George Poteet, a man of uncompromising character, was known by many as a true friend, a benefactor, and a guiding light. He and I were born the same week, and I always reminded him I was his elder. He would chuckle, and I would be in awe at his accomplishments.
There is plenty to read about George and his life’s work, but that’s for others to put to paper. I imagine many hot rodders would like to know more about the man as a hot rodder and his interaction in our small corner of the world. His racing exploits and even those within our rodding world are well documented. Many associations thought so highly of George that they would reward him with well-deserved recognition. He was a longtime member of the Memphis Street Rods, whose history dates back many decades. They are also well known for their involvement in the literal starting of the National Street Rod Association. But what may not be so well known are the impressions he left on many a hot rodder. Knowing that I asked a small sample of Geroge’s friends for a short story about how they were impacted by or viewed George. After reading these stories, I realized how little I knew about him. I realize this is such a tiny sample as the list would fill volumes of books of people who had their lives impacted in some fashion by George.
Danny Burrow, Worked for George Poteet for 35 Years
George Poteet had many friends and acquaintances, but few have known him for as long as Danny Burrow. We asked Danny for a “George story,” and he told us one that left us in awe:
“I have known George for 35 years, and despite his fame in hot rods and racing, what truly sets him apart is his compassion for others. Raised in poverty without basic amenities like indoor plumbing, George’s heart remained unchanged even as he found success.
“I remember an incident in Charlotte where we sat down for a meal and George, being his inquisitive self, initiated a conversation with a waitress working to support her grandson. She shared her struggles, and upon leaving, George left a generous tip that brought her to tears.
“The waitress later confessed that she had prayed for help to pay her rent that morning as she was short on money. She saw George’s presence as a divine intervention, as if God had sent him to help answer her prayers. The act of kindness, a simple gesture for George, was a lifeline for her in her time of need.
“Reflecting on this incident, I realized George’s compassion extends beyond this act. His willingness to engage with people, to listen to their stories, and to help in any way he can is part of who he is. It’s not just about the cars and racing with George; his true essence lies in his generosity and kindness toward others.
“The incident in Charlotte was not an isolated one. George’s compassion touched many lives, from college students to those in need. He has always been willing to lend a helping hand, showing that success did not change his core values.
“Witnessing George’s impact on the waitress that day made me appreciate the depth of his character. It was not just about money, it was about being there for someone in their time of need. George’s presence in that restaurant was not a coincidence; it was a sign of his innate goodness and the divine intervention that led him to that needy waitress.
“As we left the restaurant that day, I couldn’t help but feel touched by the experience. George’s kindness had made a difference in someone’s life, reminding me of the importance of showing compassion toward others. It’s a side of George that many may not know, but it’s a story that needs to be shared—a story of a man who, despite his achievements, never forgot the value of helping those in need.”
Troy Trepanier, Rad Rides by Troy
“My very first interaction with George was at the Detroit Autorama in 1996. I had built a 1939 Chevrolet for a local customer and brought it to compete for the Ridler Award. George was also in attendance with a 1937 Ford roadster, which ultimately won the grand prize. In a gesture of good sportsmanship, George consoled me by claiming he thought our car was prettier, but that’s how it sometimes goes. In hindsight, I may not have won that day, but my introduction to the man in the bib overalls and smooth Tennessee drawl has had a much greater impact on my career and me personally than the trophy ever could.
“After losing to George earlier in the year, we met again on the roof of the Petersen Automotive Museum some months later, as it was the starting point for the Hot Rod Power Tour that year. While chatting, George eventually asked what I had planned to work on next. He was familiar with some of my previous builds and was curious about what would follow up the ’39. I had a sketch of a Plymouth I had been thinking about but had yet to get started. As the tour went on and we got to know each other better, George expressed his interest in me building the car for him. By the end of the trip, many of the details had been sorted out and a car was being sent to the shop to get started. That Plymouth would eventually become the “Sniper.” Built in 13 months and debuting at the 50th anniversary party for Hot Rod magazine at SEMA, the car’s first appearance was in front of an audience comprised of the most recognizable names in the hot rod and racing industries. That first car for George opened so many doors and started a friendship that would continue from that point on.
“After almost three decades, my shop has worked on many smaller jobs and a number of full builds for George, including a 1957 Ford wagon, a 1969 Ford Torino, and a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda. Having worked with him on so many projects over the years, it may seem unusual, but the majority of our conversations didn’t include cars at all. We more often would discuss family, sports, and even professional wrestling (yes, the WWF kind, of which he was a loyal fan). It was through these conversations that we built a true friendship. He became like an extension of my family, and I would often say my father, Jack, was like a brother to him. George spoke at my father’s funeral in 2014 and would regularly comment to me about how often he thought of him. In addition to being a great friend, George was a terrific advisor and mentor. Not only would he say, ‘Let your actions speak louder than your words,’ but he also embodied that principle himself. He continuously showed great generosity without seeking credit. The list of organizations he donated to, the endeavors he supported, and personal time he put into so many things is virtually endless. George was my first big customer, but they essentially established our ‘typical’ customer. Self-made, hardworking, insightful, and generous.
“When looking back on my personal and professional relationship with George, I couldn’t possibly leave out the impact that Bonneville and landspeed racing had on both. Many years ago, our mutual friend, Gray Baskerville, convinced George to come to Utah and see what Bonneville was all about. Shortly after, George had a car built and began racing regularly at SCTA events. Many people may be familiar with the latter half of George’s racing career with the Speed Demon, where he has successfully made more passes over 400 mph than anyone else in landspeed racing, however many don’t realize he got his start as a roadster like so many others, stepping up to different cars and faster times over the years. As part of that progression, George decided he wanted to compete in the Competition Coupe class and invited me to Bonneville in 2005. As with many other projects, this one started with a simple conversation and concept. That car would eventually become a four-time SCTA record holder named ‘Blowfish.’
“When people ask me what I feel is the best car we’ve built, it’s hard not to say the Blowfish. We have built more complex, refined, and perhaps more elegant cars, but those are all just physical aspects. What makes the Blowfish special is intangible. It’s George as our customer, the opportunities we had with Chrysler during its construction, the dozens of people who had the chance to be on the crew at Bonneville, and the countless conversations we had sitting in the pit so far away from our other responsibilities with that car in the background. It has been the centerpiece of so many important moments in my relationship with George and became the catalyst for developing other relationships that turned into future customers and friends.
“When someone [dies], it’s hard not to think about legacy. The entire hot rod industry can attest that George’s involvement in this hobby is unmatched in promoting builders, shops, vendors, and shows. George had an uncanny knack for seeing potential and generously gave so many, including myself, their first opportunity to show the rest of the world what he already saw. I cannot express how deeply my relationship with him has affected my business, work ethic, relationships, and outlook on many other things. George’s legacy in our industry will carry on for many years to come, but his impact on me personally will undoubtedly go on forever.”
Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop
“George Poteet was not just a customer, he was a visionary in the world of hot rods. I had the incredible good luck to build several cars for George.
“Unlike other customers, George knew exactly what he wanted, but he wanted to see what I would bring to his vision.” A number of years ago, in fact, it was at a Shades for the Past event that George and Bobby first started discussing a car build, and after much deliberation, it all came together.
Bobby says, “The decision to build a 1961 Ford Starliner was a pivotal moment in our partnership. George had initially considered a Ford Torino, but after much talk, we both agreed that the Starliner was the perfect choice.” So, to both of their delight, the iconic ’61 Ford Starliner was born, powered by a Ford 427 SOHC engine.
Bobby says, “The debut of the 1961 Ford Starliner at the 2008 Goodguys Columbus was a nerve-racking moment, as George inspected the car with a critical eye.” Based on George’s silence, it did “speak” volumes, and it was clear that he was impressed with Bobby’s craftsmanship.
Once again, Bobby pointed out that George’s respect for Bobby’s team was evident in every interaction. George was a man of few words, but his actions spoke louder than any praise could. The fact that he kept the Starliner in his collection for years and later commissioned Bobby to build the “sister” car spoke volumes about his satisfaction with the work of Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop.
George’s legacy lives on in the beautiful cars he commissioned, each a testament to his impeccable taste and unwavering dedication to the craft. He will always be remembered as a true automotive visionary, and his impact on the hot rod community will be felt for years.
Bob Johnson, Longtime Close Friend
“George Poteet was not just a man, he was an icon. His generosity knew no bounds, yet he remained incredibly humble. That was the true marvel of George Poteet.
“George’s kindness was a beacon wherever he went. He had a unique gift for connecting with people, whether they were waiters or waitresses or those he met on the road, he had a way of making everyone feel important and genuinely interested in their lives and stories. He had a special talent for bringing out the best in people.”
Bob tells us of a Bonneville story, one of many: “I will never forget the time at Bonneville when George noticed a struggling racer with a budget-built car and tow rig. The racer and his wife were determined to pursue their passion, despite their financial hardships. George’s compassion is fully displayed when he notices the gold flake steering wheel in the racer’s rig. Without hesitation, George offered to buy it for $500.
“The racer, taken aback by George’s generosity, began to remove the steering wheel.” According to Bob, it was at this point that George asked, “How would he drive the truck without it?” The racer joked, “If necessary, I will use vise grips to steer for $500.”
According to Bob, George’s compassionate actions were a regular occurrence. He would always go above and beyond to help those in need, even if it meant paying more than necessary. George’s selflessness touched the hearts of everyone he encountered.
Bob says, “It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to George Poteet, a truly one-of-a-kind individual. His legacy of kindness and generosity will forever be remembered by all who knew him. George Poteet was an icon and a shining example of humanity at its best.”
Alan Johnson, Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop
Alan Johnson of Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop tells us that George Poteet was his second customer but he surely wasn’t his last, nor was this a one-time build, having gone onto build George a dozen or so cars.
Alan goes on to tell us about George’s generosity: “George is probably the most generous person I’ve ever been around. But he would never do things and make it so you would know what he was doing. He was a very private, humble man.
“I think I might have been telling y’all last night about the restaurant that we visit at home a lot. George would like to go there with us, and one of the waitresses had just had a baby, maybe six months old and she babysat the baby there at the restaurant. She would attend to the tables and, in between, attend to the baby. So, he’s talking to her and wants to bring the baby over there for him to see, so he’s holding the baby and talking to her for a while, this single mom, and when we went to leave, she came running out the door; she thought he had dropped money at the door out of his wallet. But he had left her a significant tip on the table, and then she tried to chase him down. George told her not to give him the money back.”
No one realized he had left that “extra” money for her and the baby. According to Alan, “The young waitress broke down in tears. I can tell you there were a couple of times when I was with George for lunch and dinner and I saw those things go on, and it was just amazing.”
Roy Brizio, Roy Brizio Street Rods
“I’ve been blessed to meet some special people in my lifetime, and George Poteet is certainly one of them. He has done so much for our hobby quietly behind the scenes. What stands out for me are the opportunities George has given to so many young up-and-coming builders over the years. He has literally given many a future career in the hot rod industry. His many friends will miss him.”
Kyle Tucker, Detroit Speed & Engineering
“Thinking back on my conversations with George over the years, I can easily think of the giddy, exciting, but comfortable feeling you get when talking to him. Like many in our industry, George was always there for advice and ideas, even a fatherly direction he could steer into a conversation. It could be subtle and always in his soft-spoken drawl.
“I was fortunate to have many conversations with him early on, whether on Power Tour or at a show. I always cherished my time to listen and discuss the latest trends. I remember George’s generosity, as many others do—buying lunch or dinner for an entire group and then leaving hundreds of dollars for a tip at a small restaurant. He was always giving back.
“My most memorable conversation with George was in Detroit in 2018. We had just debuted a big car, and being in Autorama that year was a big deal. He loved the car, typical George. He didn’t make a big deal out of the car, but he knew all the details and appreciated the work that went into it. He offered to me to come to Bonneville that summer and try running Blowfish to get my license and see if I liked it. I couldn’t sleep that night as I was so excited. We talked several times over the summer about getting ready to go. Unfortunately, Blowfish experienced some engine woes early in the week at Speedweek and it didn’t come about. I still had a great time shadowing all that went on with Speed Demon that week.
“When George [died], we lost a friend and supporter of all things hot rod in our industry. But I am thankful for my time and talks with him. He is a big part of our industry’s history and always will be.”
Rick Love, Vintage Air President
When we asked Rick Love for a “George story,” he told us one near and dear to his heart. “I don’t think there is anyone who knew George Poteet who doesn’t have stories about his generosity and humor. Like many hot rod kids, I grew up reading about Mickey Thompson and others running and setting records at Bonneville. I think the Salt Flats were one of George’s happiest places. He loved racing there and the history and camaraderie prevalent among that group. One day, while talking to George about the history, he casually asked me if I had ever driven a race car there. I told him I had not.”
That was one of those ambitions that would likely always remain a dream for Rick, but not today. According to Rick, “His reply was classic George, ‘Well, why don’t you come on out and drive my roadster?’
“I quickly discovered that the 1932 roadster he was talking about has probably licensed more drivers at Bonneville than any other car in history; an amazing number of people have been able to experience what it is like to make runs in a fenderless roadster with no windshield on the salt. Needless to say, the licensing runs I got to make in that car, finally up to 186 mph, remain some of the biggest thrills of my life. When I finished my first run and climbed out of the car, the first person there to pick me up and tow the car back was George. I think his grin was almost as big as mine. I know it made his day to see others so excited and to be able to share the whole Bonneville experience.”
Dave Lane, FastLane Rod Shop
“George Poteet was an incredible man who came from nothing and became successful through hard work and determination. Never forgetting where he came from, there are countless stories of his generosity. He allowed many builders/shops nationwide to excel and potentially get a nationwide spotlight. I was fortunate to build five cars for him, an estimated eight years of full-time work. Not once did he question a bill or any decisions I made regarding the build. He would pick the body style and usually one or two items for the car, which set the tone for the rest of the build. He loved watching the builder take these few cues and run with them. The build was the fun part, as witnessed, with roughly 15-20 builds going on at a time! A true car guy to the core.”
Dave went onto tell us about George’s passion for the salt. “Anyone doubting that was quieted when he decided to take on landspeed racing. Normally, a guy in his position would hire a driver, but not George. He slowly and methodically progressed through the years to become the man who has gone over 400 mph more than any other (I think it’s over 50 times).
“We were lucky to have George in the custom car and landspeed racing community. I doubt anyone has done more for these communities (especially behind the scenes) than George. And he never asked for anything in return. His legacy will go on for many, many years.”
In Closing
There can be no replacing, George Poteet. I wish every hot rodder could have had just one conversation with him to fully realize how much the world will now be lacking with George Poteet no longer around.
Beyond his many contributions to the world of hot rods, there were his philanthropic efforts. George was a dedicated philanthropist and proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to his heart. This was one of many charitable organizations that benefited from his wonderful heart. His legacy will always be “lending a helping hand to those in need.” MR
