MARTY ROBBINS
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Thanks for sharing that Bill. Hope all is well with you. Great pictures!
Forum Activity for @tim-leeming
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MARTY ROBBINS
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The past two weeks have been a constant state of being behind in things for me, and I apologize for that. First up, I was a day late in acknowledging the birthday of Lil Bud Moore, something I did not want to overlook. Lil Bud is an important part of racing history and has done a lot for this site.
Last night, at Stocks for Tots, Billy Biscoe called it to my attention that I had failed to note the passing of Marty Robbins on December 8, 1982. For that, I am truly sorry. Marty was a big part of racing history, although he raced infrequently. When he did race, he enjoyed being a part of the show so much that I really don't think it mattered to him where he finished, he was racing and that's what was important to him. The stories are legendary of Marty's performances at the Grand Ole Opery being scheduled as to allow him to rush across town and race in the weekly races at Nashville Speedway. At that track, in that series, he was a better than an average driver.
His racing career combined with his singing career gave one of his race cars the name "Devil Woman" which became a hit for Marty. Another of his songs exemplified the independent racers of the 60s and 70s in such a way to honor the efforts of those guys who tried week in and week out to make a living in the sport. The song, "20th Century Drifter" begins "Driving a race car is my way of making a living, 32 weekends I load up the car and I'm gone". The song also includes the line "First place is just a dream but I gotta chase it, finishing out of the top ten is nothing but bad". Everytime I hear that song I think of Buddy Arrington, Jabe Thomas, John Sears and so many others who showed up every race, qualified, ran the race and went home to get ready for the next one.
My "personal" connection to Marty Robbins, if such may be said is three-fold.
1. "A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation" was a popular hit for Marty about the time I began my "singing career" in school and that was one song I performed at every event.
2. I sat on the pit wall in Marty at Charlotte after the 600 one year in the 70s and we laughed a joke about many things, and performed a duet of "20th Century Drifter" to anyone who would listen. Surprisingly, not many fans recognized Marty and sort of by-passed him looking for Pearson, Baker and Petty. Or, maybe it was my singing, but Marty didn't complaint. As always he had a great time.
3. The song "20th Century Drifter" was popular in the days of CB radio. As the motorhome and my car were both equipped with CBs, we all had "handles" or, for you youngsters, nicknames we used on the radio. My nickname was "20th Century Drifter" and on the wall behind me as I type this, is a plaque given to me one Christmas in which is engraved those words. My mother went by "Mama Drifter". Going and coming to races in those days, we kept the truckers entertained with the constant banter.
A year or so back, Ronnie Robbins, Marty's son, was on the Tuesday Night show here on RR, "Racing Through History". It was really great to have that direct connect again with Marty Robbins although only through the world of cyber-airways.Marty was a hit maker in Nashville and a hit withthe race drivers of the day. He will always be a hit with me. Thank you, Billy Biscoe, for calling to my attention the fact that I overlooked the anniversary of the death of THE 20th Century Drifter.
updated by @tim-leeming: 12/05/16 04:02:57PM
Lil Bud Moore - Happy Birthday
Administrative
Yes, I realize I am a day late in posting this but I hope Lil Bud will forgive me. I have very little time to be on the computer Saturday or Sunday. Be that as it may, I want to wish Lil Bud Moore (Paul) a very Happy Birthday. It is easy for me to remember Bud's birthday as it is the day that will "Live in Infamy" although for another reason other than Bud's birth in Charleston, SC, that same day.
When I read the paper yesterday stating this marked the 73rd anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor only then did I realize Bud is 73 years old. Knowing Bud as I do that is almost unbelievable. Having watched him race so many years it should be easy to believe, but being around Bud these day, it is easy to assume he is in his 40s. Every time I see him I come away with a smile and lasts for hours because of his shenanigans.
So, Mr. Lil Bud Moore, I hope your 73rd Birthday was a happy one. Sorry I missed the actual day but wanted you to know I had not forgotten. I'm guessing there are plenty other race fans who feel the same way.
updated by @tim-leeming: 12/05/16 04:02:57PM
So, When Does History Begin?
Administrative
Billy, I was sitting down when I read your post, but it still floors me. It hurts me that someone can claim to be a fan and not know anything about the history.
My crusade for the history of the sport actually began in 1993 or '94, not sure which year it was, when I was standing in line to pick up my press credentials at Darlington. At the time, the credentials were picked up across the street from the track in the small building that allowed like may 3 people in at the same time. I was in line with a woman from ABC television and while I had let her ahead of me, she was stuck in her own world of self importance. The security guy was letting in a person everytime one vacated the building. The "lady" and I would have been next when this guy walked up, opened the door and started to enter the building. This woman goes off on a wild cursing spree (we have been in line for like 30 minutes) and the guy apologize profusely not realizing he was breaking in line. I reached for the door handle, pulled opened the door and said to the guy "the three time winner of the Southern 500 can go before me anything". The woman stopped in mid sentence and stood there looking at him and me like we fell off the turnip truck. The gentleman let her go ahead as he and I stood there an talked while waiting our turn. As the lady was coming out of the building I stopped her to say "I would like you to meet Buck Baker who has won this race three times". She said "hi" and walked briskly away.
Since that day, I have encountered younger race fans who are clueless about the history of NASCAR racing. I don't condemn them, only wish they would bother to learn. I bothers me a lot when you mention Fireball Roberts and the guy you're talking with doesn't know him. I guess the biggest recent example of such attitudes was when we had the young man on the radio show a few months back who lives in Chicago. He claims to be a huge race fan and had headed up the effort to have Josh Wise win the fan vote for the Sprint Race in Charlotte. I asked him something about Fred Lorenzen and he didn't know who I was talking about. And the kid lives in Chicago.
Everytime I am fortunate enough to be around the pioneers of the sport, you included Billy B., I am always somewhat in awe of what you guys did. Without the Billy Biscoes, Jabe Thomases, Cecil Gordons and so many now being swept under the rug, there would be no Sprint Cup, no million dollar motor homes, no Lear Jets. I can't even begin to express what the history of this sport means to me!
Thank you, Billy, for relaying the story. If I thought that young man you mention could be educated I would ask where I could find him and head that way today. But, as you point out, he isn't interested. More the pity.
So, When Does History Begin?
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There was a brief discussion on the radio show, Racing Through History, Tuesday evening about whether or not to extend the period of time for which content is allowed on RacersReunion. Currently, the "cut off" year is 2003, the end of the Winston Cup era. Jeff thought maybe going through 2005 would be a better period. A short discussion ensued on the chat with some strongly opinionated one way or the other. I didn't really express an opinion (imagine that) during that discussion.
After "sleeping on it" as they say, and thinking about it over coffee this morning, I am ready to state my opinion, as follows:
I think it is incumbent upon RacersReunion to remain true to the purposes for which it was established and I think it has done a really good job of that. At the same time I am aware that actually yesterday is history. There is a section in Forum comments that is headed "Current NASCAR" but I don't think many folks actually look for the options when posting in the Forum. My opinion of that is as long as you are posting, go for it. The category under which something is posted does not determine whether or not I read and/or comment.
Last night Jeff indicated a future upgrade to the hosting site of RacersReunion which would allow for distinct divisions within the Stock Car Racing portion of the site. The suggestion was made that perhaps "Modern NASCAR" could be set up as a distinct section. I do like that idea. I don't think we need to convert to a format like thousand of other sites covering present day NASCAR, some no more than bully pulpits for self-indulgent know-it-alls and "great pretenders". I do think, however, to overlook "historic accomplishments" such as the winning of the Nationwide Championship by Chase Elliott, or the selection of Rex White into the NASCAR Hall of Fame the same year that car number 4 wins the Cup for the first time since Rex did it in that number in 1960 is overlooking something we should be telling to the world.
I know the devil is in the details in working this out, so our best option, in my opinion, is to include all things in current NASCAR in a separate "Current NASCAR" section when that category can be added to the site. After all, yesterday is History already.
updated by @tim-leeming: 08/06/18 06:28:18AM
Happy ThanksgivingQ
Stock Car Racing History
Happy Thanksgiving Jimmy. I would like to take this opportunity to thank YOU for all you do for RacersReunion, but most of all, thank you for your friendship. What a wonderful part of my life you have become.
A SPECIAL DAY IN OUR LIFE
Stock Car Racing History
And a very Happy Thanksgiving to you as well Mr. Mallonee. Also to every single person who may see this post and all those who don't read what's written here. We all have much for which to be thankful.
NEWS FROM MY CONTACT AT THE HOSPITAL
General
Thanks for the update J.M. It was great talking with you today.
1988 Richard Petty Daytona 500 Crash Car - Up For Auction This Saturday!
Stock Car Racing History
Thanks for your encouraging words Billy B. However, as it is my bank account and NOT Ms. Ann who would require the authorization for bidding, I'm out of it. My RacersReunion dividends, monetarily, amount to zilch. Other rewards, however, are priceless.