Sportsman Records Retrieval Project
My search for any "official" records of the "forgotten series" (the Sportsman series that was transformed into the Busch/Nationwide series) has yielded nothing. It seems that NASCAR did not accumulate...or retain these records. I can't understand how this could happen, but that's the way it is.This is a very improtant part of racing history that will be lost forever if someone doesn't make an attempt to "dig" it up and document it. I'm wondering how many newspaper articles, magazine articles, race track publications, or anything else we might find regarding this series if we make an effort.Any ideas....anyone...? How much of this history is lying around in shoe boxes, garages and attics? I know this is a monumental task, but one worth the effort.Give me your thoughts.Jeff
Yea God forbid they keep records of the old LMS division, i mean you think that would happen with the "CUP CRAP" HELL NO!!!!!!! I would love to get results of the LMS national championship races at Beltsville Md. and Manasas Va. from 73-81, The only thing i can do is look thru my 4 NASCAR media guides and stock car racing Magazine and try to compile some results, let me know I think it would be great, you think someone would do a book on LMS results race by race ( national championship ) that is about all you could hope to find. I would be willing to help all that i can!!!!
There is a chance with local racing publications for example in the Md.Va.Pa. area, Tri-State Speed Press might have it but the thing is like for Beltsville, md. the track has been closed for 30 years might take some digging. Maybe I can talk to the driver of the car i worked on Mike Heath, maybe together we can come up with something, it is worth it,
If we can mount a campaign to retrieve the records...I'll get them published. Perhaps we could get Perry Allen Woods...or Greg Fielden to write a book. I spoke with Greg the other day about these "missing" records.
Hopefully these records can be found. I agree Jeff it would be great if one day a book can be written about the Sportsman division. I know one was written about the Budweiser and Busch Series from the start at 1982. I mean even on Racing Reference even the 1982 stats are very incomplete (tells me Nascar had their doubts about this series at first). It makes me think it's going to be a massive job especially if Greg Fielden does not have or cannot find them. But it can be done. As some of you know i'm with the Historic Speedway Group of Occoneechee/Orange Speedway. We never dreamed we could find the pictures or the movies we have found of actual races at that track. That proved to me any type of effort of this stature can be done.
How do we start...? I will design a page on the site for folks to post whatever they find...whether it's an article about a particluar race...season points....preseason hype...or whatever. Then we will begin to organize the data we receive. Hopefully this thing will catch fire and spread to other people who are interest in the same thing. I will start by contacting driver who competed to see what they might have. How long has NASCAR been publishing the "year in review" or whatever its called? Thye used to publish a book with the standings in each series down to the local levels. How do we get the word out..?
Thanks, Perry. sorry about the s.Jeff
Hey there. Thought I would mention that my Husband Barry, is in the publishing biz. So hecan probably offer some thoughts on that end. Of course, I am speaking for him I realize, but he's been a good sport of a 38 years marriage, so I don't think he'd mind. hehe. Let me know when you get to that point of publishing, as I think it is a great idea, & I will keep my eyes open as I go along too!
Thanks Tim for your comments. I know i'm only 33 years of age but I truly respect all the pioneers of the sport. My dad instilled that in me and i'm very grateful that he did. I for one hope that one day we can can gather all the missing info up to 1981 and even better, even more pictures. Let me say one thing also. In all my years searching over sports stats like college basketball, baseball and football. Nascar is the only one that seems ashamed of their past and failed to keep records of one of the more important series of Nascar. In one word I can say of Nascar, Stupid! Very Stupid!
Jeff,I think having a site to post this information would be a great start.This kind of goes along with one of the things I as a member of the Historic Speedway Group am trying to do in our search for the history of the Occoneechee Orange Speedway.The information on the Modified -Sportsman series is one that seems to be the most difficult to find.Some of the track programs have some information in them.I was recently sent a copy of the publication The Racing Bee which was published by Bill France Racing and was sent to you free for those who wrote and requested it.This particular issue was Sept 17,1954 in it it tells about the October 19th .double header 100 mile Southeastern championsip Sportsman race and and a 100 mile Southeastern Amateur championship race with a purse of $1000.00. There may have been as many as 75 cars entered. I would like to know more about these races. But unless NASCAR has some records stuck away somewhere I believe the old programs and some of the larger newspapers may be some of the best sources..And I will be glad to post any info I find if you can start a place to post it.LAVERNE ZACHARYHISTORIC SPEEDWAY GROUP
I have created the page....just go to the members page and type in Sportsman Records Retrieval Project and it will take you to the page. I am searching for a "logo" or something for the profile photo....any idea..? I will also put the site in the "Featured Members" group on the main page. thanks for all the support.Jeff
HEY JEFF I WORK FOR A MAN THAT HAS A LOT OF SPORTSMAN STUFF ILL TRY TO POST SOME OF HIS STUFF IF I CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO IT.