Occoneechee/Orange Historic Speedway

The 7th Annual "Celebration of the Automobile" Racers Reunion and Car Show is coming up the end of September. This is the 65th anniversary of the Historic Occoneechee/Orange Speedway in Hillsboro, NC. I am putting the souvenir program book together and would love to have some stories from you about the old track. The story could be about a race you saw there, meeting the drivers...anything that might be interesting to the fans. We would really like to make this book special and need your help. We will give you credit in the program for the story and of course would love to have pictures with it if possible. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Help us keep the memories alive!

Please send any stories/photos, etc. to me at

suzweiss42@gmail.com

Thank you for any help you can offer.

Suzie Weiss

Suzie, I only made one race up there when my uncle took me, either 1962 or 1963. I have no pictures but I do remember it as an exciting race.

Now, as to the Celebration of the Automobile event, I have attended that for the past four years. I am here to say that is a premier event in the life of THIS race fan. Each time I've attended has special memories and even last year in the steady rain, the day was awesome. What you all do there each year is so very important to maintaining aconnection to the heritage of the sport of stock car racing. I am looking forward to being there this year! See you then.

This photo of Bill Myers was taken at Hillsboro. The story I was always told was that there was not muchfire fighting equipment thereso they rolled the car off into the river to put the fire out. Notice how excitedeveryone around the car was. lol!

Randy, what an awesome addition to this post! Wow, Dude, that is a great picture although it does show a defeat, it is a part of the history to be cherished. Thanks for adding.

Suzie is certainly welcome to use this in the program if she wants.

Best of luck, Suzie. Your event is an outstanding one each year.

Ran across this today from the Oct. 29, 1961 Grand National 150 lapper at Orange Speedway in Hillsboro. It was listed as being from NASCAR - The Complete Story, by Greg Fielden. The beautiful blonde on the left is Miss Pontiac Linda Vaughn. Of course the man in the Rebel 300 shirt is Little Joe Weatherly the winner that day. The man you see peeking between them in the Autolite cap is car owner and 1961 Mechanic of the Year Bud Moore. Anyone know who the beautiful lady presenting the trophy is?

Randy thanks for sharing.Never seen that photo before.Very cool!

Thank you Tim - I look forward to meeting you this year. I've been involved with the group for 2 years, but grew up with the track. Thank you for the comment - will likely do a comment page in the program.

Thank you Dennis - may I use this in the book with your comments?

After seeing another picture from late in 1961 the lady on the right might be Miss Automotive World Nancy Harrison.