Those that have been nearly forgotten
This is something that has been on my mind for a long time, and I have wondered if others were bothered by it. This sport has had it's heros and villains over the years, but it also has a very large number of driver and teams that have all but been forgotten or ignored by the youger fans out there. I hope that the Hall of Fame will help draw attention to the sport, as a whole, and maybe bring a little recognition to some that deserve it. Maybe they didn't win dozens of races or becone Champions, but they were there, every week, filling the field and chasing the same dream as those that did win. I will mention a few and I hope this will get some of you out there to think back and remember the unsung heros of the past.Charlie Glotzback - Hard charger and did winTiny Lund - A Gaint of a man, both in stature and in heart.Larry Smith - One of the saddest stories in NASCARFriday Hassler - An indepentent that had true potentialFrank Warren - Always thereCecil GordanNeil CastlesJames HyltonRamo StottRichie PanchI know they are many more but is just a few that stand out to me. Who stands out in your mind?Thanks for sharing.Bumpertag in Gaffney, SC
We have a club that remembers all of these guys and some are still around to tell the stories and they are members of this same club and will be in Hillsborough NC on August 29th & 30th with the Old Timers Racing Club that stills honors these men and women who made the sport of stock car racing what it is today. We have had a banquet for the last 19 years just for the people that you are talking about.We also maintain a medical / hardship fund for them. Come to Hillsborough and check us out you wont be disappointed.
Thank you so much for what you are doing. This has been a burdon on me for some time and I am so glad to hear that others out there have stepped forward and have addressed this issue. Thank you for having a heart and drawing attention to the brave men from NASCAR's past and for doing what you can to address their needs. God Bless You. I would love to visit, keep me posted.
Sounds great, thanks for the info.. I'll check it out.
I love the fact that RR.com has provided a place where information about groups, clubs, and organizations that support our racing herigage can be spread and discussed among those who share the same passion. All these types of organizations need our support...not only morally...but financially as well. The more recognition we ( the RR family ) can give groups like Mike Sykes, "Old Timers Racing Club", AIRPS, Bill and Clyde Mangums "Virginia- Carolina Early Dirt Racers Assc", Memory Lane Museum, The Goergia Auto Racing Hall of Fame, Thunder Road USA Museum, Paul Lewis' Appalachian Racers Reunion, and the long list of other groups with similar goals...the more capable these organizations become in their quest to support and care for our racing heroes. When one considers the fact that Mike Sykes, Billy Biscoe, and other members of his group have devoted 19 years to this cause...and the Mangums have now devoted...23 years...I think.... Paul Lewis' group is now in its 15th or 16th year...thats dedication. It is our (RR) job to give these groups the strength that comes with larger numbers...more awareness....and ultimately the funding they need. I can't say enough about how grateful I am to all these folks who care enough to devote this much of their lives to such a worthwhile cause. Of course the drivers, mechanics, and others associated with racing history are what this is all about...but guys like Mike Sykes, Paul Lewis, Bill and Clyde Mangum, Henry Jones, Gorden Pirkle, David Solesbee, and many others are also champions for their efforts to support racing history and care for the drivers and their families who need the help. Let's keep this kind of informative stuff going. It is my goal for RR to unite all...in support...of the passion that we all share. THANK YOU!!!And like the great Billy Biscoe said....be sure to get your RacersReunion Memory Lane Hall of Fame tickets while they last.
Very well said Jeff i have only been into the vinatage seen about 6 or 7 years but have always been into the history of racing these guys you have talked about are the real deal its great to no them i will always surport them and R R any way i can