The first race at what was originally known as Atlanta International Raceway was the Dixie 300 on July 31, 1960. It was a Fireball weekend as Roberts swept the pole and the race.
Source: Palm Beach Post
Source: Spartanburg Herald Journal
Notes from the race.
Source: Spartanburg Herald Journal
Some photos from the race ... and time leading up to it.
The track was originally supposed to open in 1959. Construction woes delayed it a year. But Joe Weatherly and Curtis Turner were already sporting ads for the track at the 1958 Southern 500.
Paving the banks in 1960.
Part of the starting line-up. Doug Yates (23), Marvin Panch (77), Jimmy Massey (21), Possum Jones (2)
Tiger Tom Pistone's car sits on the starting grid. Tough to tell, but that's Richard Petty's 43 alongside him.
Jim Paschal drove one of three Petty Plymouths in the race. All 3 cars had good runs. Paschal finished 3rd, Lee was 6th, and Richard was 7th.
This article includes some fun anecdotes about the history of Atlanta - including quips from Rex White, Richard Petty and Ed Clark:
http://www.atlantamagazine.com/history/story.aspx?ID=1288189
It also includes one from Miss Georgia at the time, Sandra Tally.
Miss Georgia 1960 greeted him on Victory Lane. Sandra Tally Coolik: I had never been to a race before. I was overwhelmed by the heat and the noise. I remember chatting with Fireball Roberts very briefly. Then I patted his crewcut; I imagine that was staged for the photographers. I dont think I kissed him. Id remember that because Im sure he was hot and sweaty, and that probably wouldnt have been the most pleasant thing to do.
Thanks for posting this great piece of "Georgia Racing History"
Much thanks to TMC C (and others) for many great pictures on lots of different subjects, that I have never seen before.
Some heavy names did not qualify for this race.
Crider's and Barron's cars can be seen on pit road in one of the photos.
Another pic - Ned Jarrett (11) starting 15th. Lee Petty (42) starting 14th. Shorty Rollins (81) starting 17th.
It was 1963 before I made my first trip to Atlanta but I listened to this first race on the radio as I recall. Starting in 1963, I was in Atlanta for both races every year except 1967 when the Navy had other plans for my travel itenerary. i quit going in the mid eighties because Ann and I had one kid in college and another about to go. Travel to places like Atlanta was limited. I loved the track in the previous configuration as I thought the side-by-side racing in those half-mile long, sweeping turns was always good. Not so much impressed with this Bruton Smith "original", but I still always watch. Atlanta usually provides good racing.
The pictures included with this post are awesome. I love seeing those older cars sitting on the line! And, I had to admit, I love those 1960 Petty Plymouths. Always did.
Agree with loving the photos of the cars lined up for the '61 Dixie 300. Thanks, Chase.
What year did they start allowing floaters?
