By: Steve LeTempt
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The famous CRAZY HORSE funny car known for it’s excitement, out did it’s self and gave John Sullivan a
spinning on it’s roof, 187 mph, guard wall bouncing venture that Sullivan will not soon forget.
John Sullivan and the “Over the Belt” Gang had just completed a brand new 2005 Pontiac Firehawk Funny Car
for the new season and set their sites on breaking in the new CRAZY HORSE at the NHRA Divisional race at
Bradenton, Florida. Sullivan stated that this was the finest ride he had ever owned. He was excited to kick his
spurs into her and let her go, but he got more than he bargained for. She launched hard and then about 400
feet are so, she turned straight into the guard wall, the body exploded and she bucked all the way over on her
roof. Sullivan stated, I pushed my body back into the seat and just hung on for dear life. She spun around so
many times I lost count. Finally, she came to a stop and I unbuckled and dropped out and stepped back to look
at the mess before me. There she lay, body gone, motor slung off to the side, hard to believe only a few
seconds ago this was a gorgeous ride. By now I could hear my crew coming with concern for my well being.
Sullivan stated, I thought I even saw a few tears in their eyes as they rushed to my side. I heard them say, are
you hurt? I thought to myself, only in my heart. For a few seconds there was silence and then I heard one of my
crew say, we can rebuild her and suddenly everyone moved into action as we began to get her back to the
trailer.
That proved to be a rough weekend stated Sullivan, but I learned that I have one hell of a crew. Tommy Pain,
Ken Epperson, Steve Harrision, Junior Yaws, Neil Roberts and Gerry Tew. These guys are the reason I do this,
without them, drag racing just wouldn’t be the same.
CRAZY HORSE is currently being rebuilt and will ride again at Rockingham, NC, in April. CRAZY HORSE and
the “Over the Belt” Gang can be seen competing at five IHRA events and four NHRA races this season, plus
match racing at local tracks as well. For more information about the Alabama based CRAZY HORSE match
racing team, contact Staging Steve LeTempt at slt@s2tmarkpro.net.
