RACER: Robin Miller on Don Branson

The standard line at the time was there were bold race drivers and old race drivers but there were no old, bold ones.

Don Branson was the exception.

At the age of 39, Branson qualified for his first Indianapolis 500 and also edged out A.J. Foyt for the 1959 USAC sprint car title in a preview of things to come. "Pappy," as he was known, would go on to win six big car races, 28 sprint features and 15 midget main events against his younger competition and against the odds.

Branson, who also captured the 1964 sprint crown, was diabetic but kept that a secret because had it known his condition, USAC would not have granted him a license. So to think he won 100-mile dirt races in searing heat and humidity with no power steering while fighting such a handicap is truly remarkable.

After announcing 1966 would be his last behind the wheel, the 46-year-old lost his life in the sprint car finale at Ascot Park that November.​

• More of Robin Miller's "tough guys" video series