I mention F2, as there was a fast and furious pace to ready the track for the first event to be held at the speedway. I spent all my spare time there in 2009 and in 2010, I think for two reasons. First, I care deeply about the preservation of historical places, especially the ones I can help with, hands on. Secondly, on a personal note, my brother, who was one year younger than I, developed a heart condition and was not able to attend the event in April, 2009. I was hopeful that he would in 2010, but that was not meant to be. He died of a massive heart attack in August of 2009. The happiest memories I have with my brother were at the Columbia Speedway, so I think in a way, spending more time there in the summer of 2010 doing cleanup work allowed me to feel maybe he could see all the work that had been done at the Columbia Speedway. And in December of 2009, our “Pappy” was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer... something that should have been caught during his physical 2 years earlier. Two months later he also had a heart attack. It was my hope to “interview” him to capture his memories of the Columbia Speedway and his time spent there from the late ‘50’s – 70’s, but the right time never presented itself until recently.
Anyway, the doctors said Pappy would only live a couple more years. To our surprise (he jokes about it folks), he is still here and kicking today! His positive attitude has more than helped him survive and remain active. He is doing well and the treatments and medicine are working. Today, I got to spend some time with him, specifically to get him to recall anything he could remember about the speedway. Pappy was known during his racing career as "Cat-Man."
This is what he remembers:
He said David Pearson was his favorite driver and wasn’t yet driving the number 21 car. Said he believed it was car number 16/17 at that time. He also “pulled” for Ned Jarrett as well as Fireball Roberts in the earlier years.
He remembers a guy who was killed at the track from a flying wheel. He said he was sitting in the grandstand 5 spots from the guy who died. He and his friend, David Day, slid down under the bleachers to avoid being hit by the tire.
He recalled the Joei Chitwood daredevil shows and the Rodeo Shows held at the speedway. Said he even participated in one of the rodeos.
He did sponsor a few cars after he started his own business and mentioned Burnside Dodge. By sponsor, I mean his business logo was painted on the side of a few cars during a couple seasons.
In 1964-65 he recalls Wendell Scott and lending a hand to him in the pit area one night. He recalled Bobby Isaac as well and said he was a really nice guy. Bobby’s first win was at Columbia Speedway in 1968. He later died from a heart attack on pit road at Hickory Speedway in 1977.
He said he participated in the last demolition derby held at the speedway and drove a 1960 Dodge. Burnside Dodge provided the car he drove. He spoke of having to weld the doors shut, remove all glass, and weld in seat belts.
And lastly, he recalled assisting Joe Penland and Possum Jones at the Augusta Speedway and stated a fight broke out and Mr. Penland was fined $125.00. But mostly, he spoke of Columbia Speedway being the place to be back in the day. He was smiling the entire time he was talking. His phone began ringing and our brief interview concluded.
Maybe someday RacersReunion® will have its own track or Museum to hold various events for the enjoyment of all. To me, that would be the ultimate tribute to former racers, fans, and RR members. It has been my pleasure and honor to a part of the RacersReunion® family.
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