Saw today that Donna Douglas passed away today at the age of 81. She was best known for her role as Elly May Clampett. I know I paid attention when I saw that blond hair, knotted shirt and rope belt.
Douglas had a dalliance with NASCAR too. She was the guest celebrity, grand marshal, or however you might refer to her for the 1972 Southern 500 at Darlington.
As referenced in the article, she joined the local lookers at the annual Miss Southern 500 beauty pageant and took part in the Darlington town parade. Thanks to RG Hendrix for sharing these photos from the 1973 Southern 500 program.
"Elly May's" appearance was also referenced in Jerry Bledsoe's fantastic book The World's Number One, Flat-Out, All-Time, Great Stock Car Racing Book .
R.I.P. Elly May
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Schaefer: It's not just for racing anymore.
updated by @tmc-chase: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM
