FIRST ANNUAL RACING MOTOFEST, Friday, May 27th. Read for details.

Wanted to let you all in on the news, if you haven't heard yet, there will be a HUGE event for race fans going on at Speedway Harley Davidson dealership in Concord, NC, starting at 10:00 a.m. this Friday, May 27th. Several individuals have worked extremely hard to put together what is looking like will be the biggest such even of it's kind. Even better, it's all free, except for what you may wish to buy from some of the vendors or bid on items in the auction, and believe me, there are items in the auction some of you may get in a bidding war over. There is one particular item, one of only two in existence (and the other belongs to The King) that should be the top bid drawer.

The event will honor all veterans, although we all know Memorial Day is to remember those who gave their lives for the country. All veterans are honored, however, because, in fact, EVERY DAY every person should honor the veterans. When you see our flag flying high representing the freedoms we have, you can bet you owe all veterans a pat on the back for their contributions.

Money raised from the auction and contributions, will go to "The Ride to The Rock for Autism" and to Cooperative Christian Ministry. As many of you know, I have personally been involved with Autism benefits on several occasions and these events have become a passion for me. A very special family lives near me with a young man, Isaac, who is autistic. The entire family works tirelessly to benefit autism research and other projects directed to autism. BUT REMEMBER, THERE IS NO ADMISSION CHARGE TO THIS EVENT. What you contribute is up to you.

There will be plenty of motorcycles at the event (of course). Several race cars from the early days of NASCAR, and other classic cars on display. There will be so much to see you may need to plan your day there from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. when it's all over. Oh, and did I mention live music with Bill Lyles providing that entertainment. There will also be a D.J., but I'm not sure what genre of music will be playing but I would venture the guess that you will enjoy it.

Now, in as much as there are more than 50 racing legends, pioneers and celebrities scheduled to appear, my job this morning was to determine which of those names to list. I actually typed a list of all those indicated as appearing, cut them into strips of paper, but them in my cowboy hat, and drew them out, intending to list only the first 20 drawn. Somehow, unknown to me, two additional names were "hooked" to names drawn so I assume fate has intended me to list 23 of the names. Believe me, there is no intention to slight anyone of the attendees because the list is so impressive .

Ok, there we go with the 23 names drawn: Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, Justin Allison, Taylor Strickland Bill Blair, Jr. Morgan Shepherd, Carl Long, Jon Dorton, Frances Flock, Terri Parsons, Rex White, Sam Bass, Lil Bud Moore, Danny Crump, Sr., Danny Crump, Jr. Ed Sanseverino, Gray London, Paul Lewis,Travis Tiller, Jerry Nadeau, Billy Biscoe, Peanut Turman,and Matthew McDaniel. You can go on FB and find out more. There is a possibility that some of today's Cup drivers may put in brief appearances, but none have confirmed, only stated that"if possible". If I told you the ones who have said "if possible", today's race fans would be in shock.

I was at this event last year, although it was not known asthe RacingMotofest and was not held at Speedway Harley-Davidson. Last year's event was huge, but not nearly what this even Friday will be. I am very honored to have been invited to participate and very, very excited about spending the daywithsuch awesome people as the race fans who come visit. I am a "people lover" but especiallya"race fan people lover". I am really hoping to meet many new fans and once more see the regulars who turn out for these events.

The location for the event is Speedway Harley-Davidson located at 10049 Weddington Road, Concord, North Carolina which is Exit 49 off I-85. Youexit I-85 onto Bruton Smith Boulevard and head towards Charlotte Motor Speedway and then take a right at the first traffic light. Speedway Harley-Davidson is one of the many success stories for Mr. Pat Rogers who has contributed much to Concord's economy over the years and is still a well known force for good in the area. Speedway Harley-Davidson is now operated by his daughter, Aimee Thomas, whom I have not yet met but I have been told she has the drive and business ability of her father. I am looking forward to meeting her Friday.

The event is organized and supported by New Generation Motorsports Marketing, Racing Plus, as well as Speedway Harley-Davidson. Many folks have worked very hard over the past few months to bring this all together. Weather is supposed to be awesome, sunny, and temps in the eighties. So be sure to wear your "sun scream" as my grandson called it when he was four and didn't want any of that "Sun Scream" on him at the beach.

Many of the folks appearing here go back to the beginning of NASCAR racing and some even before. All a great story tellers of telling the way it really was, not the sanitized version being presented in so many venues these days. I've listened to these stories for years and enjoy every single second of it. When you see me Friday, ask me about the ones you absolutely MUST talk with for some great stories. I'm not about to start that battle here today. LOL.

It you have any questions for which I may obtain the answer, message me here, or e-mail me at: legendtim83@yahoo.com. I hope to see all my friends there Friday and meet and ton of new friends. Truly this is, as Ed said, a family reunion or sorts. This group of race folks that gather for many of these events have become quite bonded.

Everyone travel safely. God bless us everyone!!!!

Hmm, interesting. I'll be in town for 600 weekend. Friday is generally a "dead day" at the Speedway, so we may be looking for something to get into.

Will seek out info on Twitter as well. If I find it, I'll pass it along to my followers.

Thanks, Chase. It will be great to see you again!

I should also note the Schaefer Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor will be tailgating at CMS again this year. No motorcycles will be at our spot (to my knowledge) nor will any drivers past or present be hanging out with us. But we will have plenty of food, laughter, cornhole, beverages of all sorts, and of course Schaefer.

We'll be set up in the lower corner of the bus parking lot along Bruton Smith Blvd between gate T and the entrance to Z-Max drag strip. If you are walking about, drop by and introduce yourself. Always good to get the opportunity to connect with other RR members.

That's an awesome idea Billy. I'll look forward to seeing that can, and you. The traffic in Charlotte is absurd, as you indicate. When I had a meeting in Mooresville a few weeks ago, I left home at 6:30 to a 10 a.m. meeting. Usually takes me about an hour and 50 minutes to make Mooresville. That day, took me one hour from my house to the N.C. state line, then 2 hours and 10 minutes to get through Charlotte to Mooresville. I can't stand being late and I just barely made this. Drive safely and I'll see you tomorrow. Hope to see thousands there for, as you have said, a very worthwhile cause. Veterans as well as support for Autism. Two good causes.

Next time you're going to Mooresville, just take the west loop the 485 beltway. It'll help you bypass downtown Charlotte.

Back home from race weekend in Charlotte. Great time with friends. Too much sun on my face. Wet shoes from Sunday morning rains. A fine race on Saturday. A dominating performance by Truex on Sunday - though overall a very boring race.

But the highlight of the weekend may have been my 60-90 minutes at Speedway Harley Davidson last Friday. Got a chance to re-connect with folks such as Perry Allen Wood, Tim Leeming, Greg Moore, Rex White, Bill Blair Jr, Ray Lamm, the Allisons - Bobby, Donnie & Robbie, and others whose names I sadly may have forgotten.

My bud and fellow Schaefer HOF co-founder walked around a bit. As we left to head to lunch, he said something to effect of "Dang dude, that was like old home week to you. You seemed to know EVERYBODY there." I just smiled and replied "Yep. Hang with me pal, and I'll give you a gateway to stories you've never heard." Ha.

The line of the day came from one name I omitted: Billy Biscoe. I've obviously shared a bit of dialog with Billy through various posts, and we've traded emails 3-4x. But I don't recall having met him face to face before. I planned to make my intro, tell him the RR connection, and shake his hand as if we were indeed strangers. Our conversation started a bit like this:

Me: Hey Billy, Chase Whitaker from RacersReunion. How are ya man?

BB: Pretty good but a bit thirsty. Happen to have a Schaefer beer on ya by chance?

After we both had a great laugh, it was indeed clear Billy knew who I was. Had a great few moments with him as well.

Hey Guys!

Sounds like a great time! Did anyone have an opportunity to take a few pictures?

See ya at the next goat rodeo. That would be tomorrow.

Devin

Tim had a very bad experience in the past on I-485 and won't use it - just like I refuse to drive on I-77. Those folks who live on Lake Norman and commute to Charlotte have a death wish.

Dave, I too took 485 around Charlotte coming from Hillsborough two years ago. Never again! I don't know what experience you had but I had cars cutting me off, crossing over three lanes to make the exit they were about to miss. Saw two cars in front of me crash into each other side to side like Larson and Elliott finished that race last week. We got tied up for another crash on down the road and sat there over an hour. I don't have a real problem with 77 with the exception of rush hour traffic. It takes me one hour from my house to the NC State Line. Then, to go the 36 miles to the Mooresville Exit, it is at least two hours during rush hour. Realistically, though, even in Columbia and on all the SC interstates, the traffic is always heavy. Could tell some good stories about all my trips of the past year. The topic would be the waste of tax money posting speed limit signs. You do realize the average cruising speed on the interstates now is 80 to 85? You do know it is not uncommon to get caught up in a pack running 100 or better? When I go to Augusta once a month it is always "pack racing" and it's always at 100 plus mph. Hope all is well with you. Take care.

Great seeing you Chase. Sorry I didn't get to make the Schaffer party but I was rolling back down the interstate to Columbia about 4:00 p.m. I'm already looking forward to the next time you will be in the same place. Take care.

All the things you speak of typically happen on the east loop. I-77 is horrible through and through. Dave, is I-77 still two lanes in Iredell County?

Either way, it's a children's game compared to I-95 in J'Ville or south of West Palm!

We used to flip a coin going to Daytona as whether to drive straight through Jacksonville or not. That area was always unpleasant traffic-wise. I NEVER go up I-77 from Charlotte.

A glass truck carrying plate glass windows for an apartment complex crashed on I-77 near Remount Road in Charlotte this morning, covering the northbound lanes with broken glass. Of course, I-77 southbound is nearly shut down from all the idiot rubberneckers . Traffic now backed up for 13 miles from the SC line. Another driver who would not have been accepted to the Johnny & Leon truck driving school.

Was also good meeting Paul Lewis for the first time face to face. When I spotted him, I told my racing bud about Paul - including his brief stint with the Pettys. He'd never heard of him. I intro'd both of us to Paul, and sure enough he had the #42 Plymouth postcards with him. My bud looked at me and asked "how in the world do you know all of this stuff?"