This week, Eddie Samples takes a look at the career of one of Georgia's most remarkable racers and one of the most deserving members of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in a story over at Georgia Racing History.com .

Charlie Bagwell started his racing career in 1949 when he was 22 years old at a race at Atlanta's famed Lakewood Speedway. He would continue to run well into the 2000's, and in 2006, was inducted into the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. During that time, Charlie won a lot of races, saw a lot of things and met a lot of great people. This week, we take a look back at his career and a true life in racing over at Georgia Racing History.com .

Unfortunately, just as we did last week, we have more sad news to share with you this week.

Tommie Irvin, 2009 Georgia Racing Hall Of Fame inductee, suffered a massive stroke Thanksgiving morning. Members of his family say Tommie suffered partial paralysis and spent some time at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. He has since been moved to St. Mary's Hospice in Athens. Please send you prayers and good wishes to Mr. Tommie and his family at this time, as they surely need them.

If you're not familiar with Tommie Irvin, he was a pioneer stock car and modified driver who drove as a team mate to the late Swayne Pritchett in 1948, drove at Soldier's Field in Chicago for legendary car owner Andy Granatelli and was the owner of the Banks County Speedway. You can read more on Mr. Tommie's life and career here and here .

Did you know: We could see more Georgia Racing History written this week in Pensacola, Florida. So far, the Georgia Gang has been able to keep a strangle hold on the major short track stock car events of 2010. Chase Elliott won the Winchester 400. T.J. Reaid was victorious at the All-American 400. Bubba Pollard took the win in the Rattler 250. Just a few weeks ago, Justin Wakefield took the checkered flag in the World Crown 300. This weekend, the Georgia Gang is well represented in the field of the famed Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola.

Among the Georgia racers hoping to make the field for the legendary 300-lap event is Ryan Sieg of Tucker, GA, Chase Elliott of Dawsonville, GA, Allen Karnes of Sharpsburg, GA, Bubba Pollard of Senoia, GA, Casey Roderick of Lawrenceville, GA, Mike Garvey of McDonough, GA, David Ragan of Unadilla, GA, Tyler Millwood of Kingston, GA, Jimmy Garmon of Hoschton, GA, T.J. Reaid of Acworth, GA and Ryan Crane, formerly from Jefferson, GA, who know resides in Panama City, FL.


Peach State racers to make their mark in the Snowball over the years includes Hall of Famers Jody Ridley and Ronnie Sanders, along with Tammy Jo Kirk, who was the first woman to win the Snowball in history.


Happy Birthday wishes go out this week on Dec. 3 to Bobby Allison, on Dec. 5 to Ronnie Sanders and in memory of Dub Smith (1921-1978) and on Dec. 8 to David Sosebee.


Thanks everybody, and have a great weekend!

Brandon Reed
Georgia Racing History.com