In Remembrance of Steve Carbone

Photo by Bob Plumer ~ Text by Danny White

Today, we lost one of the great drag racers of all time. Steve Carbone passed away after suffering a brain aneurysm. Carbone was one of the last great slingshot dragster drivers. He won countless races all over the country. The race most will remember him for was the great staging duel with Don Garlits at Indy 1971. Garlits had dominated all year with the new rear engine dragster. Carbone and Garlits engaged in a nearly four-minute burndown in the final. At the green, Garlits went up in smoke 100 feet out. Carbone made a full run for his biggest win. Steve attended the 2005 National Hot Rod Reunion with the restored Creitz and Donovan dragster. Carbone took his place of honor in the moving Cacklefest. Carbone was a great racer and a good friend to those who knew him.