This week, Eddie Samples takes us back to a scene of triumph and tragedyin a feature over at GeorgiaRacingHistory.com .

The Columbus Speedway opened in 1948 by hosting a trio of modifiedstock car events for a fledgling new sanctioning body named NASCAR. Thehalf mile dirt oval gave the fans fast a furious speeds.

Thetrack would be the site of the crowning of the first NASCAR championthat year. It would also prove to be the site of one of NASCAR's firston-track tragedies. Both involved the same legendary driver.

You can read all about Columbus' 1948 season at Georgia RacingHistory.com .

In other news, you now have less than a week toget your nomination forms in for the 2010 class ofInductees into the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. The cutoff is Tax Day,April15. For more info and for forms, go to GeorgiaRacingHOF.com .

As we mentioned last week, GreshamMotorsports Park will host Georgia Racing Hall of Fame night on May 15.Some of the greatest drivers in thehistory of Georgia - and racing - will be on hand for this great nightof racing and remembering. Legendary Drivers, a Vintage Car show, PaceLaps, and a 50-50 fund raiser to benefit the Georgia Racing Hall ofFame.

We want very much for all Hall of Fame members, or familyof members of the Hall of Fame to be in attendance with us for thisspecial event. If you are a Hall of Fame member or a family member,please contact me at raceinfoga@gmail.com for more information. Also, ifyou have a vintage racer that you'd be interested in displaying, pleasesend me an email at raceinfoga@gmail.com for more info.

And, for more information on the event in general, go to GreshamMotorsports Park.com . Plus, we hope to have some more announcementson this event in the near future!

Congratulation to DavidMurphy, who picked up his second win at Lanier National Speedway withthe Chapman Fence/Georgia Racing History.com Outlaw Late Model this pastSaturday! The previous weekend, David finished third at GreshamMotorsports Park in their Outlaw Late Model event, so it's a great startto 2010 for David Murphy! Now, I'm not going to say having GeorgiaRacing History.com on the car is helping him...but it sure doesn't seemto be slowing him down any!!!!

The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame is pleased to playhost tothe third annual Lakewood Speedway Reunion, coming up August 7 at theHall ofFame, located in the Dawsonville Municipal Complex in Dawsonville,Georgia

This year, we plan to honor the Flock Brothers of NASCAR fame, Tim, Bob and Fonty, who were among the winningest drivers ofrecord atLakewood. Along with the three brothers, we plan to honor the othermembersof the Flock family that made them a unique group in the annals ofGeorgia AutoRacing. T.C. Chambers has also been working hard to make sure we have ahost of vintage dirt trackracing motorcycles on hand to pay homage to the two-wheeled history thatwas written atLakewood. Cost to attend is $15, which includes a catered meal from theworld famousDawsonville Pool Room.Reservations are required. Attendants are encouraged to bring anyphotos or memorabilia from the speedway. For more info or to RSVP, you can call 706-265-3256. Youcan also get more info at www.georgiaracinghof.com .

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week on April 10 to Brett Butler and on April 12 inmemory of Curtis Turner (1924-1970).

Thankseverybody, and have a great weekend!

Brandon Reed
Georgia Racing History.com