May 24, 1964: Paschal's overlooked World 600 win

On May 24, 1964, Jim Paschal and The King finished 1-2 in Petty Plymouths in the World 600. Few folks remember the race's winner. Instead, most remember the race for the awful wreck that ultimately cost Fireball Roberts his life and became the tipping point for Junior Johnson and Ned Jarrett to wind down their driving careers. A big thanks to Tim Leeming for contributing personal memories for this blog post. Read on for more.

http://bench-racing.blogspot.com/2013/05/may-24-1964-paschals-forgotten-world.html

In the mid 80's we were running Formula Vee's in SCCA and when we would run Charlotte we could use the drivers lounge for uniform changes. That was before the renovations that made the speedway a showcase. The lounge was just a small room with a few benches and locker along the walls, might have had a couple showers at one end. Anyway, the locker doors had the names of all the past winners at the speedway hand painted on them and I always admired the one with Jim's '64 and '67 World 600 wins. I have often wondered what ever happened to those lockers, what a find that would be today.

That would indeed be a find. Thanks for thta great memory, Dennis.

Having Tim Leeming's personal memories included in your blog add a lot of authenticity, Chase. I believe he was about 2 years old the first time he got Richard's autograph! It was indeed a sad day for racing.

You mentioned the Eddie Sachs/Dave MacDonald crash at Indy six days later. I watched thta on closed circuit television in Richmond - only time I ever saw a closed circuit telecast.

As we all know, 1964 was just a horrible year for losing great race car drivers. The list is lengthy.

Awesome Post Chase. Thanks for including my memories. Dave, I was 11 when I got Richard's first autograph. He says it was the first autograph he signed as a driver. I have it insured for 5 million.

I do indeed hope you keep it in a safe place.