Forum Activity for @dave-fulton

The Things We Did for Earnhardt & Childress to Keep Them Going

Stock Car Racing History

33 years ago today (on September 13, 1981) rookie Mark Martin was scheduled to start on the pole for the very first Wrangler SanforSet 400 at Richmond. In a story that has filtered down to become racing legend, the car wouldn't start because of a rag left between the carburetor and air cleaner, causing the late crew chief Bobby Jones to pitch a fit and Mark to be in the pits when the green flag dropped.

The day remains vivid to me because it was the first time my company, Wrangler Jeans (Blue Bell, Inc.) had sponsored a race and the event was in my hometown of Richmond. Benny Parsons would win the race for Bud Moore.

The Things We Did for Earnhardt & Childress to Keep Them Going

Stock Car Racing History

In January 1990, a writer from the Lakeland Ledger called me in Richmond to request credentials for our Pontiac 200 February Busch Series race. He wanted to follow Joe's attempt to break into big time racing. I'll never forget that the fellow (whose name I don't recall) rode a train to Richmond and wrote a ton of stuff.

Seems like yesterday.

The Things We Did for Earnhardt & Childress to Keep Them Going

Stock Car Racing History

Can't think of Bobby without thinking of Detroit Iron and the way our cars used to be built.

The Things We Did for Earnhardt & Childress to Keep Them Going

Stock Car Racing History

See Bobby Bare quite frenquently on Midwest Country Saturday nights on RFD Network.

The Things We Did for Earnhardt & Childress to Keep Them Going

Stock Car Racing History

The Things We Did for Earnhardt & Childress to Keep Them Going

Stock Car Racing History

Bill... let's throw out a trivia question here. If you go by his racing nickname and home town, which driver might have been sitting upfront at that concert you describe?

The Things We Did for Earnhardt & Childress to Keep Them Going

Stock Car Racing History

Interesting story, Bill.

The Things We Did for Earnhardt & Childress to Keep Them Going

Stock Car Racing History

Now, y'all gonna make me have to get out my Hippie to English Dictionary to understand what y'all are talking about. And, I haven't worn sandals since I was 3 years old.

The Things We Did for Earnhardt & Childress to Keep Them Going

Stock Car Racing History

As long as we are into Waylon & Willie, I may as well post what I have for many years considered my personal anthem. When you're out racing and partying, you can do do some pretty stupid things. Helps - as Johnny has already pointed out - to have that steady hand waiting for you.

The Things We Did for Earnhardt & Childress to Keep Them Going

Stock Car Racing History

Bill... my assistant NASCAR program manager at Wrangler, Mel Parkhurst spent a year or two on Willie's bus after the 1982 season - and yep, PK... you're right. Didn't pick up on the belt buckle change. Money talks, Nobody walks!