Twenty years ago, one of the strangest incidents in NHRA Top Fuel history took place at Maple Grove Raceway. Clay Millican and Doug Herbert engaged in the longest burndown ever seen in the nitro categories.
A burndown is when both drivers refuse to stage first for a drag race. It is rare to see a burndown go longer than a minute, and extremely rare to see one reach two minutes – let alone in nitro dragsters!
In this interview, @claymillican25 remembers the crazy moment, and then talks about the tragic incidents that would later bring his and Doug Herbert’s paths together again.
If you’d like to find out more about the BRAKES initiative (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), go to Over 100,000 teens and parents have been trained in safe driving, making a huge difference on our roads.
30 thoughts on “Staging Duel Becomes Fight On The NHRA Start Line – Clay Millican and Doug Herbert’s Epic Burndown!”
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Clay I'll be at Joliet May 20th, I hope I get a chance to speak to you about the loss I had of my son just shy of 3 years ago
Spoken like a true Hero…
Thanks guys for the memories. God Bless you and your family's.
Jesus Christ saves and he really love's you
That broke my heart when your son died. He was not only an awesome monster truck driver, but a carbon copy of you when it came to displaying an upbeat, positive attitude if he won or lost.
WORDS TO LIVE BY,PEOPLE ! THANKS CLAY !
Clay is one of kind! Class act in every aspect 😎
Hmm does clay do shrooms😅
Wow, what a story. I remember that burn down it was great. But it's so hard when parents lose children. Not how life is supposed to be.
Never knew how Doug got his nickname.
I did have the opportunity to work for Doug and go to Bristol as part of his drag racing team a few years back.
Thank you Clay for sharing this video.
I don't understand. What is the procedure or rules for staging? Seems like there should be a time limit for both drivers to get staged or else you are eliminated? So stage first if you want to but if you don't then you have a set amount of time to stage or you are out.
What am I missing?
What a story. 🤣 Ive never thought about the "who stages first" in my life.
You're a really fantastic man. Youre story telling is a bonus.
………..oh, and that noisy thing you drive is cool too. 🤣
Thank you for telling this story . I never knew about your own son.
Happy new year and a great 2024 season.
Hillbilly Zilla Killa
Clay's always the best of the 2
Clay you are one helluva decent human, luv from Sherwood Park Alberta, Canada
❤❤❤❤
Jeeeeeeeesus Christ WTF as Im Typing this Im telling myself to just shut the fuck up & just listen ,., to this smiling man.. is it joy ? is it pain? has he crossed some line where they both blurr into ……wtf just happened
Why don't you 4 year olds take turns staging??🤡🤦🤬🤔
Respect.
Sage advice 🙏🏻
I never knew this story. This is a great life lesson
The both of you show what a "Real Man" is.
Donation just made to BRAKES in honor of my own son. Sorry that you boys lost your sons. I cannot imagine. Thanks for helping kids learn to live.
Wow , what a testimony
I remember watching that at the time
As a father of 3 sons…But, there for the grace of God go I. (We are made to not outlive our children…So, sorry my friends and fellow drag racers).
Buster would have taken both of behind the shed and do I need to say anymore. I love both of you great drivers. Clay and Jimbo and team keep going and be safe!!!
My stepson did the BRAKES class and I went to see it. About 2 weeks later there was an incident on the highway while my stepson was driving his mom. I am absolutely convinced that they would have both died had he not taken that class. As it was, he drove through the trouble without a scratch. Thank Doug and Thanks Clay!!!!!!
I remember watching you two on tv get into it. He's quite a bit bigger than you. He was pissed and you were like what's your problem. 😂
Family