MARTY ROBBINS

The past two weeks have been a constant state of being behind in things for me, and I apologize for that. First up, I was a day late in acknowledging the birthday of Lil Bud Moore, something I did not want to overlook. Lil Bud is an important part of racing history and has done a lot for this site.

Last night, at Stocks for Tots, Billy Biscoe called it to my attention that I had failed to note the passing of Marty Robbins on December 8, 1982. For that, I am truly sorry. Marty was a big part of racing history, although he raced infrequently. When he did race, he enjoyed being a part of the show so much that I really don't think it mattered to him where he finished, he was racing and that's what was important to him. The stories are legendary of Marty's performances at the Grand Ole Opery being scheduled as to allow him to rush across town and race in the weekly races at Nashville Speedway. At that track, in that series, he was a better than an average driver.

His racing career combined with his singing career gave one of his race cars the name "Devil Woman" which became a hit for Marty. Another of his songs exemplified the independent racers of the 60s and 70s in such a way to honor the efforts of those guys who tried week in and week out to make a living in the sport. The song, "20th Century Drifter" begins "Driving a race car is my way of making a living, 32 weekends I load up the car and I'm gone". The song also includes the line "First place is just a dream but I gotta chase it, finishing out of the top ten is nothing but bad". Everytime I hear that song I think of Buddy Arrington, Jabe Thomas, John Sears and so many others who showed up every race, qualified, ran the race and went home to get ready for the next one.

My "personal" connection to Marty Robbins, if such may be said is three-fold.

1. "A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation" was a popular hit for Marty about the time I began my "singing career" in school and that was one song I performed at every event.

2. I sat on the pit wall in Marty at Charlotte after the 600 one year in the 70s and we laughed a joke about many things, and performed a duet of "20th Century Drifter" to anyone who would listen. Surprisingly, not many fans recognized Marty and sort of by-passed him looking for Pearson, Baker and Petty. Or, maybe it was my singing, but Marty didn't complaint. As always he had a great time.

3. The song "20th Century Drifter" was popular in the days of CB radio. As the motorhome and my car were both equipped with CBs, we all had "handles" or, for you youngsters, nicknames we used on the radio. My nickname was "20th Century Drifter" and on the wall behind me as I type this, is a plaque given to me one Christmas in which is engraved those words. My mother went by "Mama Drifter". Going and coming to races in those days, we kept the truckers entertained with the constant banter.

A year or so back, Ronnie Robbins, Marty's son, was on the Tuesday Night show here on RR, "Racing Through History". It was really great to have that direct connect again with Marty Robbins although only through the world of cyber-airways.Marty was a hit maker in Nashville and a hit withthe race drivers of the day. He will always be a hit with me. Thank you, Billy Biscoe, for calling to my attention the fact that I overlooked the anniversary of the death of THE 20th Century Drifter.

Marty was a great singer and a decent driver. More importantly he really loved what he was doing. How wonderful you got to meet and spend time with him. Hank Goodrich of Port Orange,Fl. owns a tribute car of Marty's and every time I see it I wish I could have seen him race.

Thanks for sharing that Bill. Hope all is well with you. Great pictures!

Glen Wood was his friend---Me, Ervin Brooks-Sam Parrish done two of Marty Songs for Glen Wood 89 Birthday Party--

Thanks--Harlow Reynolds---Lynchburg , Va,

In July 1982 I was staying in the long gone Howard Johnson motel with Bud Moore and Dale Earnhardt near I-95 just down the road from Daytona Speedway. The first morning when I opened my room door I was met by Marty coming out of the room next door. That was a pleasant surprise. That Firecracker 400 would be Marty's next to last race.

When my wife Joyce and I were in line that December checking into the Waldorf-Astoria in New York for the Winston Cup Awards Banquet, Bill France, Jr. came into the lobby to let the racers know he'd just gotten word of Marty's passing. That was a very sad moment.

The following May at Talladega, Ralph Seagraves brought Ronnie and his band in for the entertainment at the Winston 500 Grand Marshal's dinner. That was quite a night and a wonderful tribute to Marty.