Forum Activity for @jeff-gilder

Driving a racecar to the track?

Stock Car Racing History

This is one of those cool stories that Smokey (personally) denied....saying he had no idea how it got started. Greg Zyla reported that he actually drove across the infield onto a trailer with no gas tank...either way...a very cool story.

John Craft said:

Smokey drove HOME from the track (out of the garage area, across the infield, through the tunnel and across town to his Beach Street shop)in 1968 after his , ahem, creatively configured 1966 Chevelle (the third and final one he built) was dinged in tech by Gazaway (whom Smokey lovingly referred to as " that comic book reading S.O.B .*")during Daytona 500 qualifying. According to the papers the next day(via Bill France), thatlittle jauntwas accomplished without the assistance of a gas tank. According to Smokey , only the fuel cell can was missing and the bladder was still in place. We report; you decide.

*(Abbreviated for public consumption, Smokey had no such compunctions)

Driving a racecar to the track?

Stock Car Racing History

I'm trying to find this interview to get the year, but Rex White told me about when he met Lee Petty for the first time. It was at a race in Florida...West Palm, I think. He said Lee drove the car to the track from NC with Linda, Richard and the gang in the car. During the race he rolled the car knocking out the windshield. He them drove the car back to NC...wife and kids on board...no windshield.

Merry Christmas Nascar?

General

This is just a guess...but it is probably because they think it might alienate some of their new fans and those they wish to woo who may have different beliefs. You know...it might be they are trying to be "politically" correct. Just a guess...I doubt you could get a "real" answer from anyone who is employed by them.

Did we make enough noise about where short track racing is going?

Local and Regional Short Track Racing

Absolutely awesome, Randy!

Top 50 Crew Chief Challenge (Update)

Stock Car Racing History

This is not where you vote, Jc. Go to the contest page...and you have to vote for 50 to be counted.

J.C. HAYES said:

JAKE ELDER , DALE INMAN,SMOKEY YUNICK, Todd Parrot, BUDDY PARROT ,MIKE BEAM ,

Top 50 Crew Chief Challenge (Update)

Stock Car Racing History

We're a long ways from being finished with voting, but there are some interesting things beginning to show shape. If the voting ended right now...based on total votes received...Chad Knaus would certainly make the top 50...but not make the top 25. I'm just sayin....

Right now tied for first (the most votes):

Smokey Yunick, Dale Inman, and Jake Elder

In the next flight...all tied:

Junior Johnson, Harry Hyde, Banjo Mathews, Leonard Wood, Robert Yates, Bud Moore

In the next flight...all tied:

Ray Evernham, Tony Glover, Ray Fox

In the next group..all tied

Ralph Moody, Waddell Wilson, Barry Dodson, Andy Petree, Travis Carter, Red Vogt, Junie Donlavey

In the next group...all tied

Mario Rossi, Jeff Hammond, Gary Nelson, Robbie Loomis, Kirk Shelmerdine, Herb Nab

In the next group..all tied

Louie Clements, Chad Knaus, Tim Brewer, Ray Nichels, Buddy Parrot, Marion Cox

Then Steve Hmiel

In the next group...all tied

Mike Beam, Maurice Petty, James Hylton, Greg Zippideli, Paul Andrews

In the next group...all tied

Tiger Tom Pistone, Leo Jackson, Ernie Elliot, Jimmy Makar, Robbie Reiser, Tommy Baldwin, Robin Pemberton

In the next group....all tied

Runt Pitman, Todd Parrot, Larry McReynolds, Hubetr Hensley

In the next group...all tied. ( If the challenge ended now the top 50 would end with in this group)

Donnie Wingo, Doug Reichert, Jimmy Fennig, Paul McDuffie

In the next group....

Pete DePaolo, Robert Fish, Butch Mock, Jack Sullivan and Red Farmer

Keep in mind this is based on total votes per candidate. We'll take on the challenge of ranking the final Top 50 when the voting ends. If you haven't voted yet...get to it! Just click the link in the center of the main page for a shortcut to the Contest page.

updated by @jeff-gilder: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM

AN INVITATION TO ALL

Stock Car Racing History

Thank you, Johnny. We have much for which to be thankful.

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH, AND LET IT BEGIN WITH ME

General

Thank you, Tim!

Unknown Racetrack ?

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

LOl...Steve I did the same thing. I think I looked for at least 2 hours...and found some cool stuff, but no direct match. I thought I had found it...similar shape, but after a close review it definitely wasn't as close to the shoreline as this mystery track. But I enjoyed the trip. I expect there'll be another soon.

Steve Struve said:

I spent a couple of hours last night looking at the California Coast in Google Earth, trying to get a match. I even slanted the view and changed the direction more westernly looking, to try and simulate the coastline configuration. Had three or four fairly close matches to the costal terrain, but no positive identification. I do believe this is west - central California and above. Down south, the land is more sandy and the trees are much different- if there are any trees at all ! Also, all of the aerial photographs in my dad's album were either along the west coast or bombed out factory buildings in Japan. I'll keep looking. Thanks. Steve

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR RacersReunion TOP 50 CREW CHIEFS

Administrative

Lol..I know that is going to be very difficult when you consider all the technological, engineering, and personnel differences when attempting to compare the "then" to "now" guys. I'm not sure it is even possible without hours of research measuring the accomplishments of each one against the others...with all the other considerations.