Longtime Drag Racer and the first man to run over 180mph at Daytona,Art Malone,passsed away this morning.On August 27TH,1961 he drove the Mad Dog IV to an average speed of 181.561mph.at Daytona.Another great racer has left us.He will truly be missed.His family will be in our thoughts and prayers
I do know that Smokey Yunick said things about his dislike for the 1958 Chevrolet that can't be repeated on this web site!!
Tim I too had not thought much about the closed circuit deal until a few days ago when I was sitting at a desk in my workroom and opened the bottom drawer and pulled out an envelope taht had several items in it including the ticket and closed circuit flyer and even a folded Richard Petty for President bumper sticker.Sometimes I guess I was a packrat but now I am glad I saved some of the stuff I did.Funny how
a piece of paper or some little object gets us going and bring back so many memories!.
I am enjoying reading everyone's comments.I too saw Evel's failed attempt across the Snake River
and a couple of boxing matches on closed circuit that I wish I had my money back .Old well it was fun anyway.Found this picture of Richard during that 1968 500.I love this picture.Photographer unknown. 
Long before America watched Donnie,Cale,and Bobby live in our living rooms at Daytona slinging fist at each other you could go to some coliseums and watch Daytona live on closed circuit TV.I wondered how many others remember doing that.
I especially remember th 1968 Daytona when Richard Pettys blue and black topped Roadrunner was hit by something at the top of the windshield and the roof started to lift.Richard pitted while he was leading and got out,stomped the roof back in place with those cowboy boots and then proceeded to beat the roof with a hammer all under the watchful eyes of Dick Beaty.Then Maurice proceeded to apply duct tape which continued to be added for the rest of the race.The blue and black Roadrunner quickly became blue,black,and silver.I guess duck tape was taken to a new level that day! 
These awards were presented to the Historic Speedway Group last week.We would like to thank
Bob and Mary Ann Wilcox and also Joe and Ruth Kelly.We are honored to have received them.We
would also like to thanks all the fans and racers who have made what we do possible.Can hardly wait till next year at the Celebration of the Automobile and Racers Reunion on September 28th,2013.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Everyone.
LAVERNE ZACHARY 
From the book Evolution of Speed Bill France Sr and Jr made laps around Talladega in 1969
in some type of Canadian made Ford I believe.
Although he was offically entered and licensed for this event Jackie Stewart declined the ride.Not sure why but that was the story.
