1st Annual Love Chevrolet Racers Reunion Festival
Historic, enchanting, entertaining and just plain FANTASTIC!Today marked the beginning of a terrific, show stopping event that will leave its mark for many years to come. It was like the vivid lyrics to a heartfelt country song, the rhythmatic sound of a Caribbean steel drum and the creative nature of a painter who turns a blank canvas into a beautiful portrait.The 1st Annual Love Chevrolet Racers Reunion Festival emerged with a BIG bang that left a lot of memories, feelings of gratitude and a sense of huge accomplishment that began months ago. The dream and passion of a few great men like Mr. Jeff Gilder along with the access to this historic site by Mr. Sellers allowed this day to become a reality. Additionally, a lot of hard work from a series of volunteers went into cutting down trees, clearing off the land, painting and cleaning up to make this day a huge success.The racetrack was buzzing with race fans and supporters as soon as the gates were opened to the public at 9 a.m. this morning. The foot traffic was consistent throughout the entire event day. There were many different food vendors, a host of vintage cars and some dynamic race car drivers signing autographs who paved the way for our young guns of racing.Appearances were made by Ned Jarrett, Lil Bud Moore, Buddy Baker, Dick & Johnny Dangerfield, Dink Widenhouse, Gene Hobby, Dave Marcis, Billy Biscoe and many more. I truly believe that Lil Bud Moore could have been a successful standup comedian if he hadnt chosen his passion for racing. He will definitely keep you entertained all day long.All of these gentlemen truly deserve the respect and recognition which was given to them on this great day because of their talent as well as contribution to the racing industry. Having the honor and privilege to get up close to these phenomenal talents was indeed a lifetime highlight. In addition, it was just special for them to be able to give of their time to mix and mingle with the grassroots as well as modern day race fans.There were a lot of smiles, positive feedback and looks of amazement shown by the all who attended this wonderful festival. Many track stories were shared from the drivers and fans that were in attendance. It was amazing to hear how special this racetrack has been to so many people.It has been such a pleasure to meet people like Jeff Gilder & Kay, Tim Leeming, Lawrence Gardner, Jim Seay, Devin, Charlie, Wayne, Jeffrey C., Jimmie Collins & Gail, Robbie & Donna Solesbee just to name a few right off the top of my head. I am looking forward to working with everyone again at the 2nd Annual Love Chevrolet Racers Reunion Festival this time next year.
All,I realize that there are probably a few names that I left off - please charge it to my head and not my heart. I want to thank everyone that I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with because you made me feel like part of the family. I appreciate it and I hope that we will all get to see each other again very soon. Take care and I'll chat with you all soon! Have a great night!
I think we should all give a shout out to Ben Hoover and all of the Love chevy crew without them none of this would have been possible Go Ben My neighbor and Friend LOL
Yes, I agree...Thank you so much Love Chevrolet for providing the support that you did for this event to take place. You were definitely an integral part of this whole endeavor - that's for sure! Thank you, thank you and thank you!
Mr. Rex White, 1960 NASCAR Champion was also in attendence. I first meet Mr. White and shook his hand at the Columbia Speedway in 1957 and was able to do it again.... 52 years later, at the same place I first meet him. What a true champion and gracious gentleman he is. I hope I don't have to wait another 52 years to shake his hand again. I was with my grandson yesterday and was thrilled that he got to meet Mr. White and shake his hand as I did so many years ago. Thanks to Mr. White and everyone that made this special event happen.
I didn't get to meet Rex White because I was working at the event but he was definitely in attendance. I am glad that you and your grandson got to meet him, shake his hand as well as enjoyed your visit to the racetrack. I am sure that Love Chevrolet and Racer's Reunion will not make us wait another 52 years for this opportunity :o) I am already looking forward to the 2nd Annual Love Chevrolet Racer's Reunion Festival...Hope to see you back there again!
Leon Phillips...Thank you so very much Sir! Now, how did I forget to include your name in my blog? (It's called writing while tired - smile) BIG Hugs!
I enjoyed meeting all the good folks down there in Columbia!Steve
Uni: You have touched me.........I have grown!!!Love,Charlie
Parking lot oil change, huh? (lol) Robbie, you know that I would love to continue to be a part of this fantastic group. Just give me the details and I'm there as long as my schedule permits. Talk to ya' soon!
On Friday when we started off the road and entered the parking lot I thought we were at the wrong place I could not believe all the work that had been done in the parking lot then I seen the beautyfull ticket office and the flag stand and the painted guard rails the tree that stood in the back stretch was gone as well as many many loads of bushes and undergrowth. The weeds and vines were missing and the pit road was visable as well as the turn one area. What a fantastic job that the band of merry volunteers have done since I was there last. It was remarkable what they have done in just a few short months. I am a little disapointed that those I told that I would buy them a Pepsi if they stopped by only one claimed the reward. I know that many of them were there though, by looking at all that is being written. Does anyone know if the lady that went into labor on the backstrech had her baby ? We were talking thought she should name it Backstrech Love after the event.
What are the plans for Columbia Speedway in the future?? Any chance of re-opening to the public??