With the 61st annual Southern 500 ready to take place Saturday night at Darlington Raceway, we take a look back at the history of the Georgia Gang in the famed classic at Georgia Racing History.com .

Right from the beginning, the Georgia Gang has played a big role in the running of the Southern 500. From Raymond Parks changing tires on Red Byron's Cadillac in the first event in 1950 to Bill Elliott's winning of the first Winston Million, drivers from the Peach State have had a lot to be proud of over the years at Darlington. You can read all about some of those great moments (and a few near misses) this week over at Georgia Racing History.com .

We got word this week that former Cornelia, Georgia racer Wilt Watkins is having some health issues. Please keep Wilt and his family in your thoughts and prayers this week.

We also got word this week that Georgia Racing Hall of Fame member Rex White has been named as the 2011 grand marshal for the 44th annual Dawsonville Mountain Moonshine Festival in October. White was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame earlier this year. So it's a well deserved honor, and we look forward to seeing Rex in October! You can get more information on the Moonshine Festival and KARE for Kids here .

Saturday, May 28 will mark the Grand Reopening of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville. Festivities will take place all day, with a pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch by the famous Dawsonville Pool Room. There will be a driver autograph session, ribbon cutting, car show and, of course, tours of the Hall of Fame. The Hall is located at 415 Hwy 53 East in Dawsonville. For directions, go to www.georgiaracinghof.com or give us a call at (706) 216-RACE for more info. We can't wait to see you there.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week on May 6 to Tammy Jo Kirk and on May 11 to Gene Felton and in memory of Tim Flock (1924-1998).

Thanks everybody, and have a great weekend!

Brandon Reed
Georgia Racing History.com