The ADRL Spring Drags IV that was held a few days back at Cordova Dragway Park in Illinois was nothing short of a weekend filled with exciting racing action, and the legendary Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick contributed to the thrill as well, as during one of his big flashy burnouts he left the crowd and announcer chattering.
At over 80 years of age, Beswick is undeniably one of the most well known Pontiac drag racers in history, and with over five decades of racing experience and seat time under his belt, Arnie has become a revered crowd favorite across the country. Time and time again “The Farmer“ from The Prairie State took home win after win, often to protests of other competitors. Although the Illinois native started his racing career behind the wheel of Oldsmobiles and Dodges, the tradition of the famed Pontiac racer was started in the late 50’s with his purchase of a Pontiac Chieftain. The famous looks of the tiger-striped ride that Beswick now pilots, originally came about in the mid 1960’s, on his 1963 Tempest coupe.
In this video from Cordova Dragway Park and the Spring Drags IV, “The Farmer”, behind the wheel of his 1964 GTO Tameless Tiger II, lays down 300-plus feet of a smoky burnout that ended with a kiss to the wall. The announcers enthusiasm is contagious as regardless of the minor collision, Beswick backs-up in what seems as preparation to make a hit, rolling over pieces and debris left behind from his car in the process. Luckily Arnie was uninjured in the mishap.
Watch as the beloved and famous Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick stirs the crowd at the American Drag Racing League’s Spring Drags during this spectacular burnout, and leaves the onlookers with something to talk about!