Swamp Buggy Races

Thank you Collier County Museums for sharing. 🏁

Swamp Buggy Heritage!

The Swamp Buggy is a unique Collier County tradition. Ed Frank crafted the first swamp buggies from old car chassis, tractor tires, and even spare aircraft parts. It was built specifically to traverse the rugged, swampy terrain of the Everglades and the woods surrounding Naples.

The Tumble Bug was an early buggy built from an old 2-wheel drive Ford truck that was once used as a Borden milk truck in Fort Myers. Paul Frank raced the Tumble Bug in the Swamp Buggy Races and would also ride in the Swamp Buggy Race Parade. It got its name “Tumble Bug” by its ability to do wheelies or balancing on its rear wheels.

The first official Swamp Buggy Race was held at an old potato patch near Radio Road in Naples. The site was chosen because the muddy ground was pure marl, the sedimentary rock formed from fertilizer that was used when it was a potato patch, and it was very easy for a swamp buggy to become stuck. This was perfect for the swamp buggy racers, as they could test out their vehicles in conditions similar to what they would experience in the Everglades and see whose vehicle was truly the best-built buggy.

Phot Credit: Courtesy of G.H. Peter Frank

🇺🇸 We are grateful today and every day for those who served and sacrificed for our freedom. This Memorial Day take a moment and remember the true meaning of this day and honor those fallen in service, along with their families who carry those stories forever.

📷Photo and Edit: Neck and Neck by Mahlon Stacy
- featuring Taylor Edmonds and Lorrie Johns in the Intermediate Feature of the 2026 Coors Banquet Cup Finals.

We join so many with sadness after hearing of the passing of Kyle Loftis, the founder of 1320Video.com Kyle has gone far too soon, his passion for racing along with social media will continue to have a profound impact on the racing community. Please take a moment today to pray for Kyle's family, friends and racing network.