larry manning cup driver-1942-2012
Stock Car Racing History
That is a great picture of Larry. Thanks for posting, Dave.
Forum Activity for @jeff-gilder
Stock Car Racing History
larry manning cup driver-1942-2012
Stock Car Racing History
So sad. I had the pleasure of interviewing Larry that day at Hillsborough in 2008. He also came to our first Columbia event in 2009. It was certainly an honor to have met him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
2012 (2nd Annual) Middle Georgia RacersReunion
Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks
I'm always amused (slightly) at those who take the time to correct someone who dares to call the inaugural event a "first annual" event. I can't help it...but I see those who refer to them as "first annual" events as dreamers and the those who correct as doubters. But no one can say anything about a Second Annual Event!
By now many of you have seen "The Master", Johnny Mallonee's fine videos and pictures from MGR. If you haven't, go check them out (here on RR). I want to give a special thanks to the "future" Middle Georgia RacersReunion Chapter for a fantastic event. They deserve a standing ovation...please give them one.
I had the pleasure of attending the event as a guest/spectator and can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed experiencing the event from that perspective. I was able to take the time to witness and enjoy excited little children, older folks dancing to music, emotional former race drivers, show car enthusiasts loving a great show... and saw the stress turn into smiles (around 4 PM) on the faces of Tim Thornton, Larry Smith, Bunny Coker and the rest of the gang that put on this show. I understand that feeling well.
I'm so very proud for RacersReunion to have been a part of reviving this historic venue. We are all fortunate that track owner, Tim Thornton has become very much interested inpreservingthe facility. His intention when he purchased the property was to use it for commercial development. The movement to keep this historic venue intact is gaining momentum.
I remember well the first meeting in Middle Georgia when John Banks, Tim Leeming, and myself met with Johnny Mallonee, Tommy Clinard, Bob Moore, and Guy Jenkins to go take a look at the track for my first time. Many thanks to that group for daring to dream about possibilities. I also remember well my first conversation with Tim Thornton about the possibilities of holding a Middle Georgia RacersReunion and thinking what a long shot it was to make this a reality.
Since then Tim has rezoned the property to allow for this kind of use. The folks mentioned above and several whose names I don't have, under the direction of Larry Smith, dove in and cleared the property for the first reunion. Now the "second annual" is in the books with the help of even more volunteers. Several more have signed on to be part of the the Third Annual Middle Georgia RacersReunion in 2013.
Great job folks! Please continue to dare to dream. But, please don't forget to act on your dreams. You/we CAN make a difference!
updated by @jeff-gilder: 12/05/16 04:08:38PM
Featured Legend Jimmy Helms on May 25th and many changes for the HCCFS 2 classes added
Stock Car Racing History
I think the additional classes are a great idea, W!
Sponsoring Trevor Bayne
Current NASCAR
I didn't realize he had already driven for this deal. I somehow missed that. They seem legit, to me....but know from experience these are tough deals to make happen when one considers the cost per race. Most fans will not consistently spend money to sponsor. Kenny Wallace had marginal success, but it was temporary. And there appears to be no guarantee that Trevor will be the driver.
Sponsoring Trevor Bayne
Current NASCAR
Who is the car owner? Are they an existing team with the resources to race. Will they be leasing the equipment? If so from which team? These deals are very shaky and usually unsuccessful even when attempted by existing teams. Be careful.
Questionable Wikipedia Website's History of Southside Speedway
Stock Car Racing History
Wikipedia is pretty much useless to me. I don't want to waste my time researching the garbage one is likely to find there. I will sometimes go there to establish a thread or to get a lead, but learned the hard way, to quote anything from Wikipedia is a mistake.
Posting Photos on This Site
General
Kathy,
I had the pleasure to meet and interview Trevor at the AAPEX show in Vegas last year. What a pleasure! Having followed his career since he was a very young kid on karts, I was delighted to have that opportunity. I was before...but became an even bigger Trevor Bayne fan.
Posting Photos on This Site
General
We also have a Local RacersReunion site where current pictures from local and regional races are welcome.