Ya never know where that road will lead to?
Stock Car Racing History
Not a bad finish for his inaugural start.
Forum Activity for @jim-wilmore
Stock Car Racing History
Ya never know where that road will lead to?
Stock Car Racing History
This past week I had spend a wonderful time with my wife Julie at the beach. It was our first time alone for a prolonged period of time for the first time in nearly 20 years after raising our son. We lounged at the beach, caught a show, hung by the pool, slept a lot and ate a lot. Until, we got tired of hanging out at the beach and took a little road trip over to Pawley's Island, SC. We had no direction, just driving along and whenever we saw something interesting we'd stop. Well, Julie got out her smart phone and looked for a place that sells crafts, and up pops some crafts store off the beaten path, back among trailer houses and dirt driveways. There we were gazing at handmade crafts, Julie looking for something special, me, I was just wandering around (waiting patiently). Here's where things get interesting...as we were driving away I spotted a split-window coupe in the back of some big warehouse and decided to turn around to investigate. As we pulled in the driveway I spotted some guy cutting some boards and ask if I could speak to someone about the old car out back. He said "Everyone's at lunch" (in broken English). So I decided to call the search off and text Bobby Williamson to tell him "There's some old cars over here" and we left. Later we were close to the location of the old split-window coupe so I asked Julie if I could go over one more time to see if the owner was back from lunch, she agreed, so off I went.
Sure enough, the bay doors were open and I could see some old pickups and cars inside with a few more out back. As I walked in the bay door the first thing I spot is a 1939 Ford Coupe MODIFIED DIRT CAR!!! HOLY FLATHEADS BATMAN!!! Up on a hoist sits this traditionally built 39' Ford coupe. I ask a worker about the car and he said "It belonged to Archie Downs". ARCHIE DOWNS!!! He's a LEGEND! I spoke with Archie years ago when I bought my first old modified, can this be for real? A while later the owner shows up and we introduce and start talking cars. A real down to earth gentlemen he was, showed lots of interest in our conversation and took me on a tour of his shop (quite a collection I might add). I told him all about my racing venture with the Bell & Bell Vintage Modified Series, and how fun it is to race these old modifieds. It was the most unlikely places I would have gone, no where near our destination, just riding some back road and happened to see a split-window coupe (old 30's Ford) and the next thing I knew I was engaged in conversation with a guy that just might change his mind of turning the old Archie Downs Ford into a street rod, and instead, fix it up and race it someday. Goes to show, you never know where the "track" of life takes you.
On another note; I just got a text from an friend that use to be one of my soldiers back in the 82nd Airborne Division, Chad York, now the Race Director for rookie driver Bill Catania #18 ARCA race team making his first start in the ARCA series at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan tonight. I hope I had a little influence on Chad, at least with his new Race Director career. Again, I never expected that text.
What are the chances of these two events? Luck? Fate? I've always said, Luck is when preparation and opportunity meet. Then again, some things are just meant to be. Also, it's not what we don't do in life, it's what we do that makes a difference. Take a chance, take a risk, take a turn down an old beaten path and you'll never know what you'll find there until you do it.
updated by @jim-wilmore: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM
worth McMillion 1965 poniac 83
Stock Car Racing History
What a neat experience Ray, thanks for sharing the photos.
Bruton Says 70% Sure He'll Move Fall Charlotte Race to Las Vegas
Current NASCAR
All the more reason we attend our local short tracks and leave Bruton to his new friends. Now back to our regular scheduled program.
Bruton Says 70% Sure He'll Move Fall Charlotte Race to Las Vegas
Current NASCAR
TMC, that's my kinda humor...funny stuff.
STARS April 8th
Stock Car Racing History
Jerry, thanks for giving me the opportunity to talk about the Veterans project. Although it is in it's infancy the reality is that if we want this we will find a way to make it happen. Our military sacrifices so much for us, it's just not in times of war but 24/7/365 they are out there defending our freedom. Here is a chance for the racing community to show our appreciation.
Diversity on the Georgia Short Tracks & Spillover Effect in NASCAR
Stock Car Racing History
Preston Tutt didn't create the diversity program, he just took advantage of the offer. Good for him, wish he would have had a few more chances to show his stuff. I'm sure many teams were given incentives to hire "other than white male" drivers, once they fulfilled their goal they probably dropped it...one and done. Some people are natural born race car drivers, some think they are, and some have no business in a race car, it don't matter who you are.
Goat Trivia
Stock Car Racing History
You all have it right, that's amazing!!!
The effort some folks will go to for entertainment.This is the future hall of famer David Pearson riding in a wagon straight out of the The Little Rascals. With all that weight dragging on Billy I don't see much goat power pulling all that steel and flesh very far, even Sparky is taking advantage of this goat rodeo. David has come a long way since driving a chuck wagon harness to a GOAT!!!
Goat Trivia
Stock Car Racing History
You might recognize this goat rodeo rider as one of racings biggest Goats on his way to ride the high banks....do you know who it is? 
updated by @jim-wilmore: 08/20/18 04:39:36PM
Looking for Neil Bonnett's 1934 Coupe
Stock Car Racing History
Some photos would help, I got to see this "softball wagon" lol