Thisweek,we have a look at an event held in memory of a unique piece of racinghistory at GeorgiaRacingHistory.com .

Back on May 1, a memorial ceremony was held inHephzibah, Georgia to mark the 50th anniversary of the AugustaInternational Speedway complex.

The complex included a three-mileroad course, a half mile oval and a 1/4 mile dragstrip. NASCAR wouldvisit the complex several times over its ten year history.

The complex's racing days came to an end when the half-mile closedafter the 1969 season, but the memory lives on today.

JoeCawley was kind enough to share photos of the ceremony with us, and weshare them with you as part of this week's photo-feature over at Georgia RacingHistory.com .

In other news, Gresham Motorsports Park will behosting the first Georgia Racing Hall of Fame night this Saturday, May15.

We will be honoring all eight of the 2009 inductees in aspecialceremony on the front stretch, where they will be introduced to thecrowd, presented with certificates and given a moment to speak. Plansare for this to become an annual event at the speedway.

Also hoping to be on hand is Jimmy Summerour, Hubert Platt, BudLundsford, Charlie Mincey, Charlie Bagwell, Gene Felton,Jack Jacksonand more members of our Hall of Fame family! We will also be havingvintage race cars on hand, and they'll get to take some pace laps on thetrack. The speedway will also be hosting a 50-50 fundraiser for theHOF.

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. Pleasehelp us to make sure everybody gets a chance to come be a part of thisgreat event!

Again,the event will be held Saturday, May 15 at Gresham Motorsports Park.For moreinformation on attending the event (if you're not a Hall of Famemember), go to GreshamMotorsports Park.com or call 706-367-9461.

And don't forget,during last year's World Crown 300, the folksfrom 3Wide Life, a syndicated tv show, did some filming about the eventand the track, including some segments with yours truly. The program isslated for the show's current episode. You can get more info on theshow, along with where you can see the show, by going here .

Annie Dean Samples, 70, of Dawsonville, Georgia, died MondayMay 10, 2010 at Northside Forsyth Hospital following a short illness.

Born August 27, 1939 to the late Dean and Annie Mae Tatum,she was a lifelong resident of Dawson County. Annie Dean was a 1957graduate of Dawson County High School where she was a member of theBeta Club and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Home Economics fromthe University of Georgia. She taught home economics in the FultonCounty School System, the Gwinnett County School System and taught for12 years in Dawson County.

A jewelry designer, along with her husband they owned andoperated The Rock House where they won many design awards working showsin eastern United States. Mrs. Samples was the former president of theGeorgia Racing Hall of Fame and was active in community affairs. Shewas a member of McKees Chapel United Methodist Church and was alsopreceded in death by a sister, Lois Mathis.

Annie Dean Samples was instrumental in the re-opening of the Georgia RacingHall of Fame. Her contributions to it and to the work that goes intokeeping the history of Georgia racing history is immeasurable. She willtruly be missed.

Happy Birthdaywishes go out this week on May 16 in memory of June Cleveland(1921-1991), on May 19 to Jody Ridley and on May 20 to Dave Despain.

Thankseverybody, and come say hi to us at Hall of Fame night at GMP Saturdaynight!

Brandon Reed
Georgia Racing History.com