The Mutt Brothers (Ronald Lyles, Eugene Coard, John "Mutt" Lyles, Benny Dunham, & Jesse Johnson) were a group of street racers from Brooklyn, New York who went from the streets to professional drag racing NHRA style. The groups first business was J&B Automotive in Brooklyn, New York.

 

They began on the streets and later raced professionally as a team on the National Hot Rod Association Pro Stock circuit. As a Pro Stock team, they've owned a number of incredible race cars, including a 1968 Dodge Dart Hemi Super Stock (previously owned by S&K Speed Shop), a Sox & Martin 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi Super Stocker, a 1972 Plymouth Barracuda, a 1973 Plymouth Duster and a 1974 Hemi Dodge Colt.

 

The Mutt Brothers became legends when they raced against 'Super John' McFadden in arguably the most famous street race that ever took place, a race now known as the "Quarter Million Quarter Mile". Hi-Performance Cars Magazine published an article in the late-'80s called the "Quarter Million Quarter Mile" (and was also republished in "Muscle Cars Magazine”. It can also be found on several websites) which is an account of the race almost 20 years after it happened.

 

One of the hallmarks of Mutt Brothers was that they bought the best equipment that money could buy, their cars were always flawless in appearance and preparation, as were their tow vehicles, they dressed in sharp, classy uniforms while other teams wore jeans and t-shirts, and they always tried to go first class. 

 

The Mutt Brothers raced all over the United States winning many races, championships, setting records and inspiring many young racers what could be done if they would pool their resources.

 

The Mutt Brothers team, with Ronald Lyles as driver and Eugene Coard as crew chief became the first and only African Americans to join the United States Racing Team, which was considered the elite or the top 16 professional stock teams in the country.

 

The Mutt Brothers later became entrepreneurs in the community owning nightclubs, two apartment buildings and the Mutt Brothers Supermarket in Brooklyn.

 

Today, Eugene Coard is in the used car business and runs a non-profit youth program called Kids 24/7.