09/03/2026
Mike Duvall’s career is one of the most recognizable in Dirt Late Model racing history. Known nationwide as “The Flintstone Flyer,” the Gaffney, South Carolina racer competed for more than four decades and became especially associated with the famous F1 race car and its Fred Flintstone-themed graphics.
Duvall’s racing career lasted about 43 years, and credited accounts put him at more than 700 feature victories. He became a major national force during the NDRA era, collecting 14 career NDRA victories, which ranks him among the most successful drivers from that pioneering national Dirt Late Model series. In 1984 alone, he won five NDRA events and at one point captured three consecutive series races.
The defining victory — 1982 World 100
One of the greatest accomplishments of Mike Duvall’s career came in 1982, when he drove the Flintstone Flyer to victory in the World 100 at Eldora Speedway. Winning the World 100 placed Duvall permanently among Dirt Late Model racing’s elite and remains one of the accomplishments for which he is best remembered.
His success extended well beyond Eldora. Duvall won throughout the Carolinas and across the country, including victories in Hav-A-Tampa/UDTRA competition, where he recorded four career wins. Three of those victories came during the 1991 season. He also earned three Florida Speedweeks victories, winning at Volusia Speedway Park in 1979 and 2000 and at Thunder Cross Motorsports Park in 2002.
Cherokee Speedway
Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney became one of the tracks most closely associated with Duvall. He won numerous special events there over several decades, including major Late Model races in the 1990s and 2000s. Career records list victories at Cherokee in events such as the M-80 Firecracker, Man of Steel Championship, Shrine 50, Stick Elliott Memorial, Spring Fling, Carolina Super Series events and a 2003 Carolina Clash victory.
Interestingly, despite all of his Cherokee victories, Duvall never captured the track’s famous Blue-Gray 100. His best finish was second to Scott Bloomquist in 1992.
More than just the wins
The Flintstone Flyer became almost as famous as the driver himself. The colorful cartoon-themed car stood apart during an era when many Dirt Late Models carried comparatively simple designs. Racing historians have credited Duvall’s recognizable image and personality with helping show how a race driver and race car could develop a distinct identity that fans remembered.
He was also known for spending time with fans, particularly children. That connection helped turn the Flintstone Flyer into something larger than simply a winning race car.
Hall of Fame career
Duvall was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2001. He was later honored by induction into The Dirt Track Walk of Fame at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in 2003.
Mike Duvall was born July 6, 1949, and died September 12, 2017, at age 68. His career stretched from the formative years of modern Dirt Late Model racing into the 2000s, making him a link between several generations of racers and fans.
A strong tribute-page version would read:
MIKE DUVALL — THE FLINTSTONE FLYER
July 6, 1949 – September 12, 2017
43 Years of Racing
700+ Feature Victories
1982 World 100 Champion
14-Time NDRA Winner
Multiple Hav-A-Tampa / UDTRA Winner
Three-Time Florida Speedweeks Winner
2001 National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame Inductee
From Cherokee Speedway to the biggest dirt tracks in America, Mike Duvall and the legendary F1 Flintstone Flyer became symbols of an era. His victories made him a champion. His personality made him a fan favorite. His unmistakable race car made him unforgettable.
A Dirt Late Model Legend Forever.
