George Poteet, 400-MPH Record Holder and Custom Car Patron, Has Passed Away at the Age of 76
We were saddened to hear the news yesterday that George Poteet had passed away. Before he made a name for himself as a land speed racer, which is how we best knew him, George Poteet was an avid car collector. As a patron, he allowed some of the most skilled fabricators, engine builders, upholsterers, and painters to reach the pinnacle of their craft. His hot rods and muscle cars from shops like Rad Rides by Troy, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop, CAL Auto Creations, and Rolling Bones have been shown around the country and featured in magazines. We got to take a look at his collection at his home in Holly Springs, Mississippi, during a visit in 2019.
Poteet had been a fixture on the Bonneville Salt Flats for years. While his first forays into racing followed his love for ‘30s hot rods, Poteet’s quest for speed eventually found him behind the wheel of a sleek streamliner. In the 2010s, he became known as the man to beat at Bonneville. He and his Speed Demon team regularly pursued the Hot Rod magazine trophy for the fastest pass during Speed Week, a feat the Speed Demon team has accomplished 11 times, 10 of which with Poteet behind the wheel. No other team has been as dominant during Speed Week, and no other driver has more 400+mph SpeedWeek passes than George Poteet. A longtime donor to the Southern California Timing Association, Poteet has helped fund the important duties that turn the bare salt into a racing surface capable of holding up to 3000-hp streamliners.
Of course, George Poteet was more than a car collector and a racer. His generosity on the salt, which extended to spectators looking to see the fastest piston-powered car in the world up close as well as fellow racers in need of mechanical help, was just one facet of his personality. He was humble about his accomplishments, quick with a smile and a laugh, and doted on his grandchildren. The automotive community has lost a great friend. Our thoughts are with Poteet’s family, friends, and race team. Speed Week won’t ever be the same without him.
***
Check out the Hagerty Media homepage so you don’t miss a single story, or better yet, bookmark it. To get our best stories delivered right to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletters.
He will be missed. Not just his speed but the number of famous car he had built and enjoyed.
What a sad day! George was a true gentleman and a heck of a racer. RIP, good sir!
He definitely will be missed! Such a great and humble person. I’ve been fortunate to have met him and be around him on a couple of road tours to hear his cool stories. There’s a podcast with him on Roadster Shop’s website. It’s the best interview with him I’ve ever heard. It’s worth the 2 hours of your life. He gives some great advice as well. Rest in peace George.
Aw man. That is sad, sad news. I met George at Bonneville a few times, and he was always so approachable and nice. He obviously knew the speed game well, but his other automotive accomplishments were impressive as well. Great ambassador to the genre. RIP, sir.
i sat and talked to him in2018. he was very nice man. answer some questions and just a good old racer
RIP George, I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting him in person but have been following him through the magazines etc for years. He will be missed with his contributions to motor sports.