Racing legend visits Darlington

Herb McCandless, affectionately known as “Mr. 4 Speed,” was in Darlington yesterday to have lunch with some of his old friends. He and a friend joined Ed and Sylvia James, Glenn and Debbie Suggs and others at the Mayflower Restaurant for some delicious seafood and wonderful conversations.

McCandless is a legendary drag racing icon who defined the spirit of American motorsports from the late 1950s through the 1970s. Bursting onto the scene in 1959 at just 16 years old, he quickly distinguished himself with an extraordinary ability to shift manual transmissions so smoothly that his gear changes seemed as effortless as an automatic transmission. His nickname was a testament to his unparalleled skill behind the wheel.

The early 1970s marked the pinnacle of McCandless’s racing career, highlighted by two remarkable victories in 1970. He claimed the Modified Eliminator title at the NHRA Gatornats in a Plymouth Barracuda and won the prestigious NHRA US Nationals in Pro Stock driving a Plymouth Duster for the Sox and Martin racing team. From 1970 to 1974, he dominated the Pro Stock category, embodying the complete racing persona of his era—simultaneously serving as an engine builder, mechanic, truck driver, and race car driver.

After retiring from professional driving, McCandless continued to make significant contributions to the racing world by transitioning into engine building and supporting other racers. His impact was so profound that he was featured in a four-part documentary series, allowing fans to hear his racing experiences directly from the source. McCandless remains a respected figure in the drag racing community, representing a golden age of motorsports where drivers were true renaissance men of speed and mechanical innovation.

The group of friends shared many laughs, recalling thrilling stories and memories of the past, while enjoying a delicious meal.