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Racing History Minute - May 14, 1965

Stock Car Racing History

The 1965 season was the year of the boycott by Chrysler teams when NASCAR outlawed the powerful Hemi engines used by Mopar teams. That pretty much left the races wide open for Ford as there was no real serious General Motors threat at the time. Even so, each race victory was earned because the Ford drivers were a most competent and competitive group of drivers and would fight for victories among themselves as viciously as if the other guy was driving a competing brand. Such was the case in Hampton, Virginia on May 14, 1965.

Twenty-one cars showed up for the 250 lap/100 mile race on the .4 mile dirt track. Dick Hutcherson qualified his Holman-Moody Ford on the pole with Ned Jarrett taking the second starting spot in his Bondy Long Ford. Suprisingly, Doug Yates in an independent 1964 Plymouth started third , "Hutch" took the lead on the drop of the green flag and would lead the first 101 laps with Ned Jarrett nipping at the back bumper of the gold and white Ford lap after lap after lap. Jarrett finally slipped by Hutcherson and the roles were reversed. Lap after after, Hutcherson filled the mirror or Jarrett's Ford until lap 164 when Hutcherson made a needed pit stop during which he lost a lap to Ned. Jarrett pitted on lap 184 for a quick stop and returned to the track just ahead of Hutcherson trackwise, but a full lap in the lead. He would hold that lead until the end.

Three independent drivers had qualified in the top six, the aforementioned Doug Yates, G.C. Spencer and Tiny Lund but all three were eliminated in a wreck on the first lap. Junior Johnson had started fifth but his Ford experienced overheating problems on lap 67 and he was done for the day. This was Jarrett's fourth win in sixteen races of the 1965 season in which he would go on to be National Champion.

Top five finishers were:

1. Ned Jarrett, Bondy Long Ford, winning $1,000.00

2. Dick Hutcherson, Holman-Moody Ford, winning $600.00

3. Elmo Langley, Langley Ford, winning $400.00

4. Buddy Arrington, Arrington Dodge, winning $300.00

5. Neil Castles, Buck Baker Plymouth, winning $275.00

Sixth through tenth went to Jimmy Helms, Wendell Scott, E.J. Trivette, Clyde Lynn and Larry Manning. 'Lil Bud Moore was 14th in a Louie Weathersby Plymouth, Roy Tyner 15th, Junior Johnson 16th, and Gene Hobby 17th.

Honor the past, embrace the present, dream for the future.

updated by @tim-leeming: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM

Racing History Minute - May 13, 1956

Stock Car Racing History

Great Charles. Let's be sure to meet face-to-face this time! I appreciate you reading and commenting to these posts I'm having so much fun doing.

Racing History Minute - May 13, 1956

Stock Car Racing History

Each year, for the past several years, thanks to a dedicated group of individuals who work very hard to preserve the history of stock car racing, a "Celebration of The Automobile" is held in Hillsborough, NC, at a track that was known as Orange Speedway. Having attended that event for the past four years, I can guarantee anyone reading this who is a fan of stock car racing that you will be thrilled to be a part of that celebration this year.

Occoneechee-Orange Speedway is a project undertaken by The Historic Speedway Group in an effort to prevent this historic venue from becoming an interstate highway exchange, a Walmart, or an apartment complex. The Historic Speedway Group has succeeded beautifully. The .9 mile dirt track is slowly be reclaimed from the dense overgrowth there when restoration efforts began. The track has long straights, one of which runs along the river bank and the other before concrete grandstands which seat quite a number of folks for the annual event held there. The two straights are connected by tight, flat turns. It is a beautiful site to behold if you have any memories of dirt track racing back in the day. If you don't have those memories, The Celebration of the Automobile will give you some to savor as the cars from yesteryear make laps during the Celebration. But, today, we are turning back the clock to an event held there on May 13, 1956, when 31 cars showed up to race for the win on a Mother's Day afternoon.

This was the era of the Carl Kiekhaefer dominance in those pristine white Chryslers. It appeared this day would be no different as Buck Baker put his number 300 on the pole with Speedy Thompson in the number 300c to his outside. Herb Thomas would start number 300b in sixth spot. The race was to be 100 laps, or 90 miles on the fast track.

The green flag went in the air and Speedyscooted his Chrysler out front with Buck hanging onto the rear bumper of the Thompson rocket. Baker would move to the inside, then the outside, trying to pass Thompson but with no success. Then, on lap 58, Baker slammed his Chrysler out front to lead the rest of the way although constantly badgered by Thompson trying to regain the lead.

On the last lap, coming off turn four, Speedy moved his car low and to the inside of Baker and almost made the pass, finishing less than a half car length behind the Charlotte, NC, charger. Lee Petty , in a Dodge, made a move coming off turn two on that last lap to get by both Speedy and Buck, but the Dodge slipped just enough to deny Lee the pass. Lee ran third, less than six car lengths behind the Chrysler duo. This was the ninth straight win for the Kiekhaefer team, a NASCAR record at the time. You may want to research the Carl Kiekhaefer race team if you're not familiar with the dominance this man had in NASCAR racing during his brief involvement in thesport.

Top five finishers were:

1. Buck Back, Kiekhaefer Chrysler, winning $ 1,100.00

2. Speedy Thompson, Kiekhaefer Chrysler, winning $700.00

3. Lee Petty, Petty Engineering Dodge, winning $475.00

4. Fireball Roberts, DePaolo Engineering Ford, winning $365.00

5. Cotton Owens, Pontiac, winning $310.00

Sixth through tenth, were Gwyn Staley, Joe Weatherly, Ralph Moody, Jimmy Massey, and Billy Myers. Herb Thomas was 11th, Rex White 13th, Emanuel Zervakis 14th, Bobby Johns 15th, Johnny Allen 18th with Dick Beatty 22nd.

Brownie King finished 22nd, Curtis Turner 26th, Jim Paschal 28th, with Bill Blair 30th.

When you go to the event put on by The Historic Speedway Group, you can sit in the stands and watch the vintage cars parade around the track, although some of the guys get into the "race mode" and make it more than a parade. Even that is a thrill to a race fan to see history come alive before your eyes. Some of the drivers listed in the finishing order, or their surviving family members actually come to the event and you can hear, first hand, the stories other relegated to the history books and the research engines on line.

Honor the past, embrace the present, dream for the future.

updated by @tim-leeming: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM

Hey Home Depot, do you ever have employee meetings?

General

That description of the kid is putting it midly. I started to ask if he had ever heard of Danica Patrick, but I was in a hurry and didn't want to take time to explain that one to him. But it does baffle me that a kid could work in the store where there are pictures of the number 20 around in several places and he not even know what NASCAR is. I assure you he was absolutely serious.

Hey Home Depot, do you ever have employee meetings?

General

I am a Lowe's shopper. Not especially because I'm a huge fan of Jimmie Johnson but mostly because I get 5% off everything I purchase with my Lowe's credit card. Sometimes that is a big help. Besides, I've come to know many of the staff at the Lowe's I frequent and they are all nice folks. All except that guy who works the key desk. But that's another story.

This concerns my visit yesterday to Home Depot. The ONLY reason I was there was because I needed a pair of tin snips to cut some tin and was in a hurry. Home Depot is much closer to me than either of the Lowe's stores so I figured, run in, pick up the tin snips, and run out. When I walked in the door I was intercepted by a nice young man, 19, maybe 20, who asked if he could help. I told him what I was looking for and he took me right to a wall full of tin snips (cutters). The last time I bought tin snips (which I've misplaced somehow) there were like two choices. This time there was a wall of instruments of every configuration. The young man was knowledgeable and directed me to exactly what I needed when I told him what I was cutting.

On the way to check out, we passed a table where there was a stuffed monkey sitting in a chair. I jokingly told the kid that was a nice tribute to Matt Kenseth. He asked me who Matt Kenseth was and I told him that Matt drove the Home Depot car in NASCAR. The kid then asked me, totally serious, what is a NASCAR? I couldn't resist asking him where he was from and he said right here in Columbia. He seriously did not know what NASCAR is/was,. and seemed to not really care at all.

So, Home Depot Management, with all the money you spend on that orange Toyota, can't you even clue your employees in on what NASCAR is and who drives your car. Everyone I've met in Lowe's always wants to talk about JJ because, as usual, I'm wearing a shirt or a cap that tips them off I'm into racing. Seems Home Depot is wasting their money and I find that really funny. I started to stop in Dollar General on the way home to see if I had better luck there with the Kenseth deal but have been in there several times I would think the employees would be ready to talk racing at the drop of my Love Chevy Cap.

Just thought I would share this with you folks. NASCAR is all about marketing and to the demographic in which this kid falls. Are they getting anywhere? You be the Judge.

updated by @tim-leeming: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM

Tom Higgins Scuffs - Darlington

Stock Car Racing History

Thanks, Chase! That is some awesome footage. We were sitting on top of the motorhome right behind victory lane, about 15 to 20 of us, watcing all that. Great to see it again.

Tom Higgins Scuffs - Darlington

Stock Car Racing History

Thanks, Chase. That was a really good read and, you're right, funny too!

DID YALL FORGET ABOUT ADAM PETTY TODAY?

Stock Car Racing History

No, Johnny I didn't forget. I still vividly remember sitting at my desk when the secretary "buzzed" me to tell me the boss's teenage son was on the phone. He had just heard the news on ESPN and called me to tell me. At first, I didn't believe it but then I knew the boy was always serious to a fault. That night when I got home and I heard it for myself, it was still like hearing it the first time.

I had, as had many, expected Adam to be the reincarnation of King Richard. He looked like him, had the famous Petty smile,and could obviously drive a race car. I still, to this day, can't describe the feelings I had for several weeks after Adam's death. I think Victory Junction was a fitting tribute to him, but now, I understand, that is no longer operated by the Petty Family.

So, yes, I remember. To this day I detest that New Hampshire track although deep down I know the track in not to blame. If there is blame, it should be on NASCAR's shoulders. NASCAR allowed Adam, Kenny Irwin, Blaze Alexander, Tony Roper to die from virtually the same injury. It was only when their "franchise", Dale, Sr. died, that NASCAR decided to do something, thus the SAFER Barrier and HANS device.This was a case, I think, where "better late than never" doesn't apply.

Thanks for the reminder Johnny.

Racing History Minute - May 12, 1957

Stock Car Racing History

When Harold Brasington built Darlington Raceway in 1949-1950, many folks didn't believe a stock car would run 500 miles at top speed. Labor Day, 1950, that theory went up in smoke, so to speak, as the first Southern 500 became history and NASCAR was on its way, albeit it slowly, to the days of bigger tracks. For seven years, the Labor Day event was the only showcase for Darlington but in 1957, Bob Colvin came up with the idea of running a spring race at the track and, of all things, for the convertible division. Thus, "The Rebel 300" was born, and through 1962, would host the convertibles on the mile and three eights track in the South Carolina Pee Dee.

Twenty-seven cars showed up for that first Rebel 300, scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 1957. It rained that day. The tickets for the race stated that " in the event of inclement weather, the race would run the next clear day". The next clear day in this instance was Sunday, May 12th, but in South Carolina, there were "blue laws" which meant it would be illegal to race. In fact, back in those days, only "essentials" as determined by the South Carolina Legislature could be sold anywhere. After assessing the fine for the offense ($50.00), Colvin decided to race and pay the fine.

Paul Goldsmith had put his Ford on the pole with Joe Weatherly to his right and to Joe's right was Curtis Turner. That's right folks, for those of you do don't know, they started three abreast in those days at Darlington. Sort of a tribute to Indy from where Harold Brasington had gotten his inspiration to build the Darlington track.

Curtis Turner would put his Ford in the lead on lap one, Marvin Panch took laps 2 through 7, but Turner was back in front on lap 8. Marvin Panch took over on lap 9 and would lead until lap 28 when Turner went back out front.

On lap 29, coming out of turn four (now turn two), Jim Paschal, driving a Mercury in relief for rookie Ken Rush, blew a tire and slid into the speed groove where he was immediately nailed by Buck Baker. The two cars slid to a stop in the middle of the track on the main straight. Buck Baker immediately unfastened his seatbelt and bolted into the infield. Within seconds of Baker's exit of the crippled car, Jim Massey hit the stopped Chevrolet viturally cutting it in half. There is little doubt that if Baker had remained in the car he would have been killed. When the dust and smoke settled, Curtis Turner, Marvin Panch, Bill Amick, Possum Jones and Dick Beatty were all eliminated. Pieces of race cars were strewn all down the front straight. The race was red flagged for 50 minutes to clean up the carnage.

As soon as the race resumed, the yellow was thrown again as Joe Weatherly hooked the bumper of Billy Myers in turn two and force both cars to the growing junk heap. Fireball Roberts would take the lead at that point and with the exception of laps102-106, which we led by Bobby Myers, Fireball would lead the remainder of the race.

Fireball was driving a Pete DePaolo Ford, one of FIVE entires by DePaolo in the race. Bill Stroppe had entered three Mercurys, so even in those days, teams were big. DePaolo had Fireball, Weatherly, Turner, Panch and Amick driving for him. Stroppe had Tim Flock, Bobby Myers, and Billy Myers driving for him.

Top five finishers were:

1. Fireball Roberts, DePaolo Ford, winning $4,200.00

2. Tim Flock, Bill Stroppe Mercury, winning $2,600.00

3. Bobby Myers, Bill Stroppe Mercury, winning $1.850.00

4. Bob Welborn, Hugh Babb Chevrolet, winning $1,150.00

5. Lee Petty, Petty Engineering Oldsmobile, winning $825.00

Sixth through tenth, in order, were Jack Smith, Roger Baldwin, Whitey Norman, Johnny Dodson and Larry Frank. Glen Wood finished 17th with relief from Curtis Turner. Billy Myers is credited with 19th, Joe Weatherly 20th, Curtis Turner 21st, Marvin Panch 22, Bill Amick 23rd, Buck Baker 24th, Possum Jones 25th, and Dick Beatty 26th, although all those were eliminated in the huge wreck on lap 29.

I have posted a Blog, here in our Blog section, containing some personal memories and observations from that race if you care to read more about that day in Darlington.

Honor the past, embrace the present, dream for the future.

updated by @tim-leeming: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM

GOT TO GET THEM DODGE CARS BACK

Current NASCAR

Chase, I wish that little Birdie would talk to me. I want my Dodges back. I want someone to kick Toyota butt. I don't like the brand. Sorry, but it's a personal thing with me.