Get Well Card For Woodbrothers Oldest Crew Member.
General
Here's hoping Cecil improves quickly. Cecil is a heck of a funny character, a nice guy and a darned good gas man.
Forum Activity for @dave-fulton
General
NASCAR Reinstates Driver Jeremy Clements
Stock Car Racing History
Let's hope this chapter is closed.
Who watched closed circuit TV?
Stock Car Racing History
I don't know what I paid to see the closed circuit telecast of Indy in 1964, but I am sure it was plenty.
Do any of you remember what you paid to see your first NASCAR GN/Cup race?
I paid $5 to sit in the bleachers at Richmond for the Spring 1964 Richmond 250. Dad dropped me off after church at the fairgrounds and I didn't know the price of tickets. The $5 bill was all the money I had with me and I had no money for a drink or hotdog.
I also had no money to make a pay phone call for Dad to come get me when it started raining that Sunday afternoon and the race eventually finished under the lights on Tuesday night. They wouldn't let me use the phone in the racetrack office and I couldn't get a police officer to loan me a dime for the pay phone.
I wound up walking in the rain about a half-mile from the fairgrounds to a small strip shopping center on Laburnum Avenue where the pharmacist at the Lafayette Suburban Pharmacy let me use the drugstore telephone to call Dad to come pick me up.
When I stopped working at the Richmond track in 1999, we were still selling a pretty good grandstand ticket for $32. When I checked on the cost of the cheapest family grandstand ticket for this spring's Richmond race I found the price listed as $90.
So what I paid $5 for in 1964 at Richmond now costs $90. I can understand the tracks on the circuit having problems selling out between the product being offerred and the current price of tickets.
Anybody else remember what you paid to go to your first race?
Who watched closed circuit TV?
Stock Car Racing History
LaVerne - that is a great flyer and ticket stub.
I only attended a closed circuit telecast once. It was in Richmond at the Mosque Theater and unfortunately was the 1964 Indy 500 with the terrible Eddie Sachs/Dave MacDonald firery crash at the start. It was a black & white telecast.
That event and the closed circuit Daytona telecasts were put on by a company named Teleprompter - based in New Jersey if I remember correctly. But, they had a hometown Richmond link. The late Tim Sullivan, who used to flag at Richmond's Royall Speedway in the 50s and later went on to rep for Valvoline and run the automotive programs at Daytona Beach Community College was working for Teleprompter at the time and was instrumental in getting the Daytona 500 closed circuit telecasts put together.
One of Tim's old friends was Richmond car owner, Junie Donlavey.
For the 1971 Daytona 500, the #90 Winston Cup Grand National Mercury was an all Richmond effort. The car was owned by Richmonder Junie Donlavey and driven by Richmonder (Glen Allen suburb ) Bill Dennis. The front fender carried sponsorship from the late Richmond driver Ray Hendrick's construction company and the primary sponsorship, put together by Richmond native Sullivan was Teleprompter, the same folks telecasting the race via closed circuit.
Bill Dennis poses before 1971 Daytona 500 with all Richmond car.
A couple of years back, in 2011 when a discussion about computer telecasts of NASCAR races came up I made a couple of posts here about Tim Sullivan and Teleprompter. I'm going to repeat them below. We owe a lot to Tim Sullivan for getting live telecasts going before the networks. You'll note in one post that Linda Vaughn was working with Tim to promote the Teleprompter telecasts.
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I have absolutely no desire to watch races on my computer. Quite frankly, I have always been a little baffled by the attraction of having the computer fired up while the race is in progress. Then again, I have never understood the attraction of fantasy racing, etc. Too old school here, I guess. Are we heading backwards to the days when Teleprompter staged the live pay per view Indy 500 and Daytona 500 telecastsin theaters across the country long before live racing on network tv? Don't know how many of you knew or remember the late Tim Sullivan of Richmond, VA and much later of Daytona Beach. Tim was an official with an early pre-NASCAR stock car racing league around Richmond and later a flagman at Richmond's Royall Speedway and Southside Speedway and retired teaching automotive related courses at Daytona Beach Community College after having spent many years in PR for Valvoline's racing division.Tim at one time was employed by Teleprompter in NY/NJ and was instrumental in the early pay per view telecasts of big races. And, did I mention it was Tim who Bill France turned to to start MRN Radio? All too often we remember the drivers, car owners and mechanics, but forget our other pioneers of racing. Many of today's generation believe live racing telecasts were invented by CBS at Daytona, to which I answer B.S., you don't know anything about "real" racing history. When Tim Sullivan passed in 2008, the highly respected Daytona motorsports writer Godwin Kelly wrote a nice piece about Tim, which I will share below. So when CBS, SPEED and these other folks want to think they invented something, they better check back in time with the somehow forgotten "original pioneers."
Tim Sullivan with flag in hand recreates a Beach racing moment
February 27, 2008
One of NASCAR's unsung heroes
By GODWIN KELLY MOTORSPORTS
The guys involved in racing today are making millions of dollars thanks, in part, to the efforts of stock car racing's pioneers. When we think of pioneers, names such as Lee Petty, Fireball Roberts, Smokey Yunick and Ray Fox spring to mind. But there is more to racing than drivers and master mechanics. Tim Sullivan spent a good chunk of his life promoting the sport, which was popular in the South but got little attention outside the region. He doggedly worked to bring sponsors into NASCAR racing and bring the sport to the masses. And he always did it with a big smile on his face. "He was one of the best public relations men I've ever seen in the industry," said Ernie Saxton, one of countless friends who converged on Lohman Funeral Home in Ormond Beach on Wednesday afternoon. There were few tears shed in the lobby area as friends and family remembered the man, who ended every conversation with a hearty "God bless you." Sullivan, 83, died Sunday after battling a series of medical problems. He had a long list of accomplishments, including selling NASCAR race broadcasts on Teleprompter and jump-starting the Motor Racing Network. Long before there was multi-billion dollar television contracts, Sullivan would help set up Teleprompter broadcasts in movie theaters across the country. "That was important for all of racing," said John Cooper, a former president of Daytona International Speedway. "That was finally getting the sport on the air." ANOTHER ASSIGNMENT Sullivan got a really big assignment from NASCAR founder William H.G. France in 1970 -- start a radio network to broadcast races across the country. There wasn't much money to get the operation off the ground, but somehow he pulled MRN together. It was a tough sell in those days. "He came along when there was nothing at the Speedway, as far as dollars like there is today," said John McMullen, a former MRN president. "He had to work with nothing and he built something and moved it forward to where MRN and ISC is today." MRN has affiliate stations in almost every state and for big races, such as the Daytona 500, the broadcast can be heard around the world. Not so in the early years. "It was like pulling teeth to get a radio station to air a broadcast," McMullen said. Getting things going was in Sullivan's DNA. Keeping them laughing was his trademark. He never made an enemy. "He never met a stranger, he made everyone feel good," Roseann Javurek said. "I never heard an unkind word out of his mouth." NO PARKING The Tim Sullivan viewing was scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. By 2:15 p.m., the Lohman parking lot was full. Folks were parking down the street and walking a block or two to join his celebration of life. "He would have said, 'You should have been here earlier,' " Tim Sullivan Jr. said. "He was very involved with the people in the sport. He was a real a throwback in the sport." Hard working. Genial. The ultimate southern gentleman. Eager to share a story. These were some of the things overheard between bursts of laughter during Wednesday's high-spirited gathering. "A happy-go lucky sort of fellow," Dan Smith said. "He lived through so much racing, and had so many great experiences." And Tim Sullivan did that while helping building a national sport. Anybody in the thick of today's racing game should give their million dollar motor home a kiss in his memory this weekend. "The organization wouldn't be where it is today if had not been for the pioneers like Tim," said Lightning Epton, who has worked in the Daytona ticket office since the track opened. "He was a very likeable fella."
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Permalink Reply by Dave Fulton on -
This was printed in the Richmond, Va. paper when Tim Sullivan died... again, note the Teleprompter reference:
Timothy J. Sullivan III dies
By: Jeremy Slayton
Published: February 26, 2008Timothy Joseph Sullivan III spent his life dedicated to the advancement of motorsports.
He had a hand in almost every facet of racing, from beginning his career as a ticket-taker and flagman for races at Southside Speedway to leading the Motor Racing Network, the radio network that still broadcasts most NASCAR races.
Mr. Sullivan, a native of Richmond, was well-respected by those in the racing community and was known for handling his business with honesty and integrity.
"He always had a good word for everybody, a good smile for everybody and acted like he enjoyed life. I always liked to be around people like that," said seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Richard Petty.
Mr. Sullivan, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and saw action at Iwo Jima, died Sunday in a Daytona Beach, Fla., hospital after a period of declining health. He was 83 and lived in Ormond Beach, Fla.
After his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Mr. Sullivan began what became a lifelong career in motorsports by serving in various capacities at Southside Speedway and Richmond International Raceway.
In the late 1960s, he joined Teleprompter Broadcasting as director of auto racing telecasts . In 1973, he left Teleprompter to become general manager of Motor Racing Network.
During his career, he was heavily involved in promoting races along the East Coast, while also handling public relations for Valvoline Oil Co.
"He hung up posters back in the old days, took drivers around to radio stations and newspapers, did everything he could to promote the sport and was a darn good promoter, too," said Jim Hunter, vice president of corporate communications for NASCAR and former president of Darlington Raceway.
After leaving MRN, Mr. Sullivan became public-relations director of special projects for Daytona Beach Community College. During that time, he helped establish the Richard Petty Fund for Automotive Education at the college, which increased funds and expanded enrollment of the school's automotive program, said his son, Timothy Michael Sullivan of Cornelius, N.C.
After retiring from the community college, Mr. Sullivan continued to handle public relations and special projects for Valvoline. In more recent years, he served as host in the oil company's suite at Daytona International Speedway, making sure everyone's needs were met, his son said.
"He followed the creed, 'It is better to give than receive,'" said longtime friend Joe Kelley of Richmond. "He would go out on a limb to help someone out."
Mr. Sullivan was recently honored with a Hall of Fame award from the Eastern Motorsports Press Association for his public-relations work in motorsports. He also served as president of Motor Racing Heritage and was a member of the Auto Racing Legends. He recently was honored as a Legend Emeritus by the Auto Racing Legends.
He was the widower of Marilyn Kelly Sullivan.
In addition to his son, Mr. Sullivan's survivors include his wife of 14 years, Betty Coulter Sullivan of Ormond Beach, Fla.; another son, Patrick Kelly Sullivan of Daytona Beach, Fla.; a sister, Rachel Robinson of Richmond; and five grandchildren.
A funeral will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 600 S. Nova Road in Ormond Beach, Fla. Burial will follow at Volusia Memorial Park in Ormond Beach.
Staff writer Jill Erwin contributed to this report
- Permalink Reply by Dave Fulton on
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LINDA VAUGHN REMEMBERs TIM SULLIVAN
LINDA VAUGHN
I was a part of the greatest team of PR with Tim and Jack Duffy.....the best...I worked with the new TelePrompTer promotion and attended all the long trips to promote it with Tim and we worked together for over 30 wonderful years...even with ole A.J. and we won too...He was very special like a part of my racing family, and I lost my Jack Duffy and now "OUR TIM he and Jack were both NAVY and both Irish, never ever drink with two irishmen...ha I did not drink I DROVE ALL THE PACE CARS HA HE TAUGHT ME WELL I THANK GOD FOR MY TREASURED FRIEND MR. TIM SULLIVAN, SEE YOU AND JACK AT THE SPEEDWAY IN THE HEAVENS....LOVED YOU MISS LINDALinda Vaughn
Who should be No. 1 driver in NASCAR?
Current NASCAR
Heck - I was looking at the official NASCAR points standings. Unfortunately they don't determine the champ by the power rankings. But, I still pull for Brad. What I'd really like to see are a few or more knock down, drag out battles between the Lite Beer fella and the Candyman. Now, that would be exciting!
Think we could get NASCAR to pay off at the end of the year on the power rankings instead of the points, where double J does lead?
SPRINT CUP STANDINGS
YEARS: 2013
RACE: KOBALT TOOLS 400
VIEWING: DRIVERS
- Chase for the Sprint Cup.
- Wild Card Potentials.
| Rank | Driver | + / - | Points | Behind | Wins | Starts | Top 5 | Top 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| 0 | 129 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| 2 |
| 1  | 124 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 3 |
| -1  | 119 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 |
| 0 | 102 | 27 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 5 |
| 6 | 98 | 31 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 6 |
| 1 | 95 | 34 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 7 |
| 11 | 93 | 36 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 8 |
| -2 | 93 | 36 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 9 |
| -4 | 89 | 40 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 10 |
| 0 | 88 | 41 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 11 |
| -2 | 87 | 42 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 12 |
| 5 | 82 | 47 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 13 |
| -5 | 79 | 50 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 14 |
| 17 | 77 | 52 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 15 |
| 6 | 76 | 53 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 16 |
| -4 | 74 | 55 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 17 |
| 16 | 72 | 57 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 18 |
| 5 | 72 | 57 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 19 |
| 11 | 68 | 61 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 20 |
| -5 | 66 | 63 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 21 |
| 7 | 66 | 63 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 22 |
| 12 | 64 | 65 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 23 |
| 1 | 63 | 66 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 24 |
| -10 | 63 | 66 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 25 |
| -6 | 60 | 69 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Who should be No. 1 driver in NASCAR?
Current NASCAR
I really like that bad one, too.... but the 5-time feller is leading the parade according to the NASCAR stats that pay:
Who should be No. 1 driver in NASCAR?
Current NASCAR
I don't pull for him, but I think Jimmie Johnson has been extremely consistent.
The Carolina Crown...The Richest Dirt Race in SC, EVER
Local and Regional Short Track Racing
Carolina Crown Facebook page confirms 21 cars on hand... Clint Bowyer strolling the pits.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/thecarolinacrown
Just talking with Steve Francis, he says... " There may be 21 cars here, but 15 of them have a chance of winning this deal, this is a stout field of cars, this is going to be a crazy race tonight " Steve Francis.