The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

E.J. Potter – The Michigan Madman

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The Widow Maker of E J PotterWith all of this talk of stuffing bike engines in cars and car engines in bikes and who knows what else, I recalled a fellow from long ago who gained some notoriety doing drag strip exhibitions, E.J.Potter. What most people remember of him is his Chevy powered bike, the “Widow Maker,” doing smoke filled quarter miles. It was pretty neat. He had a small block Chevy sideways in the frame with a direct chain drive. Setting the rear wheel up off of the ground, he would start up the engine, rev it up, rear wheel spinning kick out the stand and off he would go in a cloud of smoke. It made quite the exciting show. Later he had a jet powered trike. (scroll to the bottom of the link)

His book, The Michigan Madman, is out of print but I think you may be able to order it directly from E.J. himself. I found this link (that no longer works) of a review by a shop teacher who uses the book in his classes, which is a pretty cool idea, too.

UPDATE: E.J Potter R.I.P.

Comments

  1. A friend gave me this book. I lived in E.J’s hometown and consider it home. I’ve never met E.J. but I would like to. This is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read.

  2. I was wondering, how much would one of the Widow makers be valued at? are they rare or worth alot? any information would be helpfull.

  3. We had the honor of representing the authentic EJ Potter ‘Bloody Mary’ custom motorcycle at auction!

    This is by far the most spectacular and unique bikes that we have ever had on the auction block.

    Thanks for the memories EJ.

    Regards,

    Ken Lindsay, CPPA, CREA
    Professional Certified Auctioneer
    American Eagle Auction & Appraisal Co.

  4. I well remember EJ Potter blasting down the 1/4 mile strip at Oswego, Illinois. I think it was the summer of 1965. I’d seen a lot of famous racers there, such as Don Garlits, Don Prudhomme, Chris Karasmastenes (sic) Dyno Don Nicholson, Arnie the Farmer Beswick, Bill Jenkins, Art Arphons, and countless others. But none left the impression of unbridled power, combined with brazen courage, as the rides of Mr. Potter. He’d tach up the RPM’s, and on signal have his assistant kick the bike off a tripod. Away he went in a 1/4 mile cloud of tire smoke. I think his rides were more of a crowd pleaser than even the Green Monster. Amazing! To my recolection, Mr. Potter was somewhat slight of build. It was a power to weight display of unequaled drama, with that thing zigging and zagging at full throttle. I used to wonder how his balls didn’t get in the way. It was great showmanship. Loud, fast and very dangerous.

  5. I GREW UP AS A KID ACROSS THE STREET FROM E.J. I WOULD WATCH HIM WORK ON HIS “UGLY” TRACTORS PUT ON DIFFERENT JET ENGINES. HE HAD A POLE BARN STACKED 2 AND 3 HIGH WITH JET ENGINES IN THERE!! I WAS NOSEING AROUND A GARAGE WAY BEHIND HIS HOUSE WHEN I HAPPENED UPON A CERTAIN MOTOR CYCLE WITH A CHEVY ENGINE ON IT!! SO I SAT ON IT AND LOW AND BEHOLD I HEAR”WHAT ARE YOU DOIN’ ON THAT THING” SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF ME IT WAS E.J. I TURNED AROUND AND SAW A BIG SMILE ON HIS FACE!! THE GUY WAS AND IS THE COOLEST!! ERICH SCHIMMEL MI.

  6. I an now proud to say that have not only meet the Michigan Madman. But that I am his daughter-in-law. He is a very inventive man, and a joy talk to. The stories are incredible.

  7. I saw E. J. run the Widowmaker at Martin, Michigan in the mid 60’s. Awsome.
    I also saw an article in a mag about the ’59 Plymouth 4 door that he put an Allison engine in. He sat in the back seat to drive it!

  8. I was a witness to the spectacle that was EJ Potter in about 1965. It was raining at Biloxi Dragway, and it was pretty apparent, even from a distance, that the promoter did not intend to pay EJ unless he ran the Widowmaker at least once. After some spirited armwaving, EJ hooked up the Widomaker and towed it down the strip to bump-start. Returning to the line, he calmly set the centerstand, grabbed a handful of throttle and let her go.

    EJ was immediately surrounded by a cloud of steam and tire smoke. Things kind of happened in slow motion and the bike, barely moving, was completely obscured. Suddenly EJ appeared from the cloud, completely sideways and still wide open. He never straightened up and never let off the throttle. Amazing!

    I just realized that was over 40 years ago and is still a vivid memory. I’m betting everybody who saw him perform has a similar story.

  9. What about the electric bike? The one that had pickups for the two wires that extended all the way down the track? Anybody know anything about it?