NASCAR has just announced Dale, Jr. will not return to the driver's seat this season. Confirmed by Hendrick Motorsports. No further information available at this time.
Another good one Johnny. One thing I remember clearly almost every day of my life is ole Red signing off with "God Bless" and you had no doubt he was sincere. Just as sincere as you are present the memories you share with all of us. You know, in these days and times memories of what we had and who we were back in those days of the 50s and 60s, make it easier for me to put up with the state of the current world.
Interesting thing happened to me yesterday. I'm remodeling The Lair and in the many boxes of things I had stored here I found my blue binder note book, you know, the three ring binder, I used during my Senior year in high school. I can't believe I drew that '63 Plymouth on the back because it is a really good drawing by the world's worst artist. It has a record of Richard's finishes listed on the front cover. The number 43 and the name Richard Petty are all over the binder. How simple it was to get good grades (with the exception of math) and the only real worries I had was the next race Richard Petty would win.
What you are doing with your writing is sharing a part of special memories of the Johnny Mallonee kind. You have an excellent memory and put into words a picture I can see happening before me. Thank you, Johnny, for you indeed bring back the good things.
God bless. Oh, and with that, I am a huge fan of Charles Dickens and, of course, "A Christmas Carol" is one of my favorites. As my name is Tim, I found it easy to include "God bless us, everyone". Take care and keep 'em coming.
Excellent post Dennis. I was at that race as well and enjoyed watching the two divisions racing together. Along with Richard, I was pulling for almost all the other drivers in the race because by that time of my life, I was connected, in one way or another, with almost every driver on the circuit because I was always there. I remember how excitedly happy Jabe Thomas was with a top five.
To answer Alex's question, Richard often ran a year old car on the short tracks to save his new equipment.
Great story Johnny. Loved every word. If the story you're talking about is my first race, I've written about it here before so it's in the archives a bit. I may just write it again as that is one night, week, that the details have never seemed to fade too much. Be on the lookout of the August 21, 1969, date line. Thanks for such an entertaining story.
"Turn out the lights, the party's over" came out of Nashville and was a nice song for a sing along. Now it appears the lights are out at a great speedway. So much for "progress". What makes your memories stay with you even when the physical existence of the venue disappears into oblivion. Sad. Very sad, but we have the memories.
Thanks Dave. I agree. When I set up Wayne and Dennis I didn't know we would have a short show. I do want to get Wayne back for sure. Dennis is he quiet man but he knows so much as well. I'll work on getting Wayne back in October. Thanks for your support. I still want you on, so please think about that.
They are both nice guys. So are you Dave. We need to get you on here. Let me know when you're ready. That would be a great night as well.
I am both pleased and honored to announce that Wayne Andrews and his son Dennis will appear as guest on the live radio show "Racing Through History" Tuesday, August 23rd. Should be some wonderful stories of racing history and anecdotes only Wayne can provide. I hope you all will join me in welcoming such a great part of racing history to the show.
Tim
In as much as my newspaper saw fit only to tell me the race (The Bristol Night Race) had been halted by rain. I already knew that because I was tuned in last night when the second deluge came. As it was already 11:00 p.m. and obviously the rain was heavier than it had been in the earlier storm, so I went on to bed. Checked NASCAR's site this morning to find CNBC is picking up the broadcast. I had to laugh at that one. The "Clinton Never Been Charged" network is going to carry a race. Good luck finding the channel. I'll have to look for it as I've never tuned into that biased left winged media outlet.
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Dennis, I love the personal reflections you have of these races. Your stories are really fascinating about a series which was fun to watch. You, being personally involved, can add the real "feel" of what it was like. I also love looking at the pictures you post with your stories. Just a wonderful series moved aside by NASCAR. That's really a pity. Thanks for sharing your memories.
