A member of the team behind the famous car stunts in the film The Dukes of Hazzard is coming to the Vintage and Veteran Car Rally in Trim, which is being held next weekend, writes Tony Conlon.
It's the 26th year of the show, which raises funds for charity.
Tom Sarmento is pictured above with Deputy Ray Butler, Seamus Quinn (Chairman of Trim V&V) and Nicky Fagan owner of the replica 1969 Dodge Charger which was one of the show's highlights. Tom worked in Universal Studios as a mechanic and stunt driver/organiser for such well-known TV shows as Quincy, BJ and the Bear and The Rockford Files. He joined Warner Brothers in 1979 and from then until 1985 he was lead mechanic for The Dukes of Hazzard. It was his job to keep the General Lee car running for all those spectacular car stunts.
It was hard on the cars. “We went through 317 General Lee cars and over 1,000 Roscoe Sheriff and bad guy cars in The Dukes of Hazzard,” says Tom, now the producer and creator of the Hazzard County Stunt Team and has organised the stunts for Dukes of Hazzard stuntmen reunions throughout the United States.
For this year’s Trim Vintage and Veteran Rally, all the old vehicles are being allowed to participate for free. The show takes place on Sunday 17 July at the Porch Fields (off the ring road).
The attractions on this family day include helicopter rides, auto jumble, fun fare, dog show, RSA road safety show, and new car displays from many brands that sell in Ireland.
There will also be live music, plenty of prizes and much more.
