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Topic: Elbows up
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Page 1 of 1 of 9 replies
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April 28, 2010 at
11:59:15 AM
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Where did this expression come from?? I keep hearing older fans saying it and always wondered what the origins of it were??
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April 28, 2010 at
12:08:54 PM
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Basically from this kind of driving
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April 28, 2010 at
12:42:29 PM
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For me, nearly 70 years ago from my Mom.
It meant, "Get your stupid elbows up off the table!" 
TSA...It's not a GROPE...it's a Freedom Pat!
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April 28, 2010 at
01:15:14 PM
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I thought it came from one of the earlier American Sports Calvacade WoO shows back in the 80's when they interviewed Steve Kinser after the race and he told them "it was time to get the elbows up," or something of the sort. I forgot what track they were at but that is what my memory has of first hearing that statement.
David Smith Jr.
www.oklahomatidbits.com
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April 28, 2010 at
01:49:48 PM
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I always thought it was from the old pre-power steering days when a driver had to "get his elbows up" to use that big 'ol bus steering wheel.
Hey; it makes more sense than the first 2 replies. 
I am lucky enough to work at one of the best tracks
anywhere.
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April 28, 2010 at
02:59:08 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: Eagle Pit Shack Guy on April 28 2010 at 01:49:48 PM
I always thought it was from the old pre-power steering days when a driver had to "get his elbows up" to use that big 'ol bus steering wheel.
Hey; it makes more sense than the first 2 replies.
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Hold your hands in front of you like you would at the 10-2 position while driving a racecar. Now lean waaaaay forward and see where your elbows go. When a racer used to be able to do this minus shoulder harness, you could surmise as a fan if he was really trying. "He's got his elbows up! Here he comes!"
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April 29, 2010 at
12:29:48 AM
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This message was edited on
April 29, 2010 at
12:30:26 AM by Tripcrwn
Reply to:
Posted By: PetalumaPits on April 28 2010 at 02:59:08 PM
Hold your hands in front of you like you would at the 10-2 position while driving a racecar. Now lean waaaaay forward and see where your elbows go. When a racer used to be able to do this minus shoulder harness, you could surmise as a fan if he was really trying. "He's got his elbows up! Here he comes!"
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That makes sense... and I never tire of the video/clark gable/music brian26!
"Ralphie, Senor, muchas gracias por una mas cerveza" -
Scott Daloisio @ the PAS
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April 29, 2010 at
12:32:07 AM
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PetalumaPits: Really looking forward to your USAC/CRA race date in June.
"Ralphie, Senor, muchas gracias por una mas cerveza" -
Scott Daloisio @ the PAS
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April 29, 2010 at
02:12:58 AM
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"He had his elbows up"is just another way of saying "He was UP On THE WHEEL"(soon to be released in it's 2nd reprint.)
If you don't have your copy yet,check with the National Sprint Car Hall Of Fame.Available from Bud Hunnicutt,the author as well.Stories about the guys that made racing history around the Midwest and Nationally.
It refers to the fact that you can't run in front of the tough guys if you are leaning back and relaxing and picking up your "Cruise and Collect"money.Anybody who ever saw Jud Larson race knew what it meant because Jud's elbows always looked like he was scraping the walls when he was running up high in the "marbles".
Bud's Bride
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April 29, 2010 at
06:27:28 AM
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What a shameless pitch.... but you're right. "Up On The Wheel" is a really fun and entertaining book. I enjoyed every minute of it - even about those racers I didn't know.
You can still recognize those older racers who had their "Elbows Up" - they have big necks and large shoulders. Just look at Shane Carson, Steve Kinser, Rick Ferkel, Bud Hunnicutt, Johnny Suggs, etal. You can still tell who raced with their "Elbows Up" before power steering.
I remember one one racer who told me that he worked really hard to try to look cool. Oh yes - in those days the steering wheel was horizontal to the track - more so - like the old street vans and trucks. They weren't as vertical as todays racers have with the quick release.
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