NHRA Top Fuel driver Clay Millican joins Driven to Success to share where the obsession began: a tiny family grocery store in Drummonds, TN, a beat-up ’63 Dodge truck, and the day “Big Daddy” Don Garlits set the hook for life. Clay walks us through backyard laps to his first trip down a real strip, the humbling reality of a handwritten time slip, and the sacrifices behind the scenes—marrying his high-school sweetheart, grinding overtime at the Kroger warehouse, and never taking a vacation without racing. He caps Part 1 with the infamous “burnout in reverse” debut at Route 66, and the philosophy that keeps him smiling win or lose: “I got to drive a race car today.” For Clay, focus is about owning mistakes, taking responsibility, and never losing sight of a childhood dream.
Takeaways
- Clay's passion for cars started at a young age.
- His first car was a 63 Dodge truck.
- He traded his truck for a 69 Dodge Charger.
- Clay's first race was a humbling experience.
- He learned the importance of focus in racing.
- Driving a top fuel car is a unique experience.
- Clay emphasizes the need for a positive mindset.
- He believes in taking responsibility for mistakes.
- The thrill of acceleration in top fuel racing is unmatched.
- Clay's journey is a testament to perseverance and passion
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
01:39 Clay Millican's Journey into Racing
06:33 The Transition to Top Fuel Drag Racing
11:47 Experiences and Lessons from the Track
17:42 The Science of Drag Racing
23:27 Focus and Mental Strategies in Racing
29:48 The Importance of Passion and Hard Work