Thanks Dave for heads-up. I've caught all of them the last 2 years. I'm behind this year. I watched Dale Inman's episode. And I saw part of the one done for Cale. But when I got to DW's, I hit a wall and bailed on it. But I will set my DVR for Glen Wood's show.
Hot rod air conditioning? Shoot, that's nothing new around my parts.
Just where was the old Concord Speedway located? A buddy of mine lives in Concord just a stone's throw from [ Old Speedway Dr ]. He built his house 5 or 6 years ago. He has been trying to figure out if an old race track was once where his property is now.
I've referenced Perry Allen Wood's book in the hopes that it might help narrow down any possible track. But nothing really matched where he lives now.
January 1 was the anniversary of the passing of two great songwriters: Hank Williams Sr. and Townes Van Zandt. Both had such incredible talent - yet were so tied-in to their addictions that it led to their early demise.
As the calendar turns to 2012, I'm putting out feelers again for memories, photos, etc. from those who were fortunate enough to see Richard Petty win. I'm working on blog entries now for his victories in January through March. If you got to see the King win any of these races, please let me and I'd enjoy incorporating your stories, memories, photos, etc. into my blog entries.
You can respond here, message me here at RR, or e-mail me at toomuchcountry (at) gmail (dot) com.
January
1972 Winston Western 500 - Riverside
February
1960 Charlotte NC, victory number 1 ... anyone, anyone? Bueller, Bueller?
1964 Daytona 500
1966 Daytona 500
1969 Motor Trend 500 - Riverside
1971 Daytona 500 - Bobby Williamson contributed. Others?
1972 Richmond 500 - I have limited info. Would really enjoy 1st hand accounts.
1973 Daytona 500
1973 Richmond 500 - I have limited info. Would really enjoy 1st hand accounts.
1974 Daytona 500
1975 Richmond 500 - I have limited info. Would really enjoy 1st hand accounts.
1976 Carolina 500 - Johnny Boone and Lynn Hughes have contributed. Are there others?
1979 Daytona 500 ... oh boy, should be some good stories here
1981 Daytona 500 ... and this one too
March
1963 Spartanburg
1963 Asheville-Weaverville
1967 Asheville-Weaverville
1970 Carolina 500 at Rockingham - William Horrell contributed. Would enjoy hearing from others too.
1970 Savannah
1971 Richmond
1971 Carolina 500 at Rockingham
1971 Hickory
1974 Carolina 500 at Rockingham - Have contributions from Bobby Williamson and Lynn Hughes. Others?
1975 Bristol
1975 Atlanta
1977 Carolina 500 at Rockingham
1977 Atlanta 500
1983 Carolina 500 at Rockingham - Robbie Solesbee contributed. Who else was in the sandhills that day?
Thanks! The contributions I've received so far have been great, and I've learned a lot about RP's wins as I've posted these entries - even after following The King for 35 years.
At the risk of taking the post about Aric's signing completely in an angled direction...
Its only been recently that I began to understand a bit more about the fierce competition amongst the business units of Plymouth & Dodge back in the early 70s. After Pete Hamilton left the 2nd Petty Plymouth team following the 1970 season, Buddy Baker was hired to drive a 2nd Petty DODGE beginning in 1971. That part I get. Petty Enterprises could then help Chrysler promote BOTH brands if Richard and Buddy were successful.
What I've never understood, however, is why PE ran car #11 for Buddy vs. something in the 40s as was the tradition for most of Petty Enterprises' history. All that's been suggested to me is that "it may have been a Dodge thing". That answer has never really gelled with me - but with this statement, I have come up with my own theory. Whether its fact or fiction, I don't know. But here goes.
Using a number (and car color) clearly different than Petty's Plymouth gave Baker's factory-supported, Petty-built Dodge a distinct took. Also, Ray Nichels was running an STP #99 Plymouth for Fred Lorenzen. Running a white #11 Dodge would be polar opposite labeling for the competition between the sister name plates.
Any insights, confirmation, rejection, etc.?
And Jerry Bushmire - RR member and huge contributor to my RP 200 Wins blog series - shared this one w/me from his NSSN collection.
You hit it 'closest to the pin' Tim. I found this article in the November 27 Sarasota Herald Tribune. Presumably, it was published the day after the press announcement. So the switch must have been announced on Nov 26.
Final installment shared on YouTube by OldSchoolNASCAR...
