Buster Couch
In his role as official starter Buster was easily the most recognizable and often the most popular NHRA official. In his 32-year career, Eddie H “Buster” Couch ruled the starting line with an iron fist and a heart of gold. When Buster began his career, races were started with flags and a driver’s edge was often maintain by intimidating the starter. With a pro football player’s physique, and the demeanor of a Southern Sheriff, that didn’t work with Buster. When the Christmas tree electronic starting system replaced the flags, many thought that a colorful part of drag racing was gone forever. But Buster’s expressive hand gestures and finger-pointing at those who pushed the envelope of his authority quickly put the notion to rest. It’s been estimated that Buster started nearly a million drag races. He ducked (and been hit by) flying parts, had his ear drums assaulted, been coated with tiny flecks of burned rubber, and inhaled enough nitro to float a battleship. He stood between the lanes when Don Garlits broke 250 and 270 mph, and when Kenny Bernstein broke 300 mph. Buster watched during countless battles between archrivals like Garlits versus Muldowney and McEwen versus Prudhomme. He was never afraid to shut off or red light the biggest star when necessary, yet he was nearly brought to tears when they crashed. For 15 years, Buster served as NHRA’s Southeast Division Director, but from 1963 through 1995 he was as much a part of drag racing as the pavement itself.