This week, we learn the fate of one of the most rare and unusual cars to ever compete in NASCAR over at Georgia Racing History.com .
In May of 1950, Joe Merola piloted one of the most coveted collector cars in the world in NASCAR competition - a 1948 Tucker Torpedo. The car didn't make a single lap due to a broken axle, but it has remained part of racing lore ever since. It was believed the NASCAR Tucker was lost in a fire in Florida. But in the March, 2012 edition of Hemmings Classic Car magazine, writer Mike Schutta examines the history of the NASCAR Tucker, and reveals not only is it still among us, but it had other brushes with NASCAR! We take a look at his findings this week over at Georgia Racing History.com .
Mike's article is a great read, and we recommend you have a look at it by picking up a copy of Hemmings Classic Car magazine or have a look at the Hemmings Motor News website .
In other news, plans are underway for the third annual Athens Speedway Reunion, to be held April 14, 2012 at South Jackson Elementary School near Jefferson, GA from 10 am - 4 pm. For more info, contact Freddie Massey at 706-543-4249, Donald Brooks at 706-658-7006 or Charles Burkhalter, Jr. at 706-207-0516.
Happy Birthday wishes go out this week on Feb. 11 to Burt Reynolds and Andy Lally and on Feb. 15 to Freddy Fryar.
Thanks everybody, and have a great weekend!
Brandon Reed
Georgia Racing History.com
How do you get your Hemmings so early I just got my February last Friday.
Hello, Great Story on the Tucker Car. When was the car at Richard Petty and how long was itthere.I was there a lot but I may have missed it. I bet my buddy TIM THE LEGEND could tell if it was.If anybody has his email add.see if he knows.Thanks, Harlow Reynolds, Lynchburg,Va
According to Mike's story, the car was in Level Cross for a period of time in 1991, not sure just how long. I do remember seeing photos of it there before I went up in the winter of 1991, but the Tucker had been replaced by a stock white 1970 Superbird when I as there. I would love to find that photo of the Tucker at Richard's museum to add to the story. But how cool is it that such a rare car with a rare pedigree ended up back in the racing world without anybody realizing it?BTW, if I was Buz McKim, I'd be trying to convince the Toyota folks that having the NASCAR Tucker at the NHOF would be a great PR move for the car company. That would certainly help to bring non-NASCAR folks in to see such a rare and particular car such as that.
Great story thanks for sharing.
The Tucker on display at Randleman was(is?) owned by Hugh Hawthorne (Alpine Construction) of Richmond, VA. I doubt that it and the NASCAR Tucker are one and the same. Thanks, Garland