FIRST ANNUAL RACING MOTOFEST, Friday, May 27th. Read for details.
Stock Car Racing History
Wanted to let you all in on the news, if you haven't heard yet, there will be a HUGE event for race fans going on at Speedway Harley Davidson dealership in Concord, NC, starting at 10:00 a.m. this Friday, May 27th. Several individuals have worked extremely hard to put together what is looking like will be the biggest such even of it's kind. Even better, it's all free, except for what you may wish to buy from some of the vendors or bid on items in the auction, and believe me, there are items in the auction some of you may get in a bidding war over. There is one particular item, one of only two in existence (and the other belongs to The King) that should be the top bid drawer.
The event will honor all veterans, although we all know Memorial Day is to remember those who gave their lives for the country. All veterans are honored, however, because, in fact, EVERY DAY every person should honor the veterans. When you see our flag flying high representing the freedoms we have, you can bet you owe all veterans a pat on the back for their contributions.
Money raised from the auction and contributions, will go to "The Ride to The Rock for Autism" and to Cooperative Christian Ministry. As many of you know, I have personally been involved with Autism benefits on several occasions and these events have become a passion for me. A very special family lives near me with a young man, Isaac, who is autistic. The entire family works tirelessly to benefit autism research and other projects directed to autism. BUT REMEMBER, THERE IS NO ADMISSION CHARGE TO THIS EVENT. What you contribute is up to you.
There will be plenty of motorcycles at the event (of course). Several race cars from the early days of NASCAR, and other classic cars on display. There will be so much to see you may need to plan your day there from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. when it's all over. Oh, and did I mention live music with Bill Lyles providing that entertainment. There will also be a D.J., but I'm not sure what genre of music will be playing but I would venture the guess that you will enjoy it.
Now, in as much as there are more than 50 racing legends, pioneers and celebrities scheduled to appear, my job this morning was to determine which of those names to list. I actually typed a list of all those indicated as appearing, cut them into strips of paper, but them in my cowboy hat, and drew them out, intending to list only the first 20 drawn. Somehow, unknown to me, two additional names were "hooked" to names drawn so I assume fate has intended me to list 23 of the names. Believe me, there is no intention to slight anyone of the attendees because the list is so impressive .
Ok, there we go with the 23 names drawn: Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, Justin Allison, Taylor Strickland Bill Blair, Jr. Morgan Shepherd, Carl Long, Jon Dorton, Frances Flock, Terri Parsons, Rex White, Sam Bass, Lil Bud Moore, Danny Crump, Sr., Danny Crump, Jr. Ed Sanseverino, Gray London, Paul Lewis,Travis Tiller, Jerry Nadeau, Billy Biscoe, Peanut Turman,and Matthew McDaniel. You can go on FB and find out more. There is a possibility that some of today's Cup drivers may put in brief appearances, but none have confirmed, only stated that"if possible". If I told you the ones who have said "if possible", today's race fans would be in shock.
I was at this event last year, although it was not known asthe RacingMotofest and was not held at Speedway Harley-Davidson. Last year's event was huge, but not nearly what this even Friday will be. I am very honored to have been invited to participate and very, very excited about spending the daywithsuch awesome people as the race fans who come visit. I am a "people lover" but especiallya"race fan people lover". I am really hoping to meet many new fans and once more see the regulars who turn out for these events.
The location for the event is Speedway Harley-Davidson located at 10049 Weddington Road, Concord, North Carolina which is Exit 49 off I-85. Youexit I-85 onto Bruton Smith Boulevard and head towards Charlotte Motor Speedway and then take a right at the first traffic light. Speedway Harley-Davidson is one of the many success stories for Mr. Pat Rogers who has contributed much to Concord's economy over the years and is still a well known force for good in the area. Speedway Harley-Davidson is now operated by his daughter, Aimee Thomas, whom I have not yet met but I have been told she has the drive and business ability of her father. I am looking forward to meeting her Friday.
The event is organized and supported by New Generation Motorsports Marketing, Racing Plus, as well as Speedway Harley-Davidson. Many folks have worked very hard over the past few months to bring this all together. Weather is supposed to be awesome, sunny, and temps in the eighties. So be sure to wear your "sun scream" as my grandson called it when he was four and didn't want any of that "Sun Scream" on him at the beach.
Many of the folks appearing here go back to the beginning of NASCAR racing and some even before. All a great story tellers of telling the way it really was, not the sanitized version being presented in so many venues these days. I've listened to these stories for years and enjoy every single second of it. When you see me Friday, ask me about the ones you absolutely MUST talk with for some great stories. I'm not about to start that battle here today. LOL.
It you have any questions for which I may obtain the answer, message me here, or e-mail me at: legendtim83@yahoo.com. I hope to see all my friends there Friday and meet and ton of new friends. Truly this is, as Ed said, a family reunion or sorts. This group of race folks that gather for many of these events have become quite bonded.
Everyone travel safely. God bless us everyone!!!!
updated by @tim-leeming: 08/12/18 01:20:37AM
