LEGENDS THE SERIES: THE LEGEND OF MIKE DUNN
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- Опубліковано 15 кві 2020
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He was the kid many watched grow up at the drag strip.
The kid, Mike Dunn, a winner in two professional categories, was a record-setting driver who took his career in the sport to a one-of-a-kind level.
Before he became a pro drag racer, he turned wrenches on those cars. He was a national event-winning driver in Top Fuel. Ditto behind the wheel of a Funny Car, with a ledger that includes a U.S. Nationals crown. He had top-five points finishes in both classes.
Dunn traded his firesuit for a business suit with a stint as an NHRA drag racing analyst on ESPN. He then set himself apart from others who reached those goals before him by serving a year-plus stint as the president of the rival IHRA.
The son of "Big" Jim Dunn, a nitro legend from the 1960s and 70s who remains a team owner and tuner, Dunn has been there, seen it all, done it all. Hear his unique perspective on where the sport has been, is and is heading in the Season 6 season opener of Legends: The Series.
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it would be fantastic to have mike as broadcaster once again!!! no one was better at it than him , nor has anyone dunn as well since. and that is fact !! and that is the way it is
right on.
Yes indeed.. it has lost a little luster with out Mike in the Booth, I grew up watching drag racing in the 70's and 80's and With Mike being in the Booth it brought back those memories.
Totally agree, I think he's the best color man in the booth in the all of Motorsport's history! The GOAT IMO 💪
Mike Dunn is and always has been a class act I have lots of respect for Mike and always will he calls it as it is.👍👍👍
Mike Dunn was there from Childhood. From 10speed wheelies on his bicycle down the track as a kid, on to the Hawaiian Punch, Pisano bros.,& Snickers cars. Then Top fuel. Nice person. One of the most humble 2nd gen. drivers in NHRA today. He's one of the last good commentators, next to Big Daddy that is.
Mike was also a great TV announcer.
Mike has always been a classy guy. Loved his commentary too.
Wish he was back in the booth....speaks his mind...& KNOWS what he is talking about....the NHRA needs Mike Dunn back...!
Mike Dunn will go down in the history of drag racing as one of the sports greats just as Garlits, Prudhomme, Muldowney and Force he so admirably mentions at the end of the video. He was a drag racer from the beginning, drag racing his bicycle, as many of us did back then, with thoughts of the big drivers in our head as we peddled our asses off! He also dealt with the growing pains we all go through with our parents. Then took it upon himself to go out and find his way as a driver in the drag racing market as many of us dreamed of. He showed his talent and although things didn't always go his way he never pointed the finger at anyone. I had a chance to meet him when he drove for Darrell Gwynn's top fuel team. He was more down to earth than any professional athlete I have ever meant. In addition to his drag racing talent was his ability to inform nationwide audiences what was going on during professional drag racing events. His collaboration with Paul Page on ESPN broadcast, did more for drag racing at that time, then any single driver did. Mike's enthusiasm for the sport coupled with his knowledge, left all of us bracket racers, fans and Sunday evening couch potatoes glued to the TV set! Wherever life takes you Mike Dunn, I hope you are doing well, because you have served this sport well! Godspeed!
Very well said !!!!
AGREED TOTAL CLASS ACT!!$$!!
Real class act, love Mike Dunn
Im a old man and have been a drag racer and fan from a teenager. I have always been a Mike Dunn fan. The Snickers car with his dad as crew chief cemented it for me.
Sure do miss you on Sundays, Mike. I have a drag racing history in Pro Stock & Pro Mod and you nailed it. The world is way to PC anymore. You take care and enjoy life. Wish you were still an announcer for NHRA. Miss ya.
I admire how candid Mike is on telling how difficult it was being the son of big john Dunn.
It was Big Jim Dunn.
I'm sure Mike would be so humble and disagree but there's no doubt he is a legend in the sport of drag racing. Take care Mike
I don't believe there is a better commentator for the world of drag racing than mike dunn, he's honest straight forward and tells it as he sees it. He knows the sport and the ins and outs of what can go wrong, whether it's a parts failure or a driver error and doesn't candy coat what he thinks. Ultimately he doesn't go along to get along!!!
I’ve always respected and appreciated Mike.
After this interview even more so.
Very honest and straightforward.
Agreed Russell, miss mike behind the wheel as well as up in the booth. As i remember it he always was a straight shooter, rather you liked what he said or not, it was always the truth.
Was best commentator for most recent NHRA EVENTS.
Bobby this is best one yet!!! I loved it and Mike Dunn is one of the greatest ambassadors of our sport!!! Keep up the good!!!
I agree. I saw another recently, and I commented that it was the best yet. Now as I sit here, right now, I cant remember what it was. I have always thought that kids are a refinement of their parents. Sometimes the refinement works out and sometimes it doesn't. I think this one definitely does! Also the refinement of this series in its production quality is obvious, and excellent.
@@jamminjim247
There was an hour plus interview on Facebook. Think you're thinking about that.
Big fan of mike! Always liked his commentary on ESPN!
Excellent! His opinion: Mikes nailed it! NHRA needs to listen!
I have watched the majority of these awesome Legend Series vids, and this one is the one to remember. My hat is off to Mike Dunn
Mike Dunn. Best color commentary ever. No bullshit and entertaining. Great technical expertise that helped everyone from novice to pro understand the very nature of nitro. A drag racing historian with a knowledge of events that may be only surpassed by the encyclopedic Jack Beckman. Miss you and ESPN coverage. So fortunate to have experienced the peak heyday of NHRA racing and a sense of regret for those generations that may never have the opportunity.
Sure do miss Mike Dunn . NHRA should getting him back . He was a great TV guy that put a little story Into everything . What we have today is just going to the numbers . He should be back in the sport to help bring it back.
I have missed mike Dunn since fox took over,brilliant commentator, a drag racing great his ideas are spot on just a shame he couldn't make Ihra work,he needs to be listened to maybe organise an outlaw event with funny cars match racing
What a true class act! A great racer, A great guy, straight shooter. One of the BEST!
Man do I miss Mike Dunn!
In my opinion Mike Dunn is a great guy a great drag racer and seems to be a great person I wish him all the best in whatever he chooses to do now and in the future
Hello big Mike Dunn fan . And what he says about drag racing he's absolutely spot on . As a young man I would go to the match races so I can see my heroes . Watch them so I can learn . I lived in the DC area and I could see drag racing three times a week . I got see all my heroes . And I can stand 10 feet away from them . They did mine . About the mid 80s things started getting out of hand with the rules . So I only went to match races . And when they ruined that . I switched boat racing . And when they ruined that I stopped . But I love drag racing the absolute most because I was part of it .... Mike please don't get out . Come back some kind of way
Definitely one of my favorite's. I will never forget the Snickers car and big Jim Dunn saying he never had the parts to spare and being able to tune to run as fast as possible and not worry about having enough parts.
One of the best on your Series Bobby
I'm really looking forward to this one. Besides being a very good broadcaster loaded with real world experience, Mike endured some somewhat painful, underfunded rides as well as a few first class rides. I've always liked Mike and must give him generous props for turning out so cool.
Mike never hyped what he did or what he covered, and he excelled at both. I miss his commentary and observations during races, and wish he was back in the booth.
Mike you sir have nothing but the upmost 💯 percent respect and honor from my family and I! May God bless you!
Need to make one of these about "The Golden Greek" Chris Karamesines
Legend is an overused word, but NOT for the amazing Dunn family, fantastic insight.
Talked with Mike at a rainout in Atlanta back in the day. Great guy and one if my favorite drivers of all time.
Miss you on Sunday Mike.
Would love to see you in the driver's seat again.
Never liked Mike Dunn in any point in his drag racing career until now. After 42 minutes I not only found a new respect but appreciated the struggles he went through. This interview was well “Dunn” and Mike has earned another fan. Great job and thank you for producing it.
How could you not like him?
John M Can you explain why you did not like Mike Dunn? Unless you are new to Drag Racing you should understand Mike's accomplishments and his value to the sport not only as a Hall Of Fame driver but also way above average announcer and fan friendly?
@@aakar88 a man can have an opinion. Maybe mike don't play " now tell me why"
I can't think of one legitimate reason to not like Mike Dunn lol
I always liked Mike Dunn. Class Act 100%!👍👍
We need a whole lot more straight shooters like Mike Dunn, not only in the sport of drag racing but the world today. Great interview! We miss you Dunn!
wasn't following the sport during most of his driving days but miss him on the TV show. His old school attitude is sadly going away. Big entertainment + Big bucks to play these days.
Loved 1320! Anything less is just that! I have to agree with Mike!
In my 55 years of drag racing I agree with Mike.
Yes I agree that Mike was a class act that had to get over his amazing dads shadow. Mike did it and then some. Cheers to you Mike,
Such a class act. This guy should be THE ambassador to the sport! Furthermore, NO ONE can announce racing like him!
We miss ya mike!
I miss Mike on the NHRA. I always liked Mike as a commentator, I really think he was good for the sport.
Great interview. Can remember Mike in person at Topeka. Love what he said about the quarter mile, the early drivers fight to stay in the game. I did not know exactly how to put the change I could see today vs 15, 20 years ago. Made all the sense in the world. I am glad I was there to experience it.
Really good interview, makes you want more!
Great program Mike and Comp TV! So much of what he said is so spot on! I absolutely agree with you Mike about 1/8 mile and 1000 ft. I've never run an 1/8 mile event and never will. 660 feet doesn't do the car justice and doesn't show the cars true potential! I don't think I need to say anything more about 1000 . Great video. I look forward to many more!
Best one yet!! Mike Dunn nails what's wrong with the sport catering to the minority that can't adapt. Street outlaw is raw AF and their drivers are too!! Let the drivers drive the cars again!
Love Mike Dunn, thanks for this video. They mentioned Darrell Russell at the end, I remember cutting grass, working in the yard that Sunday in June, 2004, couldn't wait for Drag Racing to come on at 4 PM, sat in front of the tube, not 5 min into it they announced his passing, there was such a somber note to the rest of the race. He was such a rising star.
The best one yet. I love how honest he can be
Mike Dunn for president!
RIP Roland Leong Dec 29 '23
Still my favorite episode.🏁👍
What a great interview!
That made me both happy and sad . It was such a great sport . Bless Mike and everyone that made it great
Totally honest, heart felt and great! Thanks Bobby.
Mike Dunn is a true legend and he always keeps it real! I agree with him NHRA also NASCAR need to get back to their roots!
My opinion, Mike Dunn,one of the most talented drivers and tuner you'll ever find with the personality to match!
Mike Dunn.......... one of my hero’s
Well done Bobby....the best one yet. I have always had a lot of respect for Mike in all the different roles he has had throughout his impressive career!
Another awesome episode Bobby! Please do the Greek and Connie Kalitta soon before it’s too late! Great to hear Mike share the dynamic he and his dad had in the early days.
Mike Dunn was and IS the best commentator the sport has or will ever have. He should still be there if not for politics and big money being afraid of the truth. Mike Dunn, you were and are the absolute best there is. I agree 100% with everything you say, you are correct sir. FH
I've always liked Mike Dunn really good episode, wonder what he's up to these days
In the Facebook version of this interview, at the end he talks a lot about spending his time bicycle riding, and getting into road riding, not just mountain biking, his second passion.
Much Respect. 🏁🏁👍👍
...I became a Mike Dunn fan when he rode what was left of the Hawaiian into the catch net at Columbus at an estimated 150 mph...and walked away...
"... And they Walked Away" video from Diamond T, watched Mike Dunn's wrecks over and over.
Excellent Interview. Thanks Mike.
Right on Mike, you rocked back then and still do today. Your honest candid view is what drag racing needs (along with everything else in the world tbh). Thanks Mike & Competition Plus.
"What's more American than a guy or gal working their ass off and making it to Super Star status, like Don Prodomme, Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney and John Force,,,,, doubtful there will ever be another to achieve the status of them,,," No truer statement has been uttered Mike,, WOW!
Mike Dunn is one of the greatest the people of Illinois in fans of Cordova dragway absolutely loving for bringing back the World Series to Cordova I wished him in his dad would team up again
Great program with mike
Thanks for another excellent video 👍
Love it, great video!
The NHRA today is a shadow of its former self. I came up in the sixties and seventies watching match races all throughout the local area. And major events whenever they were held. The Glory Days of drag racing.
really dug it. well-constructed. very informative.
Mike was the best analyst!
Man he hit the nail on the head with his last statement. We need a few wild cards out there. I am a bracket racer and the format is too hard for a non-drag racer to understand. It doesn't put asses in the bleachers. Unfortunately this is killing our small tracks that depend on concessions sales and ticket sales to make a profit. Granted they have buy backs and that's profit but it's not enough with the overhead.
Mike Dunn should be the announcer for drag week. It's drag racing at the blue collar level.
It was always a thrill to catch a glimpse of the Snickers F/C and Hauler at Abel's shop just outside of Wrightsville.
I think we need a part 2
Good Stuff !!!!!!
One of my most vivid memories of Mike Dunn is at Sonoma. Autolite’s 1999. 1st rd. 1st pair. 11:00am Amato smokes the tires in the left lane and Dunn’s Mopar dragster carried the front wheels to about 700 Feet! You could see the big Centerlines steering like rudders! Probably the most exciting 4.67 at 305 ever witnessed!😁
4.64? Something like that. Awesome run!
Mike's da man! 😎
Another fine job, Bobby!
Yes, he is a class act. I would be thrilled to see him get behind the wheel again. If he loves this sport that much, the bug to get behind the wheel has to hit him again at some point. I hope it's soon. Just look at the Greek. Bummed that NHRA went with Cluster Faux for their coverage. Mike, and ESPN did a much better job IMO.
Nice one Bobby. Very nice CPTV. The kid took his lumps,,and turned out just like pops, in his own style. Love him or hate him,,,That's one hell of a name. Mike Dunn. I say lets go back to 1/4 mile, , and take the shackles off. Game on!. Bonneville Top Shelf Speed, , in a 1/4 mile. Would have to back the crowd up a bit.
For my money Mike Dunn, or as my late Father always called him Big Jim's young'in, is the single most UNDERRATED FUEL DRIVER in the history of Drag Racing!! Make's my blood pressure go up just thinking about it 😤 In fact to this day, I've never forgiven Snake for not putting MD in his Funny-car when he first restarted his FC team in the mid 90's & I worship the ground Snake walk's on, so that's how much I think of Mikey's Wheelman talent in a Fuel car 💪 Hey Mike, I grew up racing Kart's in So-Calif & I was at the old Adams Kart track in Riverside the day your Margay's front frame rail was a little too low for the mid corner speed-bump you tried to go over 💥🤕 LOL! I was very happy to see ya NOT get hurt bad that day 👍 I always rooted hard for ya, unless Snake, or his car was in the other lane! 😉 Congrats on a great driving career & I meant what I said, I believe you were one of the Best to ever strap-in 💪😎 Thanks Bobby, really enjoyed this one 👍
Mike Dunn sums it up at 40:37, You have to learn how crawl before you walk...And Mike you were the best commentator for the NHRA.
Still got my autographed pic when he was driving the Victoria salsa car.
Add cool to that legacy, Mike.
This was great interview. thank you Bobby and Mike Dunn. i still want to know why the crankshafts where breaking what they learned from it.
Class act.
He couldn't have said it better when he talked about not penalize the good drivers just because the bad ones cant do it, if nhra does something like that they should not even worry about someone winning the race just give everybody a participation trophy,and yes the person that is better at something and works harder should be the ones that are rewarded with success, both of these situations are major problems in this country today and it starts with the parents not pushing values like this,great comments Mike Dunn,you have definitely got my respect and admiration
I meet Mike at va motor sports park he is a very personable and a hell of a nice guy
My dad used to race a 69 nova at Carlsbad races at back in the 70s and I remember the Dunn/death rear engine funny car
I am the same age as mike and we were neighbors on the same street in Garden Grove Ca, I lived about 10 houses down from them on Lambert Circle. Like most kids then drag racing was a huge thing especially with some of the best tracks so close by. Those were the best times in SoCal but not anymore, I left that shithole over 30 years ago for Texas and never looked back.
Miss Mike nhra not the same I got your Mopar diecast we need u back
omg that was deep!
Great video and series. I just wish you could hear the questions better.
he was a good funny car racer and car owner too as well too he was really good as he was the son of the other funny car racer was Jim Dunn was his dad hope thiswas of help
Damn I hate to admit it but after watching this if the NHRA would listen to Mike Dunn and make the changes he talked about I believe it would say the NHRA and bring it back to it's heyday!