BROWNSBURG, Indiana – He looks at least 20 years younger than he is, drives close to 300 mph with regularity and oftentimes outperforms drivers that are 60 years or younger than he is.
Wait, that’s a misprint, right?
Nope, Chris Karamesines is still battling the 1,000-foot standard in the NHRA, a war he’s waged since 1950.
This year is Karamesines’ 65th year in the sport.
For those of you who may need a calculator to figure it out, the 83-year-old Karamesines is the oldest active competitor in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.
One of the most legendary drivers in the history of the sport, the Chicago resident turns 84 on November 13 and is already preparing for his 66th season in 2016.
“I love the sport, enjoy what I’m doing and as long as I can do it, I’ll keep on doing it,” Karamesines said Sunday while attempting to qualify for the 61st Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway. “That’s basically where it’s at. I just enjoy racing and being with racing people. I’ve been around them all my life.
“As for next year, it’s a matter of finding people to work for me. We’ll run maybe six to eight races, mostly close to home and enjoy ourselves.”
The man known by his colorful nickname of the “Golden Greek” has outlasted every one of his peers on the drag strip. Even “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, who is also 83-years old, has scaled back to race electric dragsters that run only about 170-180 mph.
The key for Karamesines is staying in good shape, both physically and mentally.
“(The G-forces) really doesn’t bother me,” he said. “One thing about it is we have to go through a full physical test and they have to find you in good shape.”
If Karamesines had a dollar for every time he’s been asked when he’ll retire, he’d likely be a millionaire.
“If I have any trouble, I’ll get out and have somebody else drive it,” he said matter-of-factly.”
But there’s no question about the kind of incredible career Karamesines has enjoyed.
He was the first driver to hit 200 mph – back in 1960. He was one of the greatest barnstorming drivers in the 1950s through the 1970s. There was never a track or opposing driver that Karamesines couldn’t beat.
“The sport has probably helped me out,” he said. “I’ve been doing it since 1950. That’s quite a bit of time. Traveling around the country, doing 50 races a year back in the old days.”
Reports of Karamesines potentially retiring a the end of this season are like Mark Twain: they’ve been greatly exaggerated.
“No, I never really considered that,” he said. “I’ve never decided to quit.”
Unfortunately, Karamesines failed to qualify Saturday and Sunday and will not be one of the 16 drivers who will race in Monday’s final eliminations of the U.S. Nationals.
Still, he’s having the time of his life. He’s doing what he loves to do, driving a car that was built by legendary team owner and fellow Chicago native Don Schumacher – who then gave it to Karamesines as a gift.
It’s probably the best car and most state-of-the-art car that Karamesines has driven in decades.
“We’ve had the car for almost two years,” Schumacher said. “It was really nice what he did for me, putting me in a real nice car. It’s a pleasure to drive and I feel very comfortable in it.”
In perhaps one of the greatest ironies in any form of motorsport, even though he’s been racing in NHRA for more than 60 years, Karamesines has reached the final round three times, but has never won a national event.
But back in the 1950s through 1970s, he won numerous races in the International Hot Rod Association, American Drag Racing Association and American Hot Rod Association, including winning AHRA championship in 1959.
Named one of NHRA’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 2001, Karamesines’ career best elapsed time is 3.897 seconds, while his best career speed is 310.63 mph.
If there are some who think Karamesines has lost a few mph, think again: he reached the quarterfinals at Bristol Dragway last season.
Yet despite never winning a NHRA race, Karamesines has no regrets.
“I’ve done pretty much everything,” Karamesines said. “I guess the 1950s were the best, and then the 1960s and 1970s.”
Then, he added with a slight smirk under his trademark mustache, “After that, it gets complicated as it goes on and it cost more money. But it was a lot more fun back then.”
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