jeff | RacersReunion

Georgia Racing Hall Of Fame Announces 2013 Inductees

Posted by jeff º May 26, 2013 º Articles | Events | News | Press Releases º 0 comments

GRHOF Class 2013 Dawsonville, Ga. – Some of the greatest racers in Georgia Racing History gathered at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville, GA Saturday morning as the five newest inductees into the Hall of Fame were formally announced.

They include a former NASCAR and short track ace, a pioneer Peach State open wheel racer, a trailblazing stock car team owner, one of the most successful short track racers in the southeast, and a drag racing legend and pioneer.

The 2013 inductees are Charles Barrett of Cleveland, GA, Hank Blalock of Decatur, GA, Frank Christian of Dahlonega, GA, Freddy Fryar of Chattanooga, TN, and Huston Platt of Buford, GA.

The five new GRHOF inductees were chosen from a list of 15 semi-finalists, all of whom were honored during Saturday’s event. The inductees were chosen by an 18 member panel of voters. Read On!

Bill Elliott Racing History 1992-2000

Posted by jeff º May 18, 2013 º Articles | Cody Dinsmore | Commentary º 0 comments

By Cody Dinsmore

When we last talked, Winston Cup Champion and NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver was planning to leave his family-based and Melling owned race team. The move would be the biggest in his career yet. With Coors Brewing Company leaving the #9, and being in a slump during the past couple of seasons, Bill thought change was needed going into the 1992 season.

Several driver/sponsor combinations were being switched up for the 92′ season. One big announcement in particular was “The King”, Richard Petty was to compete in his last season as an owner. Geoff Bodine, who for two seasons drove Junior Johnson’s famous #11 was leaving to compete on WWII Veteran, Bud Moore’s legendary #15. Therefore, a seat in Johnson’s Budweiser Thunderbird was now vacant with Elliott being a top driver, looking for a top ride. So, a deal was struck on January 2nd, 1992 for a three-season contract for Bill to drive the #11 Ford. I’m sure that the Coors executives weren’t too happy about the Most Popular Driver switching to their competitor. Read On!

May 14, 2013 Legendtorial – The Eye of The Beholder

Posted by jeff º Articles | Commentary | Tim Leeming º 5 comments

the-legend By Tim Leeming

I’m sure most of you have heard the saying “Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder”. As I often do, when working on these Legendtorials, I did a little research about the background of that saying, or, in essence, those sentiments. I was somewhat surprised with the information I found. I always assumed it was good old Will Shakespeare who coined the phrase for one of those required High School readings we all used to dread, or most of us, anyway. Instead, I found the original use of the sentiment, although not in the exact words, was in the third century B.C. in Greek. Literally, the statement means the “perception of beauty is subjective”. Read On!

Bill Elliott’s Coors Days 1984 – 1985

Posted by jeff º May 1, 2013 º Articles | Cody Dinsmore | Commentary º 0 comments

By Cody Dinsmore

Last time you heard a ‘Georgia Racing History’ segment, it was about how Harry Melling really helped the Elliott Race Team and brought Bill his first pole, win and first full-time season. For this segment, I will continue on with the history of Bill Elliott and talk about the 1984 and 85′ season, including his Winston Million.

In the latter part of the 1983, Coors Brewery had met with Harry Melling and Bill about a possible sponsorship. They drew up an 8-year contract with the first primary sponsored race being the 1984 Daytona 500. However, a small Coors decal had been placed on the quarter panel for the last handful of races in 1983, including his first career win at the Winston Western Read On!

Full Moon Plus Opening Night at Bowman Gray Stadium Equals Madhouse

Posted by jeff º Articles | Commentary | Jeff Gilder º 4 comments

By Jeff Gilder

I’m finally getting around to writing about my experience this past Saturday night at the infamous Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston Salem, NC. Taking in a race there has long been on bucket list. I can tell you, it should have happened long ago.

It was opening night for the 2013 season at Bowman Gray Stadium (BGS)..or The Madhouse as regulars call it. The moon was full, but well- hidden behind the threatening rain clouds. Slated for the night was a full compliment of short-track racing for a packed house. Please understand (if you have not heard) Bowman Gray Stadium holds around seventeen thousand fans. Read On!

April 30, 2013 Legendtorial – Lost in the 50s and Happy About it

Posted by jeff º Articles | Commentary | Tim Leeming º 3 comments

By Tim Leeming

This is not intended as a political statement or opinion, although, Lord knows, I usually have no problem letting anyone know exactly where I stand on political issues. This site is not the proper venue for political expression as we are not only made up for folks with diverse political opinions but we also have members around the world in all different political situations. It was, however, a statement from our President, you know that guy who lives in The White House, that caused me to focus my attention on the subject matter of tonight. Read On!

April 23, 2013 Legendtorial-Opinions and Observations…Mine

Posted by jeff º April 24, 2013 º Articles | Commentary | Tim Leeming º 5 comments

By Tim Leeming

I would like to take a minute to remind everyone of the Auction benefit for Rodney Cook this coming Saturday, April 27^th. My good friend, Kenneth Smithey, along with Cory Latham, are holding this auction to raise money to benefit Rodney in the fight of his life. Not only is this a worthwhile cause, but Kenneth is a good friend of mine from way back and if he’s involved, I know it’s going to be a really good event. You can go to www.funwoodauction.com and look at some of the items included in the auction. You will be amazed by what has been donated to this cause. The Auction will be held at The Rock Church, 1901 Barnes Street, Reidsville, NC beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday. If you want more information, call Kenneth Smithey at 336-344-8400. Read On!