I GUESS IT'S TIME THIS CAME OUT. BEEN WITHHELD FAR TOO MANY YEARS

This is a true story. I'm sure Jack or Bobby can go through their ghost tracks or Historic Finishes and dig this up. I have thought of posting this for a long, long time, but I didn't want to take the flak from the nay-sayers. But, it is the holiday season so if you have anything negative to say, remember,. SANTA CLAUS WATCHING YOU.

In the mid seventies, about '75 or '76, after the Cup cars had stopped running the Columbia Speedway, the promoter came up with the idea of a 200 lap late model sportsman race one of those Thursday evenings. In an effort to draw as large a crowd as possible, many of the Cup guys were invited that weekend and David Pearson, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, Donnie Allison all showed, along with Sam Sommers, Butch Lindley, Sam Ard and Billy Scott, along with local racers from all around the Southeast. The Legend was invited to drive and was provided a brand new car for the event. When qualifying was over and it was time to hit the track for the event, The Legend was in position number one. Bobby, David, and Donnie were all close behind. These things I remember:

1. Bobby Allison bumped me twice, once going into turn one and once coming out of four.

2. Donnie Allison tried a pass at one point but didn't make it.

3. David Pearson pulled along side me five times coming off turn two but had to fall back each time.

As I said, this was a 200 lap race, 100 miles. My car was on the track, as I recall, 46 of those 200 laps AND WAS NEVER PASSED. I was at the head of the pack every single lap I was on the track. If anyone finds those records, it is a verifiable fact. I was driving a brand new 1975 Matador. The fact that it was the PACE CAR helped me realize my dream of leading some of NASCAR's best. Oh, and this part is true too. David would pull up along side to get a light for his cigarette off the lighter in the Matador. True story folks. Now you know. More to this Legend thing than you thought!

OK Legdon i remember that well i was working the pits in my Dads welding truck i think BA won the race after he and the Fox got togeather in turn one i think ?

Patty --he suckered you in big time on that one------- yessireee that is called a gotcha.

Gotta watch that feller hid behind those dark colored glasses and hat.. Lone Ranger he aint----------------------- but the Legend he is------------------------------------------------ but a Matador????

Ole ! ! !

Tim, You had me hooked until you said it was a Matador. LOL.

Matador raised the first red flag before pace car made the sirens go off to realize I'd been had. Great story sir.. enjoyed reading that.

Good one, Tim! Had me going.