Racing Superstitions: Peanuts, Green Cars, and the Ghosts of Speed

In this episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports series, Al Isselhard discusses the rich history of superstitions and bizarre events in auto racing, citing examples involving superstitions surrounding green race cars, the number 13, peanuts, and various rituals practiced by drivers. Events like Lee Oldfield's 1911 accident and the deaths of Gaston Chevrolet and Francois Cevert are highlighted to illustrate these superstitions. The script also details the research process behind this information, noting contributions from various sources, including old magazines, books, and the internet. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Introduction to Auto Racing Superstitions 01:59 Origins of Green Car Superstitions 06:09 The Number 13 and Other Unlucky Numbers 08:13 Peanut Shells and Racing Mishaps 10:31 Superstitions Around Photographs and Shaving 12:39 Drivers' Personal Superstitions and Rituals 15:23 Superstitions of Southern Drivers 15:35 Famous Drivers and Their Rituals 16:33 Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s Lucky Penny 17:19 Ted Horn's Superstitions and Legacy 18:53 The Clairvoyant's Prediction for François Sivert 21:03 Audience Q&A on Racing Superstitions 24:48 Sponsorship and Closing Remarks ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.