Larry Sutton is not the kind of legend credited with holding a prominent place in drag racing history like Don Garlits or Don Prudhomme. He was one of those important spokes in the wheel of drag racing’s early years. Sutton was a special kind of person in those formative years and wielded a lot of power amongst drag racing’s supporting cast. Known for his trademark black stetson, Sutton probably had the most power in determining the west coast’s pivotal races but never let the power go to his head. He was a starters, and probably the most famous one next to the late Buster Couch. He was tough but a fair; a man’s man. Sutton was the starter on the infamous day when an exploding clutch cost Don Garlits his foot and and almost an innocent fan’s life. He was the guy who kept strong in the face of adversity, but had the tender heart enough to release his emotions in private. Sutton was the kind of guy with whom racers strutted as the starter and racing the same event.