April 8, 1971: Richard Petty wins at Columbia SC

The race was the first GN one on Columbia's new paved surface after years as a dirt track. But it was the next-to-last one there. After 1971, the track was cut as part of the reduced schedule under the newly branded Winston Cup series.

Thanks to RR's Perry Allen Wood for the help provided for this entry. And ol' Jim Seay makes another appearance.
http://bench-racing.blogspot.com/2012/04/april-8-this-day-in-petty-history-part.html

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Schaefer: It's not just for racing anymore.
updated by @tmc-chase: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM

My mother actually assisted in the ribbon cutting for the opening of the newly paved track. She took about an 18 inch section of that ribbon and had Richard tie it around his steering column. The race was very close at the end but Richard prevailed. He laughingly told my other in victory lane that she "should have cut the ribbon a little longer because his good luck almost ran out". Oh, and did I mention that I took the checked flag from the flagman and climbed in the passenger's side of the Plymouth and sat on the door as Richard drove around the track with me holding the flag? I just wish I had a picture of that but it is a very true story. Thanks for the Memories.

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What a change! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm quite surprised. It may take me awhile to figure it our but first look it's really great.