Forum Activity for @brandon-reed

What Did He Say?

General

"I've tried crying a river of tears, and you've tried running him over. Why is it we can't outrun that Elliott kid?"

Where were the fans

General

Sure, there were people in the stands, but nothing like it used to be. I go along with the economy being partially to blame.But if that were completely the case, wouldn't it stand to reason that the tv ratings for the broadcast of these races would at least hold steady, if not increase? But that's not the case. They ratings are dropping like a rock.So, what's the problem?As I've said before, I honestly believe the problem is that the common thread that connected the race fans in the stands (and at home) with the drivers has been lost. What made the sport special and unique was the connection that the fans had with the drivers. It was the fact that they could talk to the drivers, approach them, get their autographs. NASCAR has succeeded in getting the fans completely out of the pits and away from the drivers. And the drivers, who are payed lots and lots of money to do lots and lots of things, don't have the time or the inclination to spend time with these drivers. Some actually make it part of the contest to be out and away from the race track as fast as they can be after a race.That means that the connection between the fan and the driver is gone. So what inclination is there to pay money to watch an overpaid rock star driver around for four hours and then blow off the people that essentially pay their bills?Guys like Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, David Pearson and Buddy Baker understood this. They would sit for hours after the races, talking to fans and signing autographs. They established a bond that carried over not just from race to race but from year to year.Now, that bond is gone. Without it, why should the fans come out? To buy the latest Dale Earnhardt Jr. die cast car?If we don't get the fans in the stands back to where they know the guys in the cars, get autographs, and re-establish that connection, things will continue to go downhill.And it's happening at the short tracks, too. After seeing how NASCAR does it, many fans don't realize they are welcome to come into the pits after the races and meet the drivers. Even at this basic level, we've GOT to get the fans back down there and get them involved.If we don't, the unique aspect that this sport was truly built on will be lost forever. And when it goes, the racing soon will follow.If the stands are empty, what's the point in racing?

Stock Car Racing Pioneer, Raymond Parks, Dies at the age of 96

Stock Car Racing History

I've said all the words I can for today on my feelings of the loss of Mr. Parks. But I can say this......all of us who met him, who honored him, who admired him and what he did......will do what we can to make the case for him to be in NASCAR's Hall of Fame. They made an unbelievable blunder in not giving him his due while he was with us. Now it's up to us, those of us who know the REAL story of what went on back then, to make sure his legacy lives on and to keep telling the story.Folks, I drive for Mr. Raymond Parks.

Georgia Racing HOF 2010 Inductees Announced

Stock Car Racing History

The votes have been cast, and the five inductees to become members of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame for 2010 have been chosen.

The 2010 inductees are Ted Edwards of Atlanta, Ernie Elliott of Dawsonville, Jack Etheridge of Atlanta, Laverne Kendrick of Tifton and Jerry Wimbish of Atlanta.

The 2010 induction ceremony will be held at the Dawsonville City Municipal Complex, which houses the Hall of Fame, on Friday, October 22 at 6 p.m.

A limited number of seats are available for the banquet. Reservations are required to attend.

For more information on purchasing a ticket or on the banquet, call Dawsonville City Hall at (706) 265-3256, or go online to www.georgiaracinghof.com .

Look for a full story highlighting the 2010 inductees and their history this Friday at Georgia Racing History.com .

Congrats to our inductees and their families!

Brandon Reed
Georgia Racing History.com


updated by @brandon-reed: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM

Raymond Parks 96th Birthday

General

Have to echo that. It was a great day with some terrific people. I enjoyed meeting several of our Racers Reunion folks too. Thanks again to the Day family for their hard work and dedication, and thanks to everybody who came out to with Mr. Parks a happy birthday!

Pearson says Parks should be next in the HOF

General

According to most pundits, David Pearson is a shoe-in for the 2011 class of inductees to NASCARs new Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC.

Not so fast, says David. In an interview with Fox Sports, the 105 time Sprint Cup winner says he would not accept such an honor if it meant keeping Georgia Racing Hall of Fame member and stock car legend Raymond Parks out of the hall.

He needs to be the next main one to get in there, Pearson is quoted as saying in the article.

Now, Im a life long Richard Petty fan, but Ive always had a healthy respect for Pearson. But the Silver Fox has impressed me beyond words with this gesture. Lets hope it gets through to the folks in charge at the HOF.

And if you see David at this weekends party for Mr. Parks, make sure you shake his hand and say thank you!

You can read the full article here .

updated by @brandon-reed: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM

Ga. Racing HOF night at GMP a success!!!

Stock Car Racing History

I just wanted to thank everybody who helped us make Georgia Racing Hall of Fame night a success out at Gresham Motorsports Park in Jefferson, Georgia!

Our Hall of Famers had a great time. They signed autographs for about an hour and a half for a throng of fans prior to the races. Then the 2009 class were part of a special ceremony on the front stretch during the pre-race ceremony.

Special thanks to everybody at GMP (the official track of the GRHOF) who helped, to Susan Morgan for her invaluable help with the HOF members, and thanks to HOF legends Bud Lundsford and Charlie Mincey for stepping in and representing two of our 2009 members who were unable to be with us.

All in all, a very successful and happy event. If you were in this area, you couldn't go 30 minutes last week without hearing "Georgia Racing Hall of Fame night" on TV or radio, not to mention newspaper coverage.

Thanks so much for everybody's help, enthusiasm and contributions. While I will admit I need a rest right now, it won't be long before I'm ready to start preparing for the next Hall of Fame night!!!!

Brandon Reed
Georgia Racing History.com

updated by @brandon-reed: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM

The NASCAR Volkswagen

General

According to Motorsports Memorial , at least 21 drivers lost their lives in accidents at Langhorne between 1926 and 1963.The "Great Left Turn" was a brute, but a unique piece of racing history that, unfortunately, is now lost to us forever. Pete Banchoff said:

Billy, Bobbin' Bobby Williamson did a Ghost Track segment on RR radio about Langhorne and it was one of the most dangerous tracks in America. It was a 1 mile dirt track with some pretty fast speeds at the end of the straights. I think that's where Mel Kenyon had his accident when he was burned. I think 6 or 7 drivers were killed there.

Pete

Twin Lakes Speedway

General

From Mike Bell:

I do not doubt that he did the work but Rufus laid out the lines to follow.

Mike Bell

Georgia Racing Archives

Twin Lakes Speedway

General

From Mike Bell:

Georgia Racing Archives