Forum Activity for @tmc-chase

Racing History Minute - April 29, 1962

Stock Car Racing History

Had to do a double-take re-read. I knew about ROTY winners such as Shorty Rollins, RP, and Pearson from 58-60. But when you posted Thomas Cox, I thought WHO? Sure nuff.

At one time, I was able to rattle off annual GN/Cup champs and Daytona 500 winners. And I thought I could do that with ROTY. But clearly not. I know my memory isn't what it once was, but I generally have trigger points on certain NASCAR trivia items. Thomas Cox as 62 ROTY is completely new info to me though. Thanks for picking up on that - and that he drove a hand-me-down Mopar from Level Cross.

Racing History Minute - April 29, 1962

Stock Car Racing History

The Spartanburg Herald-Journal stepped up their game in 1962 with solid coverage of the Bristol race.

Racing History Minute - April 29, 1962

Stock Car Racing History

Source: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/season-recaps/1960s/1962-nascar.htmhttp://

All Star Race - TMC Hypocrisy?

Current NASCAR

Haha. Thanks Dave. My long time racing bud in Charlotte and I coined a phrase years ago that often frames what we choose to do for entertainment:

"Free is good ... always" (accompanied by the correlating axiom of "Beer is good ... all the time")

And believe me, the graduation date - while it conflicted with 600 weekend - was written in ink. Never wavered on that one. However, I am getting called out somewhat. Commencement is Saturday morning, May 25. The green flag for the 600 should drop around 4:00 PM ET Sunday May 26. Some of my 'friends' are goading me to saddle up and make a mad dash for Charlotte after the daddy obligations are complete. I think my attendance at the All Star race will be a satisfactory compromise.

All Star Race - TMC Hypocrisy?

Current NASCAR

I'm going to miss attending the World 600 and Schaefer Schelebration this year for the first time in about 8 years. My son graduates high school that weekend. So I'll have to be a start-and-park with any hopes of getting out of town to watch the race.

But the All Star race is the week BEFORE - when my son is NOT graduating. I've long been critical of the AS race. Its too gimmicky - too contrived - and genuinely no longer necessary for NASCAR. The argument I generally get is no points are on the line, big money is at stake, and let 'em crash for the win. And those arguments are often made by long time fans!

The Winston had its place and did some good things to help grow Cup in the 80s and 90s. But now its just plain silly.

But - I have an opportunity to go. Free ticket, free place to stay, a schcaled down version of the Schaefer Schelebration will take place, etc. So I think I'm going - despite my stance on the event.

Besides, I may try to go to NC on Thursday so I can visit Memory Lane Museum in Mooresville on Friday morning. Now if only I could get that free... hmm...

Fire away if you think I'm smothered in hypocrisy.

updated by @tmc-chase: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM

April 28, 1985 - Coincidental Petty trivia

Stock Car Racing History

Just realized the program photo wasn't airbrushed or otherwise edited to remove the 2 from Earnhardt's Pontiac.

April 28, 1985 - Coincidental Petty trivia

Stock Car Racing History

Bringing this one back one year later with a couple of new photos of The Bandit's win from Getty Images.

33 takes the checkered flag - Getty

Scoreboard reflects 500 completed laps - Getty

Harry in victory lane with Miss Winston - Getty

April 28, 1985 - Coincidental Petty trivia

Stock Car Racing History

Martinsville hosted the Sovran Bank 500 on April 28, 1985. The program cover included some of the biggest names of the sport in one of the cheesiest staged photos perhaps ever.

The race was won by the bandit, Harry Gant. (From Randall Photobug collection)

Both Pettys had decent finishes. The King finished 7th - shown here in front of Phil Parsons in a Roger Hamby Skoal sponsored car. ( Randall Photobug collection). I remember Parsons in the #66 Johnny Hayes' Skoal car - but not in one owned by Hamby.

And Kyle finished 11th in his first trip to Martinsville as a driver for the Wood Brothers. ( Randall Photobug collection)

The coincidence? Petty cars finished 7-11 - the same as Kyle's sponsor.

updated by @tmc-chase: 04/29/24 04:06:49AM

Tommy Ellis photo

Stock Car Racing History

May 1987 SCR - several copies available for sale on ebay.

If you need the actual photo, you might check with Don Smyle at smylemedia.com. If this photo was taken by Don Hunter, Smyle likely has it available in his collection for licensing.

Racing History Minute Times Two, plus some, April 28, 1957

Stock Car Racing History

Ralph Earnhardt in the Petty Engineering #188 Olds battles Tiny Lund in his #55 Pontiac. Dick Beaty trails them in his #34 Ford. And judging by the hair, ears, posture, pants leg not quite over his boot, and focus on the Petty team car, I'm thinking that may be 19 year-old Richard Petty in the foreground. - Getty

Goldsmith takes the white flag en route to his win. - Getty