Forum Activity for @tim-leeming

NASCAR makes huge improvements!!!!!!!!

Current NASCAR

Yep, for a fact, this is a very true story that came to mind as I watched the race on tv today from Indy. What I am about to relate is an example of why being in the grandstands at a major race these days is MUCH more comfortable and convenient than back in the mid nineties.

Sometime about 1994, 1995, or 1996, a friend gave me ONE ticket to the Southern 500 at Darlington (remember when they actually raced THE SOUTHERN 500 there on Labor Day weekend?). As the track is only about an hour from home I decided to take the ticket and go. I took some sunscreen and a headset radio along with a cap and those were the only accessories as I didn't want to lug things up to the grandstand seat.

When I got to the track and entered the grandstands I was very early as I did believe in getting there early so I could see everything. My seat was about six from the aisle on what is NOW the front straight, about 30 rows up located behind what would later become the flag stand for todays' races there. I found my seat number and parked myself in a metal chair seat which was obviously designed for the rear end of about a 10 year old (and I was not nearly as large then as I am now) than the rear end of an adult male. After sitting there about 30 minutes I decided it would be a good idea to invest in a seat cushion as that metal got very hardvery quickly. So I walked up the steps to a vendor who sold me a seat cushion which appeared to be made from vinyl but was obviously made from spun silk and stuffed with gold dustconsidering what it cost me. But, I figured, better that than a very sore rear end six or seven hours later.

After a bit, a family, mom, dad, a 12 year old daughter and a 15 year old son took seats just behind me and we struck up a very friendly conversation. I recall they were from a small town in Tennessee, not far from Nashville, and they were pulling for Jeff Burton.

Soon, a couple in their mid forties took the seats just in front of me. The female half of that group had more tattoos that a U.S. Marine with 8 tours of duty in a war zone. The one most visible to me as it was on the back of her neck, referenced something about a strong dislike of certain aspects of people from the northern parts of the U.S. I thought it better that I keep my conversation going with those behind me.

About 30 minutes before race time, the stands were almost completely full. Oddly, I thought, the seats on either side of me were empty. I'm thinking to myself that this is a pretty good thing because it was really hot and the little free space I had was an advantage. Then it happened.

I was talking to the folks behind me when I see these two guys walking down the steps, each carrying the biggest allowable ice chest, seat cushions, radios, binoclars. and what appeared to be beach bags like my wife uses when we go to the beach. Each one of these guys looked like the perfect candiate for the NBC show "The Biggest Loser" although that show wasn't around then. Pity. Each wore a black t-shirt with the big white "3", one with the sleeves cut off and the neck band cut with that little "v" that kids like to cut into t-shirts. The other shirt looked as though it had just been purchased. The sleeveless guy was looking at his ticket and stopped at the end of the row where I was. He nodded to his friend and the folks between me and the aisle stood up in their seats as these two guys shoved and tumbled my way. Assuming I had mistakenly taken one of their seat, I slid to my right leaving the other two seats empty.

When the "gentlemen" got to the seats, Joshua as I was to later learn was the name of the sleeveless one, informed me I was in his seat. Jeremy, the other guy, pointed to the middle seat and said "that one is yourn" Not a typo, he said "yourn". I offered to allow them to sit together but NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, that was not an option.

So, I sit, Josh on one side and Jere on the other. I literally could not move. My arms were pressed to my sides and the two ice chests were placed in such a way that caused me to have to put one foot on top of the other as there was no room for both feet on the floor.

Josh opened his "beach" bag and took out a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken and passed it to Jere. No offer to me, but that was fine, I was not in the mood for fried chicken at the time.

Then it was time to stand for the Anthem and the Invocation. I was forcibly lifted between the two of them as they stood because I could not move. When they sat back down. so did I. There was no movement. The race got underway and when something exciting would happen, I would be jerked out of my seat as the two of them jumped up.

To go into the language of these two guys would prevent this from being on this site. To consider the tattooed lady in front of me was singlehandily raising the price of R.J. Reynolds stock by constantly smoking one Winston after another which still leaves a smokey haze in front of my eyes when I think of Darlington. If there were a market for KFC chicken bones, I would have paid for my parking and the seat cushion from thecollection of those scattered at my feet.

Finally, just after 100 laps in, I told my new found "friends" that I needed to leave and I hoped they would enjoy the race. I tried to stand on my own, but that didn't happen. Jeremy finally lifted me up and over him and the 200 or so beer cans on the concrete and I excused myself over the remaining six seats to the aisle. When I finally reached that open space giving me the freedom to escape, I knew how Faye Raye felt when King Kong finally put her down. I walked to the back of the stands,behind the last row, and stood the rest of the race. Josh and Jere left with about 40 laps to go figuring, I assume, it was going to take them at least an hour to stagger up the steps and down again to the parking lot. I didn't go back to the seat because I didn't want to fall over the empty beer cans or, perhaps, sit on a chicken bone. I just watched the race and afterwards walked over to the pits to hang out.

I had almost forgotten that encounter with Josh and Jere until I watched the race from Indy today. I am so happy to see the immense improvements NASCAR has made to grandstand seating. I noticed that most seats, including those in the low priced sections, had plenty of room between spectators, in fact, a huge amount of room. It was almost like each person having 25 square to himself or herself. What an improvement!!! How nice it is that NASCAR is so considerate as to allow such large seating areas and such space between individuals. Go NASCAR!!! Keep advancing.

Can't help but wonder if Jeremy and Joshua were somewhere in those stands.

Tim

updated by @tim-leeming: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM

Remembering Lee Roy Yarbrough

General

There was no discussion when I checked this out but I am one who believes we need to remember Lee Roy. Sure, his life ended in a way much less memorable than the memories he created driving race cars and winning big NASCAR races. He was also awesome to watch on the short tracks and I have many memories of him on the Historic Columbia Speedway dirt track. A little know story, although it has been documented, that when Lee Roy and his wife Gloria lived in the Eau Claire section of Columbia, he actually drove several races for me in one of my cars. The fact that these cars were "slot cars" run on the big track at Beltline Boulevard has never stopped me from telling that story. Lee Roy was a very gracious host when I would spend afternoons at his home before the slot car races. I want to always remember him as the winner.

Where were the fans

General

I'll say it from you Harvey; "hmmmmmmmmmm". I was at the local short track last night and talked with several fans about what was going on with NASCAR. I may have to write a blog with just a few of their responses. Most interesting. Guess we'll have to wait until this afternoon to see how the Brickyard fills up.Tim

Duck Boy and Dodger

General

Tonight I will be at a local short track (Sumter Speedway in Sumter, South Carolina) to help support grass roots racing, show some support for a very good friend (Robbie Solesbee) watch the Bell & Bell Vintage Modifieds race, and to get away from the temptation to watch the media circus that will be the Nationwide race.The continuing adventures of Duck Boy and Dodger as the carefully orchestrated public relations campaign by NASCAR and Rousch to smooth over the debacle from last Saturday night's race. One major problem I see in those efforts is that Duck Boy does not have the ability to function in any situation where more than the most basic intelligence is required. Should be an interesting evening for those who watch. I've decided not to even set up the dvr. I'll let them race, read about it tomorrow in the paper and hope justice will prevail on some level. Obviously NASCAR has its own definition of justice.

I've wanted to be a writer for a long, long time, Perhaps I shall start a short story on the adventures of Duck Boy and Dodger. Nah, can't do that. After all, Dodger wasn't too successful doding old Duck Boy last Saturday. But then what can you do when he comes at you from behind?

One more thought here. If any of you reading this want to see some real racing action and support the true roots of racing, go to YOUR local short track tonight. Eat at the concession stands, do whatever you can to support those tracks. More stories that can ever been documented and filed away online come from those tracks, and continue to come from those tracks. Set your DVR if you want and watch the NASCAR event at some later time. Perhaps while having a root canal without laughing gas or novacaine as the pain of watching NASCAR attempt to function will make you forget the pain in your mouth.

Happy racing/watching

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

Let's get together Saturday July 24th

General

Love Automotive/Motor Trend located at 1255 Knox Abbott Drive in Cayce, South Carolina is having an "open house" of sorts tomorrow at the new auto outlet at the long-time location of Love Chevrolet. Come on over from 11:00 til 4:00 for fun, games, radio give-ways (B-106.7). I'll be there from 11:00 til 2:00 with a limited number of free passes to the fine dirt track in Sumter, South Carolina, each pass good for up to 4 people. The Bell and Bell Vintage Modified Series will be competing tomorrow night along with the other classes regularly competing at the fine Sumter facility. Come visit, get a pass and join us at Sumter Speedway. Wow, and it's ALL FREE

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

Edwards should get more than this

General

Oh, B.T., I didn't mean to high jack your post here with my comments. It's just you stated it so well and then I got involved and then everyone was commenting and I sort of took each comment into personal consideration. Thanks for your involvment with Racers Reunion. Obviously your opinions and comments are extremely valuable and important. Please forgive the intrusion into your space.Tim

Edwards should get more than this

General

As it is now Saturday and there is another Nationwide race tonight which will be hyped to high Heaven by NASCAR and all possible press, it's time to make my final comment on this post. I appreciate each and everyone of you taking time to post your opinions and I respect each and every one posted. I have the time to post this little note today because I am the ONLY person (besides Robbie Solesbee) with press connections who has NOT requested credentials to tonight's race. Instead, I'm going to the local short track. Local short track rules are usually clear, concise, and enforced. There will be no Duck Boy and his prima dona attitude there tonight. There will be drivers there who put their all into their cars and their racing. There will be fans there who know the drivers on the track and who cheer loudly for their favorites. I will be where racing is racing and drivers are drivers and fans are sincere and dedicated.One final note: Cody, you know I respect you a great deal and I have absolutely no problem with you "stirring the pot" as I think the differences of opinions makes for interesting discussions. I was at the race in Charlotte to which you refer standing in the pits watching for Davey and Kyle to come around. From the angle I saw it in person and then many times on replay, I saw Davey come across Kyle's front end. Nothing intentional on either drivers' part, just a racing deal. Duck Boy admitted, even again yesterday, that he did what he did intentionally. To me, that is the difference.

Edwards should get more than this

General

I can't take this sitting down. To let Duck Boy off so lightly and then to penalize Brad at all is very poor judgment on the part of NASCAR. I have been trying to give NASCAR every benefit of the doubt, even after the debacle caused by Duck Boy at Atlanta in March, but this is utterly and downright stupid. A fine of $25,000.00?????Ask some of the guys who had their cars destroyed by the immature actions of the featherbrain how much it is going to cost to fix their cars. Even further, the sad part is that Duck Boy will always believe he is above reproach, above the rules, and above it all. It would almost be worth filing suit against NASCAR to have them explain why Brad was penalized 60 points. What did he do? What action did he initiate that wasn't the usual "move the car out of the way" like he did Duck Boy coming out of turn 2. I am totally incensed over this inability of NASCAR to find one individual within the entire organization who has enough intelligence and guts to make appropriate and just rulings. Frankly, this angers me!Time for me to hush. I'm about to get out of hand. If I had an AFLAC policy, I would cancel that sucker right now.Tim

Earl Brooks Passing

General

Harlow, thank you for this notification. My prayers and thoughts will certainly go to the Brooks family. Earl was truly the epitome of the journeyman driver who raced his heart out.Tim

I don't want to "race" through history anymore

Stock Car Racing History

That's right, I don't want to race through history anymore. Let me explain.

This morning is a lazy morning for me. Yardwork done, Ann and I have done the housework, clothes are folded and put away (thanks to Ann) dishes are in the dishwasher, and I have fed that less thanintelligent cat for the morning. I have written all the things I was supposed to write for Becky, welcomed all the new members, stirred up trouble on Facebook, made a few calls, and just generally completed everything needed by 9:00.

Then I started to review all the videos of the old races here on Racer Reunion. You see, my good friend and racing buddy Ronnie Sharpe passed away two weeks ago after a long and fierce battle with cancer and he had given me all of his VHS and dvd collection he had been buying of the old races from the 50s and the 60s so I had been watching them already. So, today, I'm into the old ones on here, the old home movie of the convertible race from Martinsville in 1957, the 1960 Wilkesboro race, the 1956 Southern 500. I watched the videos from Middle George Raceway as Bob Moore told the story of an almost fatal accident there, Ed Sanseverino and the Occonneechee story along with another Occonneechee video. It was half way through the 1956 Southern 500 when I realized I didn't want to RACE through history anymore. I wanted to slow down and savor it! Savor every lap, every word that was being said by the overly excited announcer for that video. To watch two or three times the short video on the history of Occonneechee. To really enjoy, study in detail, and absorb those memories of what our sport was in the days of its infancy.

If you go to the videos and watch the 1956 Southern 500, please take special note of the cars. That's right, STOCK cars, or at least they looked like it even to the steering wheels.

Then, notice the drivers. Real men, real personalities. Buck Baker with his sleeves rolled up. Then look at the Occonneechee video and absorb the cars on dirt. What a treat. Note Cotton Owens walking by his tow truck in a hurry to get somewhere.

Pure and simple, I love this history lessons Racers Reunion provides to me. I love the memories. And so many great people hang out here. There was a song out once "Lost in the 50s Tonight". Well, I have certainly been lost in the 50s and 60s this morning. I guess now it's time for me to float back to reality all the while hoping that at some point today I'll see a '57 Chevy cruising down the highway.

Tim

updated by @tim-leeming: 03/07/19 08:12:37PM