Have definitely seen that one before. And I think I've embedded this one before though I won't swear to it. GN action from the 1970 Schaefer 300 at Trenton.
Pretty neat time lapse video of how the NHOF folks swapped out the cars from the class of 2011 to class of 2012. Now if you ask me, they ought to figure a way to LEAVE them there. But since that isn't the case...
Leonard's voice is as smooth as a tumbler of Kentucky's finest. I'm a Petty fan to the core - but I could listen to Leonard Wood for as long as he cared to talk. Its simply amazing to me how the integrity of the Woods have been able to continue and succeed for decades amongst the cut throat business of racing. Rather than focus on "I", Leonard was so cool in acknowledging Brother Glen and the name of all the drivers (or at least most of them) who raced and drove for their team.
I appreciated the genuine words from Sue Baker, Buck's widow. Selfishly, however, I wanted Buddy to be the one to receive the ring (vs presenting it) and give the speech to honor his dad's induction. But he did narrate the video intro and present the ring, so he was clearly part of the honoring of his pop.
Rusty's words were from the heart for sure - but I kind of thought there were just too many of them. I don't want to take away from his accomplishments and the deserving selection. But for all the excitement seen on his face and heard in his voice, I didn't exactly see that in the faces of the audience as they panned the crowd during his 23 minute speech. Made me wonder...
I was nervous a bit about how awkward Herb Thomas' induction might be. Its stunning how few folks know of his accomplishments - even with a nudge from Disney/Pixar a few years ago with its featuring Doc Hudson in their movie, Cars. But I thought his son did an admirable job.
The speech that really got me was by Cotton Owen's grandson, Kyle Davis. One, I wasn't sure who would be the one to present him. And to, the Silver Fox was good ol' Pearson vs. a polished presenter which could have made Kyle's anxiety level go up a bit. But he had such a genuine tone in his voice and words. And you could see how much the moment meant to Cotton's family. Truly an exceptional moment.
Cup schedule in that era was as follows. I also looked for Winston West races at Phoenix during that time, but none were in the summer. (Looked up schedules at racing-reference.info and ultimateracinghistory.com)
1979
05/27/79 - Charlotte - DW winner
06/03/79 - College Station - DW winner
06/10/79 - Riverside - Bobby Allison winner
1980
05/25/80 - Charlotte - B Parsons winner
06/01/80 - College Station - Cale winner
06/08/80 - Riverside - DW winner
1981
05/24/81 - Charlotte - Bobby winner
06/07/81 - College Station - BP winner
06/04/81 - Riverside - DW winner
Good to know. Somehow I've missed them then. Will be scouring TV listings looking for reruns.
The last 2-3 years, NASCAR Media Group really did a nice job with one hour presentations on each inductee that aired on Speed. Unless I've missed it, I haven't seen anything for any of this year's class. A casualty of NMG shutting down and Speed soon going out of biz I suppose in favor of its successor Fox Sports 1. The only thing I've seen in TV listings is a 1-hour intro for the 5 inductees that will air Fri night immediately before the induction ceremony broadcast.
DP: Mine smell like fresh roses.
TS: Whatever. Mine are like boiled cabbage.
At noon today, I went the memorial service for Joe Carver held in Nashville. Another one was held last weekend in North Carolina. But so many folks knew him from here that they held a second one in West Nashville.
The church's minister, Darrell Waltrip and long-time local sportscaster Hope Hines offered some memories, funny stories, and reflections on Joe as a friend and as a promoter. Here are a few I can remember.
When the service concluded, I intro'd myself to DW. Told him we'd never met, and that I didn't know Joe. But I also said I grew up at the Fairgrounds watching a style of racing and promotion set in motion by Carver. He was polite and such. Then I told him I also followed him on Twitter and that I was "toomuchcountry".
He laughed and said "Ohhhh, toomuchcountry. You've busted on me a few times on there haven't you?" I just replied "Well maybe. But only a time or two I think - just to get a couple of facts straight." He seemed to find that funny.
Handing out penalties LIKE NASCAR. If I'm not mistaken, Grand-Am IS NASCAR now. Right? I think. Dunno exactly. Puzzled. Flummoxed.
Pretty sure it is. And if I'm correct, I find it interesting they don't associate their name / brand with the series. I realize folks with only a passing interest often associate NASCAR only with Cup racing vs. its other series. But its also surprising NASCAR doesn't try to counter that by routinely reminding fans and media of its ownership and rules making and enforcement.
Edited Feb 1, 2017.
Today, I begin my blog series of wins by Petty Enterprises drivers OTHER than King Richard. With a big assist from the late [ Tommie Clinard and his photos ], I've blogged about Lee Petty's win at Palm Beach Speedway in Florida.
http://bench-racing.blogspot.com/2013/02/february-1-1953-lee-petty-wins-west-palm.html
 |
