Ep. 23: Arnie "The Farmer" Beswick - 70 Year Career, Life on the Farm, Turning Pro & Pontiac

Byron Dragway

In this episode, we sat down for a conversation with drag racing legend Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick at the Byron Dragway booth during the 2020 Race & Performance Expo. Arnie’s nearly 70-year-long drag racing career is truly legendary and often times greatly understated. From his humble beginnings on the farm and his first taste of drag racing all the way back in 1951, Beswick’s storied career was ground breaking and trendsetting in many ways. A pioneer of early drag racing, Beswick was not just present for drag racing’s earliest days - he was among its original winners. From racing in the original NASCAR & NHRA sanctioned Winternationals that took place in Daytona in 1960 to winning at the original NHRA U.S. Nationals at Great Bend Kansas, Beswick was at the forefront of the sport in its infancy. We learn in this podcast about the moment he turned pro, how he became the face of Pontiac performance, and how his trademark “Tameless Tiger” moniker and paint scheme came about.

This episode is brought to you by Jim Kasallis Mobile Truck Repair. Specializing in fleet maintenance, Jim Kasallis Mobile Truck Repair comes to your location to service you fleet of any size. Jim Kasallis is a lifelong drag racer, and you know that he stands behind his work because he puts his name on the business. If your business and livelihood depends on your trucks being reliable and on the road, then trust Jim Kasallis Mobile Truck Repair for your maintenance and repair needs. Located in nearby Kirkland, Illinois, give them a call at 815-751-6042.