With the NASCAR tour getting ready to hit the track at Dover, Delaware this weekend, we thought we'd take a moment to remember a highlight of Georgia Racing History that occurred at the "Monster Mile" this week over at Georgia Racing History.com .

Thirty years ago this weekend, Georgia Racing Hall of Fame member Jody Ridley outlasted attrition, heat, and tough competition to record his one and only Sprint Cup victory at Dover. He was one of just 13 cars left running at the end, and the drama didn't end when the checkered flag fell! We take a look at the only win at the top level for Jody and for car owner Junie Donlavey this week over at Georgia Racing History.com .

Earlier this week, we received the following message from GRHOF member Bruce Brantley :

This is to let everybody know that Gary Brantley is in Emory Hospital on Peachtree St. down town Atlanta. He was admitted two weeks ago after getting sick with what we thought was a cold and it turn out to be Cancer and it is all over his body.
The Doctors have did everything they can do and say there is nothing left they can do and he is getting weaker each day. We would like for everyone to keep him in your prayers. The Doctors say it could be anytime now.

Please keep Gary, Bruce and their family in your prayers.

Also, please continue to keep former Cornelia, Georgia racer Wilt Watkins , who is having some health issues in your thoughts and prayers this week, along with his family.

Folks, the next class for the NASCAR Hall of Fame will be chosen soon, and it's up to us to do our part to try to help the Georgia Gang get in this year! Raymond Parks , Tim Flock and Red Byron are all up again this year, and we need to make a statement and do all we can to get one or more of them in NASCAR's Hall of Fame this year. So, how can you do your part? Just go here and place your vote for Mr. Parks, Tim and Red! You can only vote once an hour, so make sure your vote is heard! You have until June 12 to vote, so we've got a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it. For more information on the NASCAR Hall of Fame, go here . Let's get the job done this year, and make a Georgia great a member of the 2012 induction class to the NASCAR Hall of Fame!

As we told you last week, Georgia Racing Hall of Fame member Rex White has been named as the 2011 grand marshal for the 44th annual Dawsonville Mountain Moonshine Festival in October. White was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame earlier this year. So it's a well deserved honor, and we look forward to seeing Rex in October! You can get more information on the Moonshine Festival and KARE for Kids here.

Saturday, May 28 will mark the Grand Reopening of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville, Georgia. Festivities will take place all day, with a pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch by the famous Dawsonville Pool Room. There will be a driver autograph session, ribbon cutting, car show and, of course, tours of the Hall of Fame. The Hall is located at 415 Hwy 53 East in Dawsonville. For directions, go to www.georgiaracinghof.com or give us a call at (706) 216-RACE for more info. We can't wait to see you there.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week on May 16 in memory of June Cleveland (1921-1991) and on May 19 to Jody Ridley .

Thanks everybody, and have a great weekend!

Brandon Reed
Georgia Racing History.com