34 Years Ago Today

To complement PKL's memory of the loss of Neil Bonnett, I'd like to remember a positive event that also occurred on February 11. But it was back in February 11, 1979 - 34 years ago.

"The Prince" (or so we thought) Kyle Petty made his professional racing debut in the ARCA 200 at Daytona, qualified 2nd, stumbled his way through pit stops, and managed to beat John Rezek for the win.

A Bench Racing blog flashback:

http://bench-racing.blogspot.com/2009/02/kyle-petty-at-daytona30-years-ago.html

A Jerry Bushmire photo...

Yep, it was Kyle's 1 week wedding anniversary to the former Miss Winston.

A photo from better days. Just wish I had a better scan.

Last update I saw was back in August when she was 'interviewed' by National Enquirer.

My disease is very advanced and presents a fair share of challenges, but I am optimistic about the future and grateful to be doing as well as I am.

While there is no cure for Parkinsons, Pattie says she manages with medications.

Article says she is living in Nashville. A few years back, Kyle was reported to have bought a home here - supposedly to help with commutes associated with his TV work and the planned Kansas City camp. I guessing part of the deal with her separation from VJGC was the closure of her KC flat and a move to Kyle's place here. But that's getting awfully close to gossip vs. an educated guess. So I'll stop there.

One of my favorite songwriters is a guy named Tommy Womack. In his song "I Want A Cigarette", he has a lyric couplet that often resonates for me - including in the case of folks Kyle and Pattie and Bobby and Judy Allison.

Sometimes I wanna talk to God and find out what I don't know
Sometimes I wanna talk to God and tell God where God can go

Unsure if that was a ba-doomp-BAH joke - or a slip of the mind.

The Duke boy was Tom WOPAT:

vs. Tommy WOMACK (no relation to Leanne)

Si seorita