Stream now with KPBS+ / Watch Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 at 11:30 p.m. on KPBS TV
"The Lively One: Dick Brannan's Rise to Drag Racing Fame" tells the unlikely story of a racing legend who captured multiple records and led Ford Motor Company to national prominence during the "golden age" of drag racing.
In 1962, Dick Brannan, a virtually unknown driver, showed up at the Detroit Dragway in a Ford Galaxie to compete against some of the biggest names and fastest cars in drag racing. At the time, Ford was struggling to make a mark in this popular sport, falling behind fellow Motor City auto makers in capturing the attention of the youth market at the track.
Ford cars were generally considered too heavy to win. However, that changed the day the 22-year-old underdog went on to beat more than 60 other cars and take first place. Following his win, Ford appointed Brannan race coordinator of their factory drag team. Brannan's racing knowledge and automotive innovations would help rewrite the history of one of America's most iconic brands.
Narrated by actor Peter Coyote, "The Lively One" chronicles Brannan's career, his contributions to the sport, and the ways in which he transformed Ford drag racing during the 1960s. The film features interviews with Brannan, fellow drag racers, car enthusiasts, and automotive and racing historians.
Watch On YOur Schedule: "The Lively One: Dick Brannan's Rise to Drag Racing Fame" is available to stream with KPBS+, a new free streaming video app designed for ease and enjoyment everywhere you watch including Roku, smart TVs and mobile devices. It’s locally curated for San Diego by the KPBS programming team. With a clean and intuitive design, discovering and enjoying KPBS and PBS content on-demand has never been easier.
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