. Potter was my Hero from his Tractor Pulling Era,, I really didn't know much about his Motorcycle or Drag car days until I got his Book "Michigan Madman" and his DVD..
I always wanted to make a Pilgramage to Ithaca MI to see his Barn full of Allison Aircraft Engines.. His Son or Daghgter told me that he really enjoyed talking to people about his Projects..
I spoke with him before at Tractor Pulls in the SW MI area, but he was always very busy and didn't want to Bother him.. I saw him win many Tractor pulls before his Competitors started bulding Tractors with 5 blown Big Block Chevies..
He had one Tractor called Double Ugly wich actyally was an experimental W-24 .. two V-12's with a comone crankase these were used in a few large bomber or transport planes..
His Book and Video are a must have.. I posted a link in the comment below
That sounds like a cool trip to make.
I got to watch him make a couple of runs at Cayuga Speedway back in 1966/67. I remember the smoke ring around his back tire as he crossed the finish line at 162 mph Quite the thrill to watch!
This man had an incredible history....Rumor has it his coconuts dragged the ground.
HAHAHA
...as Big as church bells.!!
EJ my man I've always been awed by you and your machine and now is the first time i've ever seen you run so fine.
E.J. Potter held the world Record for Motorcycle 1/4 mile Drag time or Trap speed 3 times.. You can run a dry block with Methanol .. but he mixed in some Nitro Menthane to set the record..
WOW
The name and the bike has stayed in my memory all these years since first seeing him in a magazine article which mentioned that he had to use fork-lift chain.
that some tough stuff, 12,000 lbs breaking strength.
Wheel spin clutch. Great idea.
Haven’t seen a burnout like that since the last Boss Hoss video I watched. Kudos!!
I can remember this guy at Santa Pod raceway in the early sixties at the first meeting there, left a lasting impression with me fantastic
"SUNDAY"...Detroit Dragway...Sibley and Dix...Be There!!
I remember seeing him as a kid with his tractor pulling tractor. 👍
What a hero! And he did so much more than bikes! Rip. Ejp
He was crab walking down the drag strip...
Never heard of him, but one 3 minute video and I understand why they call him Madman. He must have been going at least a hundred when he was drifting a little sideway for a long stretch. I said 'holy sh*t!" out loud, lol.
Yeah, and the back wheel was doing 200 when the chassis clocked 151 😅
Just think if he had a Goodyear slick and wheelie bars! That is fast!! Thanks for sharing a quarter mile burn out!!!
You bet
Can't help but feel related. God bless you and your families Aloha and amen
Fearless
Agree 100%
Saw him '73 or '74 at Tri-City Dragway near Freeland, Mi. Quite the show!
Yep seen him there too .
The man had no fear.
First heard about him in 1979. A fitting video to a legend.
R.I.P. Elon Jack Potter.
A legend! RIP
I think the bike could go faster if they let off on the Gas some and let that tire hook up .. E.j.. Potter used a controlled spin since he had no transmission.. He didn't use a slick because a slick had too much traction.. He used a good old treaded 15" car tire..
One of the things I liked to do the most with my KZ 1000 ST was to upshift to 4 th gear on a burnout, let go the front brake and shift 5 th 100 feet further ....700 ft of tire spin. Yeah...the good old days. I can only imagine the pleasure Mr. Potter had doing this. I'd say he was my hero!!
incredible part of motorcycle history
Saw E.J. back in mid 1960's in Okla. City, Ok. At the old Sand Valley Drag Strip Owned by the late Jimmy Nix TF racer. E.J. always put on an awesome show.
SO COOL!!!
Saw him a couple of times at Dover Drag Way in Wingdale New York... Helluva showman...
I saw EJ at the Spring Nationals in Bristol, Tennessee. I`m thinking it was 1970, could have been 71. My buddy's uncle took us up there, it was awesome.
150 mph sideways on a car tire. Nice
He was a madman
@@TorqTalkOfficial Not that mad. He figured out early on that a slick was a death sentence on that bike. He used a normal car tire because it was absolutely predictable what it was going to do off the line. Watch the video, the rear end Always jumps to the right 75 feet off the line. You can catch it if you know its coming.
Car motor as well
@@1MrR He started with a Chevy 283 and finished using a 327 with fuel injection. He probably had in excess of 350 horsepower between his knees as he hit top end. I'm surprised there weren't sparks on the the drag strip from his giant balls hanging...
@@cdjhyoung 😂😄 exactly.
Holy frig mad man is right doing 150mph sideways.
Video similar to what I saw in 1971 only he lit the tire up with a torch and when he took off it made flaming burnout.
Oh yeah, and it was so out of control he went across all four lanes till he got really going.
I met him somewhere back in the 90's in Livonia Mi. @ The Barn Show. he had on display a bike called Bloody Mary' and he remarked to me, "That thing never worked right and I'm probably glad it didn't."
NEATO. Have a safe and nice day all. CHEERS from AUSTRALIA
That's a a crazy man but heh,,, he loved the unusual and people loved his bikes and the way he rode them,, right up there for biggest balls,, learnt about him on American pickers,, in which they got his bikes for a museum,,, from Northern Ireland greatly appreciated ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️
That is why they called him the Mad Man
E J was one cool dude🏁🏁
How did he even have a tire left by the end of the run. What a wild ride
Good Question
Seen him when I was younger at Milan Dragway was great then still great in haven!
Wish we could have seen him live, you are fortunate!
I have heard of him doing this, I never seen it til this viedeo... it did not disappoint !
Does anyone remember his Allison aircraft engine powered pulling tractor...what an innovative MAN
Yes we do
Yes--the Allison. I'm 73 . Not sure when, but it did happen
Great video and write-up. Should have been called the "Crazy Michigan Madman"
Well they might have if ' crazy ' started with an ' M '.
Thank You!!!
Just ALL CLASS
Agree
EJ was legend around here for his tractor pulling. His ugly unlimited tractor used a 12 cylinder Allison aircraft engine. Then he found out Allison had built a 24 cylinder engine too, so he built a tractor with one of those. Didn't think much about painting anything, so he had both the hardest pulling tractors, and the ugliest. EJ did all his own wrenching and driving, so when it was time to get his trophy and money, and kiss the County Fair Queen, he usually only got two of the three.
Well Said
I remember him but I never seem him in person
What balls that man had.i saw him once at the dragstrip near Erie,Pennsylvania. Wattsburg, i think. P I T A. What a show.
Looks like the back wheel wants get there first!
imagine what he could have done with a tire that hooked up!
People forget what decade this happened and technology isn't what it is today.
A tire that hooked up would have probably killed him. EJ understood what he was doing and the skinny car tire he used always performed exactly the same (well, within reason considering what he was doing). EJ was there to put on an exciting show, not there to get himself killed.
Dang... I used to watch this gentleman at US 131 dragway.....back in the 60's .....very cool to see !
My type of bloke
Ours too
E.J. was a badass!
Agree 100%
Don't forget Elmer trett
151 and rear wheel spinning the entire way.
insane right?
A friend told me guy has SB sideways in bike, gonna run this Sun, Great Meadows, NJ 1964 or '65
EJ didn't want to just burn rubber, he's lookin' for ET & MPH he broke record there, his old record !
thanks for sharing
There's a episode of American pickers purchasing that bike & a few other bits n pieces of memorabilia.
Fantastic so glad I checked
RIP Potter
😢
Who is the Young Rider? He almost looks like E.J. Son Jack ???? Who Probobly is older than the rider I see here in the Vance Lathers..
Very cool
Agree
These bikes were recently on the TV show American Pickers.
🔴🔴 WOW THAT'S INCREDIBLE AWESOME...!!👏👏👏👏👏👏🙋♂️
The tire reached its 30,000 mile warranty two inches after the lights.
Yeah, he was probably down to the steal belts at the end of each run 🤣
@@TorqTalkOfficial It would be interesting to do the math and see how far the tire would have traveled if it just rolled without loosing traction. I'd attempt that but I don't know the tire's circumference, the engine RPM and drive ratios. My guess is 30 miles at least as that's 120 times the track length.
Seriously cool 😎
The 4 thumbs down probably never rode a moped let alone anything with power.
you can't please everyone
Yeah drug dealers on bicycles
A real mad man new about him in 60s 70s or verry brave
Vi uma matéria no History. E vim pesquisar show 👏👏👏
Insane!
Wow that's awesome.
Hot damn! I need a bike like that!
Just saw these bikes on an episode of American pickers..
Imagine building this by hand by yourself out of scavenge parts when you're 17 years old what a genius
Wretched excess.
SALUD!
Ah, the memories
of our youth!
My new hero
ours too!
He always reminded me of Wiley Coyote setting on the missle.
Pretty cool😊
Insane wow. What a ride.
Yeah, it's crazy for sure
i got to see E.J Potter race that bike in1970, s That was before the sport bikes, that will go that fast off the showroom floor
He was ahead of his time for sure
I watched him here in England. Can't say when but it must have been late 60's or early 70's. Those were the days when invention and ideas were fundamental in drag racing especially if you were using a non US engine.
I Watched him ride his twin v8 in the UK in 67 when he crashed.
THE ORIGINAL MICHIGAN MAD MAD. I ran across a video yesterday of someone else adopting the name. ...but there's ONLY ONE in my book ! I used to have a article (in Hot Rod magazine?) on him and the bike years ago. It stated he used a OEM Harley rear chain .
That is crazy!!! Wonder how many runs it lasted 🤷♂️
@@TorqTalkOfficial He build several. Ran them for a good number of years best I recall. Surely a google of his name should bring up plenty of info.
HELL YEAH!
They say he bought a tire with a lifetime tread-wear guarantee. They caught on and refused to give him another tire so he sued. Is it true?
Not sure but would be interesting to find out. I doubt it do, probably an urban legend.
I read that tire warranty story back in the day in one of the Hot Rod mags. I don't recall that he sued.
Awesome!
he was fearless,and that's a fact,stainless steel nerves
agree
Seen his bikes in spingville utah. Awsome machine's
Was EJ into tractor pulling? I remember a modified called the ugly tractor that was on the circuit in the mid seventies and I believe it was a EJ Potter that ran that tractor too.
E.J.'s last runs in Florida, the Track was too hot and he could not get enough traction. He never ran a slick because a slick had too much traction. A car street tire spun enough to get the rpm's up off the line with no Transmission. Just an in and out Industrial Clutch ..
Does this thing launch off the stand just by tire growth? Or was there he got it off the stand at launch. Hard to tell in vid
Isso sim é fritar pneu !!!!
O "louco de michigan" com 19 anos de idade fez a primeira moto V8!
He was a character,check out the Yamaha's @.58
I saw them two RD 350's hooked together...
@@mikeskidmore6754 if I'm not mistaken Mike its three !!
@@thatsoutrageous1961 Could not see the whole bike .. I only notied two engines
Wow that was interesting