HLB 400 MACON SEPT. 28, 1969

HLB 400

Charlie Blanton #10

Personal note:

Dad still says he won that race.

Ha! Love race sponsor name. Spent early part of my career working for firm in Chattanooga that went by same initials.

Race report - after score cards were reviewed and decision was made. - Spartanburg Herald

Does anyone know if the Cougar #1 driven by Preston Humphries in this race is the same Cougar driven by Lil' Bud Moore in '68?

Kind of interesting and mysterious to see 2nd fast qualifier, Randy Hutchison of Newport News, Virginia, who led 56 laps, retire on lap 194 of 365 with the "Reason Out" listed as "DRIVER FATIGUE." Randy had just turned 21 in August and had just begun his senior year on the Appalachian State University football team in Boone, NC. Wonder if he was worn out from football practice?

Wonder why one of the other Camaro drivers who'd already retired - like Pete Hamilton or Jim Vandiver - get in the obviously very fast Hutchison Camaro and try to finish those final 171 laps? Did Randy's dad not want another driver in the family car? Have any idea, Dennis?

wow sure enjoy reading about the GT and GN east . You ought to right a book with all your knowledge of these races, THANKS

Dave, I have no idea why Randy did not use a relief driver. While it was not common practice in GT/GA it was not unheard of. Russell Nelson would win in relief of T.C. Hunt in '69 at Kingsport. I can only guess that it could have been some kind of NASCAR rule in '68, they had many rules different than the GN division, most said to reduce cost. I have never driven in Macon in the summer but I have worked at a brick plant there in Aug. and Sept. before and it can be very hot and humid. Easy to get dehydrated.

Thanks, Dennis.

Great story all ways liked Charlie Blanton