Phil, I have heard that story from many people, I never saw him do it. ( believe he could-he was a strong man) Yes he was called Hands, you could put a 50 cent piece thru his HS class ring and while I was at his shop one day, I had my future wife with me and he could put his fingers all the way around her neck and touch the palm of his hand. Also While going down the drag strip, once in 4th gear he would kind of raise up and down in his seat and you could hear the RPMs go up and down. He was a big man!!! He was not to live much past his 20s because of his affection (being so big) but he fooled the doctors and if I remember right he was in his 40s when he passed. His 1/2 brother I think still races (Joe White), but have not seen Joe in years and years. I will see if I can post a piucture of Hands, it may be fuzzy.
W Head
59 Impala 409-2,4s
There were definitely some good stories involving August, some of them stretched a little over the years. One of my favorite: Dad was doing one of his between elimination round thrashings on the car in the pits and some guy starts pestering him with questions and he (as politely as he knew how) told him he didn't have time to BS. The guy gets smart with him and as he's about to get into it with him August walks up carrying slicks mounted on steel wheels in each hand and says in his deep voice "What's the problem?" Needless to say the problem was solved.
Tray, I stand corected. You are correct Butch Lake was Hands 1/2 brother. It has just been so many years, got the names mixed up. I believe your Dad has a blue coupe (Ford ), talked with Willis 3/4 years ago at the Bastrop Vets. Day Car Show. We talked about the many races between he and Leford McLemore in B/Roadster class and re-lived some of the good old days from years pass. Hope you had a great Christmas and Happy New Year.
W Head
59 Impala 409-2,4s