Forum Activity for @mike-sykes

Pearson says Parks should be next in the HOF

General

The first class should have been Raymond Parks, Red Byron. Red Vogt, Bill France Sr. and any of the hundreds that was there in the beginning. But as always politics reared its ugly head and NASCAR had its way and only shamed the new hall of fame for a popular vote not a historical fact. They went for the new names to sell tickets and it backfired on them big time. Hint all the empty seats at the induction ceromony. Had it went with a different class I would have sold my soul for a seat. Others are right Pearson needs to go in the HOF next year he has always been a class act and always been nothing but great for the sport.

The Hills Were Alive With The Sound of .....

Stock Car Racing History

Tim it was great to have you there representing Racers Reunion and Jeff could not have had a better man on the job. It was hot both on the track and off. Tim lost the 15 pounds that he was wanting to lose and I found them.The one thing I am glad I did not do was to offer you the ride in the 17 car. It did cross my mind. And that was one of the first things that came to mind as I went to the garage area with a broken driveshaft on the last lap of the vintage cars run.

Retirement of The Legend

General

Well I for one am very disapointed but I have not released you from our contract to go drive for someone else. Do you think our friend and hero would quit over a cut down tire that was running on borrowed time anyway. The clutch has been coming out of the old 43 before you got in it the first time at the Rock. We will get the correct tires and readjust the clutch and I demand my driver fulfill the contract . P.S. That tire should be in the Hall of Fame. I know that it has been autograped by the legend.

Jim VanDiver

General

He runs a truck and car lot in Huntersville NC and is still very active. Vandivers Used Trucks I think.

2nd Annual Love Chevrolet Columbia Speedway RacersReunion

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

Thanks for all the photos and film that you have shared.

are you gutsey enough to drive this ?

Stock Car Racing History

they had a death wish or had balls{ opps} coconuts the size of a basketball and Ill bet they could not wipe the grin off their face for a week. Thanks for sharing the photo.

Fourth Annual Legends Helping Legends

General

On behalf of the Old Timers Racing Club I want to thank Alex , Sam, Tommy and all of the many volunteers that worked so hard to help make this event a success. We thank all the drivers and their wifes for attending this event for with out them this would not be possible as well as the other celebrities that came and supported us from motorcycle to gocart racers the Motorsports Hall of Fame crew and radio crew. I am sure we are leaving someone out and for that I am sorry but may pea sized brain is still spinning from all the love and support everyone showed by attending this event. We raised in the area of $750.00 for the Medical Hardship Fund.You may think this is not a geat deal of money but we are very greatful for every cent that we recieve.

march 1st 1970

General

James is another independent that got the royal shaft. He won the race in Talladega and the owner of Pop Cola stated on national radio and TV that he was going to pour the money into James Hylton Racing and go to the top. Well he got alot of drink machines put in stores and service stations, garages and then dumped James. In turn alot of the same stores, service Stations and garages heard what he did to James and they dumped him in the same fashion.Fan loyalty meant something in those days. I know the neighborhood Esso set the Pop Cola drink machine on the curb with the trash when he heard what they done to James with the drinks still in it.The salesman picked it up a few weeks later during the night.

Prayers for Paul Lewis requested

General

Paul and Linda our prayers are with you as you recover. Old Timers Racing Club.

Can anybody help me find this piece of Lakewood Speedway's history?

Stock Car Racing History

Brandon you may want to contact the daughter of Bill Gazaway. Her name is Elisha Gazaway Rainwater in Newnan Ga. Her father was very into the Lakewood Speedway he may have had a copy. Its worth a phone call. However she does work some long hours but she is very prompt about returning a phone call.