Forum Activity for @dave-fulton

Junie Donlavey / Bill Dennis 3rd Consecutive Daytona Permatex 300 Win - Feb. 16, 1974

Stock Car Racing History

In 1974, Richmond, Virginia car owner Junie Donlavey and his Richmond (Glen Allen) driver Bill Dennis teamed to become the first to sweep three consecutive Daytona Permatex 300 NASCAR Late Model Sportsman races. The familiar blue, gold and white Truxmore #90 Mercury hauled the mail that day.

It would be 20 years before the late Dale Earnhardt repeated the three sweep at Daytona.

It was a day for celebrating in Virginia as fellow Richmond car builder Emanuel Zervakis put his beautiful #01 baby blue Dominion Oxygen Chevy made famous by Sonny Hutchins under Ettrick, Virginia's Lennie Pond that day for a second place finish.

Battling for the lead all day and placing third behind Dennis and Pond was our own RR member Wayne Andrews, FATHER of member Dennis Andrews. Wayne was in the famous white #00 Thomas Brothers Country Ham mount.

This was back in the days of Daytona's stained concrete walls and brown infield grass and mud as opposed to today's pristine white walls and green, green grass.

This race marked a rare appearance by the late modified ace Richie Evans in a #61 BR DeWitt Concrete Late Model Sportsman ride. He earned a 6th place finish.

The lineup is like seeing a cross section of the great drivers from NASCAR's weekly venues of the early 70s. I believe our Legend, Tim Leeming will be particularly interested to note the last place finisher. Of course, ole DW never could beat any of our Virginia drivers when he came to Southside Speedway and Langley Field in the 70s!

Our own Wayne Andrews battled valiantly for the win at Daytona. I believe I remember Wayne's son, Dennis saying a cracked windshield slowed him up.

Permatex 300

NASCAR Late Model Sportsman race
Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
February 16, 1974
108 laps on 2.5 mile paved oval; 270 miles

Fin St Driver # Owner Car Laps Money Status Laps Led
1 8 Bill Dennis 90 1969 Mercury 108 8,525 running
2 5 Lennie Pond 01 1970 Chevrolet 108 4,450 running
3 4 Wayne Andrews 00 1969 Chevrolet 108 2,750 running
4 3 Jack Ingram 11 1968 Chevrolet 107 1,975 running
5 11 Johnny Allen 94 1968 Chevrolet 107 1,775 running
6 21 Richie Evans 61 1969 Mercury 106 1,100 running
7 32 Ronnie Chumley 45 1970 Mercury 105 1,000 running
8 1 Donnie Allison 81 1970 Chevrolet 104 1,000 running
9 14 Jerry Cook 38 1966 Chevrolet 104 800 running
10 34 Neil Bonnett 28 1966 Chevrolet 104 725 running
11 23 James Ham 40 1966 Chevrolet 103 675 running
12 15 Freddie Smith 88 1971 Mercury 103 625 running
13 40 Gene Glover 82 1969 Mercury 103 575 running
14 43 Tiny Lund 55 1969 Chevrolet 102 550 running
15 30 Ron Esau 1 1966 Chevrolet 102 525 running
16 26 Jimmy Lee Capps 22 1968 Chevrolet 101 500 running
17 2 L.D. Ottinger 2 1969 Chevrolet 100 565 running
18 24 Carl Horton 37 1970 Chevrolet 100 485 running
19 22 Phil Gibson 23 1968 Chevrolet 100 480 running
20 6 Bobby Allison 12 1966 Chevrolet 99 475 running
21 31 Tom Gale 03 1971 Mercury 99 470 running
22 30 Beaver Dragon 86 1971 Plymouth 99 465 running
23 10 Ivan Baldwin 07 1966 Chevrolet 99 460 running
24 44 Wayne Shugart 15 1969 Chevrolet 99 455 engine
25 29 Gary Myers 41 1969 Chevrolet 98 450 running
26 41 Randy Bethea 27 1968 Ford 96 445 running
27 28 Benny Kerley 14 1968 Chevrolet 95 440 broken rod
28 9 Eddie Royster 51 1969 Chevrolet 95 435 running
29 37 Don Miller 69 1969 Chevrolet 95 430 running
30 42 Red Farmer 97 1968 Ford 91 425 engine
31 19 Joey Holley 32 1965 Chevrolet 91 420 running
32 27 Chet Williams 5 1971 Chevrolet 78 415 A-frame
33 25 Francis Affleck 59 1971 Mercury 71 410 accident
34 13 Haskell Willingham 50 1968 Mercury 71 405 accident
35 35 Chuck Becker Jr. 67 1969 Chevrolet 63 400 overheating
36 12 Maynard Troyer 93 1971 Mercury 51 395 valve
37 20 Buddy Howard 24 1969 Mercury 51 390 engine
38 36 Al Grinnan 30 1971 Mercury 39 385 accident
39 38 Jean-Paul Cabana 25 1969 Ford 16 380 engine
40 17 John Ray 87 1970 Ford 15 375 running
41 18 Darrell Bryant 08 1968 Chevrolet 12 375 accident
42 16 Harry Gant 77 1970 Chevrolet 5 375 accident
43 7 Jimmy Means 92 1970 Chevrolet 4 375 accident
44 33 Darrell Waltrip 48 1971 Chevrolet 4 375 accident

Notes: The race was shortened from 300 miles to 270 because of the energy crisis.
Time of race: 01:55:20
Average Speed: 140.462 MPH
Pole Speed: 50.408 seconds
4 cautions for 22 laps

updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM

Historic Cleveland County Fairgrounds Newspaper Article from Shelby Star

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

Fairgrounds in preparation for racing return

Tuesday, Apr 17 2012, 10:47 am

The Shelby Star

Graham Cawthon

Brittany Randolph/The Star Jonathan Sarratt waits for the track to be wet down before taking a car out at the Historic Cleveland County Fairgrounds Speedway on Friday.

SHELBY With racing returning to the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in a matter of days, Michael Smith is going far and wide to spread word.

The speedway director at the fairgrounds has made recent trips to Columbia, S.C. and Rockingham, each time spreading news of the upcoming weekly events coming to Cleveland County. And hes spoken with drivers from as far out as Atlanta and Myrtle Beach, S.C. about participating.

After an absence of several decades, racing is coming back to the fairgrounds starting Saturday. And a big turnout is expected. County Manager Calvin Hastings previously told The Star hes expecting fans into the thousands to show up.

Were going to have a huge turnout, Smith said last week, putting the final touches on preparations. Nearby, a color guard practiced their presentation for the coming weekends race.

Words getting out everywhere, Smith said. They want to know whats happening.

Reach Online Editor Graham Cawthon at 704-669-3334, gcawthon@shelbystar.com or on Twitter at @GrahamCawthon

About the races

When: The first is Saturday, 1 p.m. Races will continue each Friday night into the fall, from 8 to 11 p.m. The weekly races will also include meet-and-greets with racing legends, food vendors, clowns and a weekly bicycle giveaway. A different charity will also be recognized each week.

Where: Cleveland County Fairgrounds

Price: $10 ages 6 and older; children 5 and under are free; box seats $15 for all ages

For more information, call 704-487-0651.

About the Cleveland County Fairgrounds track

Number of NASCAR Cup races: six

Track shape: oval

Track type: short track

First race: July 27, 1956

Last race: Aug. 5, 1965

Qualifying record: David Pearson, 67.797 mph on Aug. 5, 1965

Race Record: Ned Jarrett, 64.748 mph on Aug. 5, 1965

*Source: Calvin Hastings, Cleveland County Fair manager

Sponsorship opportunities

Want to become a sponsor of the Cleveland County Fairgrounds Speedway Good Old Days Series? Contact Carol Smith at 704-418-5518 and casmith9671@yahoo.com or Kim Davis at 704-600-6599 and Kim@KDMarketingNC.com.

updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:08:38PM

Pastrana Pulls a Danica

Current NASCAR

Danica Patrick, Tony Stewart and Tommy Baldwin caught a lot of grief over being sure Danica Patrick was locked in the field as best they could gerrymander the system for her initial 5 Cup races.

I really don't see where what they're doing to be sure Travis Pastrana races in his first Nationwide attempt is any different.

Pastrana locked into field for Nationwide debut

April 17, 2012

By JENNA FRYER
AP Auto Racing Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Travis Pastrana will have a guaranteed spot in the field for his Nationwide Series debut next week at Richmond.

The extreme sports star will race a Toyota that will be fielded jointly between Michael Waltrip Racing and RAB Racing. Kenny Wallace has been the primary driver of RAB's No. 09 car - which will be changed to No. 99 for Pastrana.

Pastrana said being locked into the field takes some of the pressure of him at Richmond.

"The qualifying, running one fast lap, is something that I've been working really hard," he said Tuesday. "But the most difficult thing for me has been to get up to speed in the first couple laps. So this will be huge for me."

MWR will provide cars and technical and marketing support for RAB under the alliance announced Tuesday. Mike Greci, Pastrana's crew chief in NASCAR regional races, will co-crew chief with Scott Zipadelli of RAB when Pastrana drives.

Pastrana had been scheduled to make his Nationwide debut last July, but broke his right ankle in the X Games two days before the race. His debut has been delayed until Richmond, but Pastrana said his time sidelined actually gave him an opportunity to learn more about NASCAR.

"I hadn't realized it until I got back," Pastrana said. "I think I understand more of the terminology. I understand more how to get feedback. I think in the long run, I wouldn't go as far. I'm sure I could have learned more out on the track than I could have from TV, but it was definitely something that I think is going to help this season and help my first race be better. I'm hoping that's the case."

Pastrana is also scheduled to race at Darlington and Charlotte in May. MWR also has New Hampshire, Chicago, Indianapolis and Atlanta on his tentative schedule.

updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM

No Smoke Snub at White House This Year

Current NASCAR

No snub: Stewart visits White House

President Barack Obama talks with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart during an event to honor him and the 2011 Sprint Cup drivers.

By: Randy Hallman | Times-Dispatch
Published: April 17, 2012

WASHINGTON --

Last year Tony Stewart was one of a few no-shows when President Barack Obama invited top NASCAR drivers to the White House. On Tuesday, Stewart was the guest of honor.

Stewart won the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship. Tuesday, he and the other 11 drivers who qualified for the sport's postseason Chase, came to the White House to be honored by the president. The 12 were given a tour then emerged with the president into the afternoon sun on the South Lawn. Flanked by two of Stewart's brightly painted race cars, Obama welcomed the drivers and made special mention of Stewart, whose 2011 championship was his third, and Jimmie Johnson, who had won five consecutive titles before Stewart broke his streak.

In his brief remarks Obama recounted Stewart's stirring run to win the championship. After struggling much of the year, he barely qualified for the postseason run and even questioned whether he belonged in the title-eligible field. But Stewart's team clicked and he won five of the 10 Chase races. The final event was a showdown in Miami for Stewart and Carl Edwards.

Obama reminded the 300 or so NASCAR friends and officials gathered for the event that Stewart finished in grand form. During the course of the race, Obama said, Stewart had trouble and fell back several times, but kept charging to the front. All told, the president said, "he passed 118 cars ... won the race and won the title with a tiebreaker."

Stewart and Edwards finished in a points dead heat, but Stewart's five victories trumped Edwards' single win, giving Stewart the championship. Obama also praised the NASCAR drivers for their support of men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces.

After the president's remarks, he and Stewart strolled over to one of Stewart's race cars. A phalanx of Secret Service types followed quickly, as if the race-ready Chevrolet might blow an engine and erupt into flames. The president and the NASCAR champ had a brief off-mike chat. Asked later what they talked about, Stewart said Obama was interested in technological changes that have altered NASCAR racing.

"He's not a casual fan," Stewart said. "He really knows the sport. ... It's great to have the leader of our country so knowledgeable about our sport."

Stewart was asked if he had talked to the president about missing last year's White House visit because of a prior commitment, seen by many as a snub of the president.

"No," Stewart said, "because I'm embarrassed that I had to miss it. It's hard enough to even be in that situation."

Stewart said that because of that, he makes it clear to sponsors and others that no scheduled engagement will put him in that situation again. "They're all aware that if the invite comes we'll be there."

Stewart is off to a strong start this year with two victories in the young season. He's just two weekends away from the first of two annual visits to Richmond International Raceway, a track he said is his favorite.

"Richmond is the perfect size for Cup racing," he said. "You race close, but you're not stacked on top of each other so you can't maneuver."

He said he has not had great results at the track, "and that just makes it bittersweet to have a track be your favorite and struggle on it." He said he is counting on crew chief Steve Addington to find something to help his performance at RIR.

rhallman@timesdispatch.com (804) 649-6115

updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM

Awesome Bill the Walmart Shill; Will Debut Turner Walmart Cup Car at Daytona

Current NASCAR

Elliott, Owens To Debut Turner Team At Daytona
RacinToday.com Monday, 16 April 2012

Bill Elliott to driver for Turner Motorsports. (File photo courtesy of NASCAR)

Turner Motorsports announced that crew chief Trent Owens and veteran driver Bill Elliott will team up for the teams NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Daytona International Speedway in July.

Owens currently is crew chief for Turner Motorsports No. 30 NASCAR Nationwide Series entry and recently led the team to victory in the 2012 season-opener at DIS.

A former driverf, Owens is a Darlington, S.C., native who has served as crew chief for six years for Braun Racing and remained with the organization through its acquisition by Turner Motorsports two years ago.

Turner Motorsports NSCS debut is in conjunction with Walmarts Race Time program, launched last year as the largest retail promotion in NASCAR history. Race Time 2012 gives customers more accessibility to discounted race tickets, driver appearances and fan events at Walmart stores.

The goal for Elliott, who was voted NASCARs Most Popular Driver 16 times and is one of NASCARs Top 50 Drivers of all time, is to qualify and compete at the Coke Zero 400. He will also visit Walmart stores with his show car before select races.

Walmarts sponsorship of the No. 50 entry at DIS was announced in January as part of its 50th anniversary celebration.

Its exciting to be part of Turner Motorsports first Cup race with Bill Elliott and support from Walmart, said Owens, who has four NNS wins as a crew chief. Weve come a long way in just the last two years, so to take this step is really going to be a milestone for everyone who works so hard for this team every day.

Over the years, Owens has been successful working with a variety of drivers with different levels of experience. Prior to his win in the Feb. 25 NNS event at DIS with rookie James Buescher, Owens last season led veterans Mark Martin (Las Vegas Motor Speedway) and Reed Sorenson (Road America) to victory lane. In 2007, he served as crew chief for Dave Blaney in his win at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Fans will also get to participate in Elliotts return to the 2.5-mile superspeedway by voting on what drivers suit and helmet he will wear for the race. Three different drivers suit and helmet combinations have been specifically designed for Elliott and fans can vote by visiting www.Walmart.com/NASCAR between March 28and May 14.

Elliott, the 1988 Cup champion, has 44 career wins in the series, including four at DIS. He most recently finished 12th there in the 2011 Daytona 500.

Having the chance to work with Bill is icing on the cake, Owens said. Obviously, hes had an amazing career, and I have a lot of respect for his talent and what he has accomplished over the years. Not only is this a great opportunity for Turner Motorsports but its a big deal for me personally.

updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM

Richmond Has No Race Sponsors

Current NASCAR

Those were bad times in the Carter administration( the 2nd energy crisis ) , but I remember what happened during the Nixon Administration ( the 1st energy crisis ) even worse.

Following the beginning of the Arab oil embargo in October 1973, John Sawhill became the " Energy Czar. " Gas prices went from 38 cents a gallon in October 1973 to 55 cents a gallon by May 1974 - if you could find gas at all. It stopped being sold on Saturday and Sunday and went to an odd / even license plate number distribution. Blocks long lines at the gas stations were the norm. Any travel had to be carefully planned.

FALL 1973 GAS LINES

The 1974 24 Hours of Daytona and 1974 12 Hours of Sebring races were cancelled. Bill France met with John Sawhill and cut a deal to reduce the miles run in NASCAR by 10% at all 1974 races. That may explain what puzzles many newer fans when they see the odd number of laps run at 1974 races.

The Federal mandated 55 mph speed limit was implemented ( and enforced) . I remember driving from Wilson, NC to Atlanta in November 1973. The entire route south through North Carolina had State Troopers driving side by side at 55 mph on Interstate 85, effectively keeping the entire highway at that speed.

But, you're right, Robert. It wasn't easy, but racing somehow persevered. Let's hope it does again.

Richmond Has No Race Sponsors

Current NASCAR

Just noted something very troubling to me.

As of today, Richmond has no sponsor for its April Nationwide or Cup race or for its September Cup race.

That type lack of sponsorship situation is what hurt Pocono economically so badly for years. Don't know if it is the economy or if ISC wants too much money or a combination, but in good times at Richmond we had sponsors waiting in the wings.

This is not a good thing.

updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM

1st NASCAR Electric Pace Car to Lead Richmond Field - Ford Unveils on 4/25

Current NASCAR

Wow! I guess your heart DID skip a beat.

1st NASCAR Electric Pace Car to Lead Richmond Field - Ford Unveils on 4/25

Current NASCAR

I hope they've tested this thing a bunch. If it breaks down pacing a NASCAR field, Ford will look like a chump.

Electric pace car to be used at NASCAR race in Richmond
By: ASSOCIATED PRESS | Richmond Times-Dispatch
Published: April 16, 2012

DEARBORN, Mich. Ford Motor Co. will become the first manufacturer in NASCAR history to supply an all-electric car as the pace car.

The new Focus Electric will lead the field at the April 28 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

Mark Fields of Ford says research shows many Americans would consider an electric car if they understood the technology. Using the Focus Electric as pace car gives Ford a chance to educate consumers about the vehicle.

The car will be unveiled to the public at the Virginia State Capitol on April 25.

Ford also was the first to use a hybrid vehicle as pace car when the Fusion Hybrid led the field at Homestead in 2008. Ford in January unveiled its Fusion as its 2013 car to be used in NASCAR competition.

updated by @dave-fulton: 09/20/18 10:47:24AM

April 15, 1971: Petty wins in Maryville TN

Stock Car Racing History

Don Naman, who made such a good name for himself at Maryville, TN before moving on to Talladega was one of the finest men I ever met around NASCAR.

I ran many very successful Talladega promotions with Don in the 80s.

Don agreed in 1980 to let Wrangler build a stand alone V.I.P. suite going down into turn 1 that became the envy of everyone in racing. We upholstered everything in 14 ounce Wrangler Jeans denim and split the cost with Avondale Mills of Sylacauga, Alabama.

We hosted many "celebrities" for other sponsors in that suite that Don let us build. All of the V.I.P. scenes in that awful movie "Stroker Ace" were filmed in that suite with Ned Beaty, Burt Reynolds, Jim Nabors and Loni Anderson. When Phil Parsons took that huge barrel roll down in Talladega's turn 1, it was right under our nose.

I have to say that what I most remember about Maryville, TN and Smoky Mountain Raceway was the race Richard won there in 1968 by a lap over Pete Hamilton. I wasn't there, but Paul Sawyer and Kenny Campbell, the co-promoters at Richmond in 1968 tell hilarious stories of that race.

Richmond and Maryville were both paved in 1968 so Paul went out to check the asphalt job. Kenny was asked to drive the pace car as he did for many NASCAR races at the time.

Seems that a lot of skimping was done on the base preparation for paving Maryville for that first asphalt race in 1968. Paul and Kenny would double over in laughter telling what happened after the race started. Because of the improper base, the new Smoky Mountain Raceway asphalt started moving.

Kenny described driving the pace car on caution laps. The turns were actually sliding on top of the old dirt. He said it was the darnedest thing he ever saw at a racetrack. Everybody laughed about Maryville's 1968 paving job for years.