7th Annual Back to the Roots Marvin Panch Awards Brunch at Main Street Station

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2018 recip ient of the Ala Sterling M arlin pause n Kulwicki Award, s for a pho with the # to opp 34 Bill Mort on car.

Bill Blair Jr., Charles Poindexter, Richard Poindexter, and NASCAR HOF Waddell Wilson, ready to greet the fans.

Co-founders Phaedra Lee

EDITOR

& Zetta Baker

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Previous Back to the Roots award recipients, Jack Cook Sr. (left), and LeRoy Porter (center) with Jack Cook, Jr.

www.BackToTheRootsDaytona.com

Phaedra Lee

Zetta Baker

Phaedra Lee

Bob Hissom

our mission Back to the Roots Daytona is an annual event celebrating the history and culture of auto racing and preserving the memory of Bill France Sr. and his contributions to the sport.

Back to the Roots Daytona promotes awareness of and helps maintain a community link to the history of racing by bringing everyone together at the annual events.

The annual Back to the Roots Daytona celebration is held at the 316 Main Street Station historic garage, a gathering place where Bill France Sr. once owned and operated the garage and promoted his events. It is now an entertainment venue for meeting friends, hearing live entertainment and hosting a variety of charitable and community events.

The vision of Back to the Roots Daytona is to unite the Legends of Auto Racing and share stories, history and memorabilia with today’s fans and enthusiasts so that they feel a part of racing history.

celebrating back to the roots day!

David Axelrod Hank and Bonnie Goodrich Tim Leeming Joe McGovern Tony Cassata David Kadetz Jim Turner Jennifer Mason Olin Hopes Sue and Ronnie Rohn Dick Hildebrand Buz and Gwen McKim Rhonda Glasnak Don Bok Noel and Fischer Mike and Angie Skinner Norm and Theresa Karr American Legion Greater Daytona Shrine Club Main Street Station Crew

The late Ed die MacDo nald and and presid Jacksonvil ent, Ronnie le HOA ind Rohn. uctee This year's People's Choice Award recipient, Travis Tiller, signing autographs.

air Jr. y Troutt and Bill Bl g tales from Kenn lin ril th d an hs ap r autogr Race fans gather fo

ear Warren, with 40-y Beach racer, Frank . ck lla , Skip Po veteran crew chief

ction supporters and au Back to the Roots with esa and Norm Karr, coordinators, Ther a Lee. co-founder, Phaedr

Ronnie Ro hn, racing stori the late James Hylto n, and Cha es at a pre rles Poinde vious Back xter share to the Roo ts event.

Awards Brunch Program 2019 Welcome Remarks.................................................Phaedra Lee with Main Street Station

Awards Brunch Program 2019 Back to the Roots Award: Bill Blair Jr.

Master of Ceremonies..............................Buz McKim, NASCAR Hall of Fame Historian

Given to a person who preserves and shares the passion of racing history. Awardee must have made a commitment to knowledge, community and love of the sport.

Presented by: Phaedra Lee

Pledge......................................................................................................................... Corky Vereen

People's Choice Award: Travis Tiller

Introduction................................ Roland Via with Motor Heritage Racing Association

Prayer.................................................................................................................................Ray Turner

Alan Kulwicki Driver/Owner Award: Richard Childress

In memory of NASCAR Winston Cup Champion, 1992, Alan Kulwicki, a driver, engineer and team owner/driver.

Presented by: Mike Skinner

Fireball Roberts Hard-Charger Award: Wayne Shugart

In memory of Glenn “Fireball” Roberts and his dedication to the sport of racing.

Presented by: Ronnie Rohn

Red Vogt Mechanic & Engineering Award: Kenny Troutt

The Red Vogt Award honors the achievements of auto racing’s Master Mechanic, Red Vogt, and his skills with Raymond Parks cars & teams.

Presented by: June Wendt and Buz McKim

Smokey Yunick Mechanics Achievement Award: Ralph Johnson

Without fans, racing wouldn’t be the greatest spectator sport, so this award goes to the crowd favorite.

Presented by: Bob Hissom

Daytona 200 Motorcycle Award: Bob Coy

T​ his award is in honor of Bill France's first beach motorcycle race held in 1937, on Daytona’s Beach.

Presented by: Doc Batsleer

Promoter Award: Ed Clark

To honor a person who can share racing with the masses by organizing and promoting races.

Presented by: Ken Ragan

Tim Sullivan Motor Heritage Racing Association Award: Don Garlits

Tim Sullivan was a founder of the Motor Heritage Racing Association and had a long involvement in the Motorsports industry. He tirelessly worked to bring sponsors into NASCAR and present the sport to the masses.

Presented by: Roland Via (MHRA)

A racing pioneer, mechanic, car designer, innovator and crew chief, Smokey Yunick did it all including research and development, and owning the “Best Damn Garage In Town”.

Presented by: Blackie Wangerin

Woman in Racing - Behind the Scenes Award: Sue Rohn

In honor of the women for their support and commitment to the sport of racing.

Presented by: Zetta Baker

Tim Flock Driver’s Achievement Award: Curtis Turner

In memory of Tim Flock, who was a two-time NASCAR champion driver, from a racing family with Ethel Mobley, Bob and Fonty Flock. Tim raced 187 races over 13 years with 39 wins.

Presented by: Francis Flock and Humpy Wheeler

Pioneer in Racing Award: Humpy Wheeler

This award is dedicated to a life-long passion and commitment to the sport of racing.

Presented by: Ed Clark

Visit Back to the Roots Daytona on Facebook for more awesome photos of racing legends, historic race cars, and stories!

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Daytona Beach Florida

Daytona Beach Florida

Real stories from the early days of racing

Real stories from the early days of racing

SmokeyYunick.comSmokeyYunick.com

Big Bill France Started It All Here 316 Main St reet Station historic garag Celebrating e bar. racing histo ry every Febru hosting and ary by promoting B ack to the R oots.

By Greg Fielden You’ve probably read countless stories about how the Streamline Hotel was the establishment in Daytona Beach where stock car racing was born. That was in 1948, although there is considerable evidence that the stock car racing series which is NASCAR as we know it today, actually began in 1947. That year— 1947—France spearheaded the National Championship Stock Car Circuit, a series of 34 or so races in seven states. He kept tally of the points, declared a champion (Fonty Flock), and paid him $1,000 for winning the title. That was the beginning of NASCAR. However, stock car racing’s roots were actually planted right here at 316 Main Street in Daytona. Big Bill, a nifty mechanic, was a native of Wahington, D.C. On October 19, 1934, he packed up his tools, a tiny travel trailer, his wife and first born son (Bill Jr.), hooked up all his belongings, and hauled buggy to the South.

His intended destination was Miami, FL. He stopped along the way here in Daytona, and he fell in love with the town—the warm weather, sunny skies, beautiful surf, and the wide beach. He made Daytona his new home, and operated an Amoco station here in the mid-1930s.

A good number of reports over the years told of Bill France’s car breaking down near Daytona. “If that’s how it happened,” Big Bill explained, “my being a mechanic, I’d have simply made repairs to the car.”

A little over a year later, in March, 1936, city officials, along with the help of the AAA, decided to stage a circular event on a make-do course in order to keep the allure of motorsports alive in the area. Bill France entered that first beach-road race, competing against Indy 500 champions, wealthy sportsmen, and a gathering of forgettable sidewinders. Big Bill finished fifth that day.

From his little Amoco Service Station on Main Street, he raced the old stock car tour when it was disorganized. He won several races, including twice on the Beach-Road course in his hometown, worked his way into organizing races, and became one of the finest promoters the sport has ever known.

316 Main Street—the original Bill France Sr. Garage. A thriving hub in the early days of racing.

Yes, Big Bill France started it all here at that Amoco Station. And what he began has blossomed into one of the greatest organizations in sports. You can see the the old gas station even today, 316 Main Street Station, a motor heritage landmark repurposed for your entertainment.

2019 Honored Award Recipients Richard Childress NASCAR icon Richard Childress was born in Winston-Salem, NC, in 1945, and broke into auto racing as a boy selling popcorn and peanuts in the grandstands at nearby Bowman Gray Stadium. As soon as he was old enough to drive, he acquired a stock car and competed in the novice division. He soon moved through the ranks to make his first premier series start at the first race held at Talladega Superspeedway, in September, 1969.

From that first Talladega event through 1981, Childress competed in 285 premier series events as a driver, racking up 76 Top 10 finishes, all the while driving his own equipment. With Childress abandoning the driver’s seat, a second-generation dirt track driver named Dale Earnhardt was assigned the Childress ride for 11 races in ’81. However, he moved to Bud Moore’s team in 1982.

Ricky Rudd took over the seat after Earnhardt, and gave Childress his first win, in 1983. Earnhardt returned to the team in 1984, giving Childress his first championship in 1986.

As a team owner, Richard Childress has entered vehicles in all three of NASCAR’s top series with 4,850 starts through the 2018 season. Childress machines have taken a total of 218 wins and 11 national championships. A highlight of the Childress team is two Daytona 500 wins with Dale Earnhardt in 1998, and grandson, and a win at Michigan by Austin Dillon in 2018. Earnhardt’s Daytona win was considered one of the most anticipated events in all of sport, taking “The Intimidator” 20 attempts before he picked up racing’s crown jewel. From 1995 through 2011, Childress also fielded cars in 80 ARCA Series events, with 10 victories, and the 2011 series title with his grandson, Ty Dillon, at the wheel.

From his humble beginnings Richard Childress has certainly left his mark on NASCAR racing.

His career carried him all the way to the NASCAR Hall of Fame with induction in 2017.

Wayne Shugart Robert Wayne Shugart was born September 11, 1941, in St. Augustine, Florida, where he still lives. He became interested in racing because his father, Robbie, built race cars, and was involved in racing for many years. At the age of 22, Wayne built a car and began to race in the limited class at the ¼ mile track newly built in St. Augustine. In his first race, he ran second. The next race he won. Wayne raced in that class for about a year, winning many races. He then moved up to the late model class, and has been winning races ever since.

Wayne has set track records at every track in this area, and some beyond. He won the 1976 Winter Nationals at Volusia County Speedway, Barberville, Florida. The only driver to win Everynight. He won Overall the following year. He has raced at Daytona Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. Wayne has had the pleasure of meeting and working with many great people—owners, drivers and engine builders, such as Speedy Spiers, Mac Richardson, Laverne Kendrick, and others.

Robert Wayne Shugart was inducted into the Jacksonville Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame in 1993.

celebrating racing history BackToTheRootsDaytona.com

2019 Honored Award Recipients Kenny Troutt Rarely is the word "passion" used in reference to an engineer or mechanic, as they are most often the men who work in the corners of racing shops, usually in North Carolina, to build the cars put on the tracks for the races. However, when it comes to this year's recipient of the Red Vogt Mechanics and Engineering Award, passion clearly defines the makeup of Kenny Troutt.

We'll begin with Kenny's association with legendary car builder Harry Hyde.

Kenny talks about that part of his life with almost a reverence for how Harry Hyde took him under his wing and taught him so much. He learned the trade well and made good use of those lessons with drivers such as Darrell Waltrip, Harry Gant, John Anderson, David Pearson, Greg Sacks, Bobby Isaac, Sterling Marlin, and Rick Mast, just to name some of the prominent drivers Kenny skills have helped.

His innovations, often in what he refers to as "the gray area" of the NASCAR rule book, are legendary.

One example, Kenny tells it, was when he had prepared a car for the track that would out-power and out-handle anything else around. As he relates the story, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. came up to him after practice at a particular event, and asked what he had done to the car that Earnhardt couldn't catch.

Kenny's response was something along the line of, "Nothing. It's built by the rule book.” Earnhardt didn't accept that for a minute, but Kenny wasn't about to disclose his engineering secrets.

Kenny had a big part in engineering the original Harry-Hyde-built number 71 Dodge Daytona driven by Bobby Isaac "back in the day,”. He relates that story with pride, emotion and yet, humility.

45 years after the 71 was rolling on the NASCAR tracks, Kenny was involved in reconditioning that original car for the Bonneville Salt Flats to attempt a land speed record run. Fans may want to visit YouTube.com and search "Bonneville 71" which is a 16-minute chronicle of the event.

Kenny, by his own admission, has lived a "roller coaster life," with the ups and downs so often involved with the racing business. Even so, he remains a happy man with wonderful memories and an unshakeable faith in God. Kenny's accomplishments in mechanics and engineering more than justify the award he receives as this years recipient of The Red Vogt Award.

Ralph Johnson Ralph Johnson has shared his natural engineering skills with many of the top companies related to automobile and auto racing. Johnson was born in the Detroit area in the middle of America’s Great Depression, and had a God-given ability to look at things mechanical and figure out how to make them better.

As a young man, Johnson got involved with General Motors and gained additional engineering skills by attending the company’s trade school program. Around that same time, his booming voice nearly landed him a job at a local radio station providing the voice of the Lone Ranger on the nationwide radio show. But, to racing’s benefit, Johnson chose to follow a career related to cars.

Over the years, Ralph Johnson has made his mark with companies such as Crower Cams, Holley Carburetors—where he developed the famed “double pumper” still very much in use today. He worked with Crane Cams, General Motors Chevrolet Division, as well as racing teams involved with NASCAR, USAC, and sports car racing with teams such as McLaren and Jim Hall.

Many people feel his greatest success came while working with Smokey Yunick—the “Cranky Cowboy of racing. Yunick and Johnson were two of a kind when it came to their work and ideas, and often they butted heads while questioning one another’s “heritage.” But in the end, the better ideas won out and the cars were all they could be.

Mr. Johnson’s long career surely entitles him to this award which is well-deserved.

2019 Honored Award Recipients Sue Rohn Sue was born in Green Cove Springs, Florida, on August 15, 1943. As a child, she rode passed the Jacksonville Speedway on Sunday afternoons to visit her Great Grandmother who lived at the corner of Lenox and Lane Avenue. She would get a glimpse of the race cars every now and then, but she always heard the roar of the cars as they went around the track. Little did she know that racing would be a big part of her life.

When Sue was 19, she moved to Jacksonville where she met her husband, Ronnie Rohn. Some of their dates were at the speedway, but racing did not get serious until they were married for a year. Ronnie raced for years and Sue, with their children, went with him to cheer him on. In 1975, Ronnie was racing at Putnam County Raceway, and Sue was asked to be a scorer. In 1980, Sue and their 4 kids helped Ronnie manage Putnam County Raceway until February Speedweeks, 1991. While at Putnam, Sue took care of the office duties, advertising, banquets, scoring, cutting grass, picking up trash, and helped with concessions. She also tried her hand at Powder Puff racing but she preferred scoring over driving. When she left Putnam she started scoring for Roger Godbee at Jax Raceways until 2005 when the track closed.

Sue has scored at other tracks such as Volusia County Speedway, Ocala Motor Speedway, Lake City Speedway, Valdosta Speedway, and Golden Isles Speedway in Georgia. But the best of all was at Daytona Speedway, 1977, where she was to score for Richard Petty. However, Linda Petty got there just before the race so Sue scored for Richard Childress.

Sue is currently the secretary for the Jacksonville Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame, and has been since 2002. Sue resides in Jacksonville and married to Ronnie 53 years. They have 4 children, Ronnie “Buddy” Jr., Myra, Martha and Marty, and 14 Grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren.

Sue Rohn was inducted into the Jacksonville Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame in 2005.

Curtis Turner Where can one begin to tell the story of a true-life legend of the sport of early-day stock car racing? Perhaps with the date of April 12, 1924, with the birth of Curtis Turner in Floyd, Virginia.—between that date and October 4, 1970, when Curtis was killed while piloting an airplane that crashed, the legacy he established for stock car racing, and his overall life, is one difficult to equal. Before we begin his driver achievements, let us remember it was because of his vision for the future of racing that Charlotte Motor Speedway was conceived and built. In pursuit of that dream, by attempting to organize the drivers into a union, Curtis ran afoul of Big Bill France, and was banned from NASCAR "for life" in 1961.

The "for life" suspension lasted until midway through the 1965 NASCAR season before it was lifted to help Big Bill out of the mess created by banning a manufacturer and several of the stars of that era. Further complicating the hurt for NASCAR, two-time Grand National Champion, Joe Weatherly, was killed in the opening race of the 1964 season, and in May of that year, at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Fireball Roberts was severely burned and succumbed to those burns in July. Jimmy Pardue was also killed testing tires at Charlotte. Curtis was reinstated in time for the inaugural race at North Carolina Motor Speedway, better known as "The Rock.” Curtis would take the number 41 Wood Brothers Ford to victory in Curtis Turner style.

Hitting the highlights: Winner 1956 Southern 500; holds a record 23 wins for NASCAR Convertible Division wins with 22 in one season; holds record for most Convertible Division poles with 16. Grand National Most Popular Driver in 1949 and 1956. Named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers in 1998. He was inducted into the Int'l Motorsports Hall of Fame (1992), the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (2006), NASCAR Hall of Fame (2016), and is also in the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Only driver to ever win two consecutive Grand National races from the pole and leading every lap (Rochester, NY, and Charlotte, NC, July, 1950). He gave manufacturer, Nash, it's only Grand National victory in Charlotte, April 1, 1951. He was the only driver to win a race red flagged because he was the only car remaining on the track. Curtis was the first NASCAR driver to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. It should also be noted that Curtis was a part of the group which met in the Streamline Hotel in Daytona which "birthed" NASCAR.

2019 Honored Award Recipients Humpy Wheeler Howard Augustine "Humpy" Wheeler was born to be a promoter. He began promoting bicycle races in his hometown of Belmont, NC, at the age of 9. The nickname is the result of his father who played football for the University of Illinois, and was known for smoking Camel cigarettes. As a kid, his father's friends began calling the young one "Humpy Jr.” "Humpy Jr." would go on to play college football as well, at the University of South Carolina.

Team mates included sports writer and later NASCAR executive, Jim Hunter, and Jim Duncan, who became marketing director for Charlotte Motor Speedway. Humpy's early racing career took him to Indy where he was a Firestone Tire representative who oversaw several Indy 500 wins for Firestone. Humpy moved up to become President of Charlotte Motor Speedway.

As President of the historic Charlotte track, Humpy developed his promotional skills to extraordinary heights.

Just some of the memorable promotions included a chicken in the mouth of a shark (reference D. W. and Cale Yarborough), and a reenactment of Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Granada. Then there was the "pay one price and eat all you can," in 2007, where a fan could purchase a grandstand ticket and then have all the concessions the fan could eat—before during, and after the race. Humpy Wheeler’s imagination is probably exceeded only by that of Walt Disney. The 2008 World 600 was to be the last event at Charlotte for which Humpy would be president.

He went on to other promotions in racing including the Grand Prix of America starting in 2014.

In 2013, Humpy started Speedway Benefits as a way for short tracks across the country to present as one voice in contracting with suppliers, advertisers, and business partners. The combined 1000-plus short tracks, united with Humpy promoting it, had the power to improve all of short-track racing.

His contributions to the sport of stock car racing are incalculable. Never has such credence been ascribed to the saying "if you can dream it, you can do it," for Humpy has surely done that many times over. Humpy has been a true pioneer who helped to build the sport of stock car racing into the attraction it is today. Thank you Mr. Wheeler!

Bill Blair Jr. If you are in the presence of Bill Blair Jr. for more than 30 minutes, and do not hear the term "early-day stock car racing" mentioned, either you weren't listening or Bill was explaining the workings of a flathead Ford engine. You see, "early day stock car racing" is a mantra Bill keeps alive and well, as he spreads that history to anyone who will listen.

Bill's father, Bill Sr., was a racer, pure and simple. He won races, including the 1953 NASCAR race on the beach here in Daytona. Bill Jr. idolized his father and still does today. Bill learned about race cars, building engines, and life on the road with a race team. Bill Sr. was building engines for Jim Paschal while Bill Jr. was still a teen.

Growing up in rural North Carolina, fast cars and moonshine were parts of Bill Jr.'s young life he speaks of in a matter of fact tone. Due to his father's deep involvement in the birth and development of the sport, it was not unusual for Big Bill France to be hanging around the Blair home. Bill Jr. listened to what was said, and retained it all in his mind with such clarity that today he speaks of it as though the events were only yesterday.

Bill has built engines for many race teams, and with a great deal of success. He maintains a flathead Ford race car, and has had one of his father's early cars displayed in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. Bill has not only done the round track scene but also achieved a great deal of success in drag racing. All he has accomplished in the technical and mechanical side of racing could fill volumes, and he can quote it word for word in general conversation.

Back to the Roots is an organization dedicated to preservation of the true history of the sport of auto racing.

Honoring Bill Blair Jr. with the named award is most fitting and proper because Bill has dedicated his life to ensuring fans of today have the opportunity to learn about the beginnings of the sport and the men and women who made it all possible. Bill established his own organization to honor racing pioneers, Our Racing Heroes, which has presented certificates to many who contributed so much. Bill has a presence on YouTube where recorded interviews with several personalities add a deep and meaningful look into stock car racing's past. Bill is also the co-host of a podcast radio broadcast weekly, dedicated to racing history.

Bill Jr. receives great satisfaction in knowing that the younger generation will remember his father, and all those who raced those early days, even before there was a NASCAR.

2019 Honored Award Recipients Travis Tiller Anyone who is a fan of the cowboy westerns of the 1950s and 60s that featured the good guys wearing white hats, should know that one of the finest good guys from the earlier days of stock car racing also wears a white (most times) cowboy hat. Travis Tiller is one of a kind who excels in positive interaction with people. It isn't surprising that The People's Choice Award would go to such a fine representative of stock car racing.

Born in Triangle, VA on May 15, 1937, Travis developed an interest in stock car racing at a very early age there in Virginia, where there were a couple of "bull ring" tracks with races he could attend. He moved to Florida after WWII, and his uncle took him to the short-track races on weekend nights. Travis turned his interest towards drag racing and at one point, he actually owned two drag strips.

Even with the thrill of two cars tearing down a quarter-mile at breath-taking speeds, the wonderment of stock car racing remained with Travis. In 1974, he bought a car from Buddy Arrington, and his plans to run NASCAR Grand National cars in the then Winston Cup Series, were put into motion. His first race was in North Wilkesboro. The interesting back story to this is what would become one of his defining traits on the circuit.

Another driver who was running for points had failed to qualify. He asked Travis about driving the Tiller entry as it had qualified. Being the good-hearted man he is, Travis agreed. He understood that the driver would start and run until the first caution flag or scheduled pit stop. When the green flag was waved and the cars roared away, Travis watched the track to see how his substitute driver was doing when, to his surprise, the driver came roaring down pit road on the first lap to exit the car. Travis, standing there in street clothes without his helmet, realized the driver intended for Travis to take over. Quickly getting properly attired, with helmet fastened, Travis climbed in, and would end that race in 17th position, an amazing feat.

Travis is credited with 52 starts in Cup racing between his 1974 debut in Richmond and his retirement after the 1983 Talladega race. He has no wins, and records show his highest finish was a 12th at Richmond.

What the records don't disclose is the number of times he let others who were running for points start his car, thereby earning credit for themselves instead of Travis.

Travis would pull his car home from the last race and leave it in the trailer where it remains to this day.

People's Choice Award to Travis? What could be more appropriate?

Bob Coy

Bob Coy is something of a renaissance man. He is a teacher who is married to a teacher, and he is a supporter of the arts. He is also an accomplished race promoter and supports various charities. Bob has also served in many official capacities with many racing-sanctioning bodies and he also competed as a motorcycle pro racer in the Kenny Roberts era.

His positions within the sport include a chief with the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) as well as the international motorcycle sanctioning body, the FIM. Coy staged an “old timers” event several years ago in the iconic racing venue of Laconia, NH. Two of the riders invited to participate were Joe Leonard and Bobby Hill. In an effort to attract tourism to Laconia, Bob also established a motorcycle hill climb as well as street races.

Bob, along with racing legend Dick Klamfoth, founded the USCRA (United States Classic Racing Association) to promote vintage motorcycle racing. He joined forces with journalist/broadcaster, Dick Berggren, and former driver, Bentley Warren, to establish the North East Motor Sports Museum in NH. Bob is director of the Motorcycle Monument on Main Street in Daytona Beach, FL. He is associated with Buzz Kanter, editor-inchief of American Iron magazine, and is a contributor to that publication.

Bob enjoys working with today’s youth, serving as an official for the American Soap Box Derby Association.

He has been nominated for induction to the American Motorcyclists Association, AMA Hall of Fame, although it’s a good bet he will be inducted.

It is safe to say the Bob Coy has dedicated his life to not only motor sports, but also to serving others.

2019 Honored Award Recipients Ed Clark

In the world of motorsports, the most difficult job, arguably, is that of a promoter. At Atlanta International Raceway, the second the checkered flag falls on one event, it is time for the promoter to start work on the next. Ed Clark is one of those tireless individuals dedicated to promoting events at the Atlanta track. Atlanta, opened in 1960, is the fourth of the super speedways, and has hosted more 500-mile races than any other NASCAR track.

In the original configuration—a true oval with quarter mile straights and half-mile turns— the racing was superb and remains so today, even though the configuration has changed.

Ed Clark was enticed by the sport because of a tricycle which just happened to be the same color as the race car of Marvin Panch. Marvin was the favorite driver of Ed's uncle, so Ed acquired the nickname of "Pancho" from his uncle. Ed was five years old then, and three years later he attended his first race.

As with many, Ed was immediately immersed in the sport. During high school and college, he covered races but didn't get a real job in racing until 1977. While a student at Virginia Tech, he was hired by Bristol Motor Speedway to work in public relations.

In 1979, Ed entered the magic window of a race car to compete in a Goody's Dash race at Rockingham. That was his only adventure behind the wheel of a race car until he started running Legend cars at Atlanta in 2003.

That stint lasted about 10 years before he hung up his helmet for positions in management at AIR. In 1992, he was promoted to Vice President and GM of the facility. In November of that same year, Richard Petty drove in his final race there, and a young Jeff Gordon drove his first Premier Division race there. What memories that November day would leave with the fans, and was certainly a banner day in the life of Ed Clark.

Ed continues his 365 days a year job at Atlanta. His passion for that mile and a half track outside of Atlanta, GA makes it a mission and pleasure. He continues moving forward to make racing at the facility the finest on the circuit—a fact not overlooked by true race fans. Ed, you are the epitome of what it means to turn your passion into a successful life's mission. Keep it up!

Don Garlits

In his incomparable career, Don was the first man to exceed the speed of 170 mph in a quarter mile, only to follow that with the same distinction for 180 mph, 200 mph, 240 mph, 250 mph, and 270 mph. The records also show a speed of 321.42 mph by "Big Daddy Don.” Oh, and FYI... Don also set a record speed of 184 mph. What?? How is that a record? Well, it was set in an electric car without any internal combustion engine.

Amazing to say the least.

The innovations brought about in drag racing are, to a great extent, due to the efforts of Don to enhance the sport and to make it safer. For instance, Don noticed that a majority of the failures and dangerous explosions of the Top Fuel and Funny Cars came in the last 300 feet of the strip. He championed an effort to reduce the drag strips to 1/8 of a mile from the customary 1/4 mile. He believed in full Nomex fire protection attire for the driver. Many mechanical and design innovations for the cars you see on drag strips today, are connected directly to the efforts of Don Garlits to make the sport safe.

Don is considered the "Father" of drag racing, thus the nickname "Big Daddy.” It was from a humble beginning drag racing on the old, abandoned air strips left over from World War II that Don launched the program to the spectacle it is today. Thousands attend events around the country to see automobiles move so quickly before them it is almost impossible to determine what you are watching.

Awards? He has a few. For instance, his 1987 Top Fuel Dragster is on display at the National Museum of American History, a part of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. You want more? How about 10 American Hot Rod Championships, 4 International Hot Rod Association Championships, and 3 National Hot Rod Association Championships, winning his last Championship at age 54. Don has also been inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Int'l Motorsports Hall of Fame , and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

When the NHRA selected its top 50 drivers, the man in the number 1 spot is Don Garlits.

Don has his own museum among his accomplishments. It celebrates the sport of drag racing at his home in Ocala, Florida. To tour that museum is to tour a time capsule of how the sport of drag racing became the attraction it is to so many people.

Al Wanser

Motor Racing Heritage Charter Member #16

“Big Daddy” Don Garlits NHRA Multiple Champion

Steve Burnside

WV Motor Speedway - Most Wins/Fast Time

Skip Pollack Crew Chief For Frasson and Wangerin

Wendall Oliver Scott 1921 - 1990 Car #34

Jimmy Hailey

Winston - Salem, NC Nascar Driver 62’-74’

AIRPS

1960 - 1970 Augusta, GA

Brody Gunter 3 Time NSQMRA 2018 Track Champ

Cordell Futch #92 South Georgia Dirt Racer

Ray Turner Chaplain Race Way Ministries

Streamline Hotel Eddie Hennessy Preserving Our Past

Harvey Jones #68 Jones Special #6 - Tallahassee Florida

Charlie Roberts Grand National Driver 1970 - 1974 #77

A Big Thank You To Norm & Theresa Karr Mr & Mrs Claus

Racing's

PARADE DAY

By Rhonda Glasnak

Each year, two Saturdays prior to the Daytona 500, always to the delight of a cheering crowd, The Historic North Turn Legends Beach Parade will hit the legendary beach/road course in Ponce Inlet, FL. The parade began in 2012, with the Cooperation of The County of Volusia, The Town of Ponce Inlet, Racing’s North Turn’s owners, Rhonda and Walter Glasnak, and friends Bob Coolidge and Dargan Watts.

The parade’s goal is to share Volusia County’s rich racing history with residents and visitors alike. Original beach drivers with their authentic race cars, as well as racing replicas come from all over the United States to participate. The cars themselves are held to a strict guideline. The race car must be between the ages of 1958 and older.

Parade day begins at sunrise with the staging of the cars in Racing’s North Turn parking lot.

The free shuttle buses begin to pack the crowds in for the day. Driver interviews and autograph signings are held inside Racing’s North Turn, hosted by Chocolate and Caron Myers. The drivers come from near and far to relive this event each year.

Some of the greats who have attended include: Richard Petty, Glen Wood, Rex White, Johnny Allen, Marvin Panch, Russ Trulove, Vicki Wood, and Brownie King to name a few. The parade also boasts the support of Joie Chitwood III from International Speedway Corporation; NASCAR VP Mike Helton, and Charlotte Motor Speedway’s President and General Manager, Humpy Wheeler.

The drivers leave the building and climb into their cars, ready to make another year of racing history.

By this time, Atlantic Avenue as well as the beach begins to swell with an enthusiastic crowd of thousands. The drivers start their engines and line Atlantic with the roar and rumble of their cars. The Mayor drops the green flag and they're off, reliving the thrill of racing on the famous 4.1 mile road and beach course one more time.

Rhonda and Walter Glasnak are the owners and managers of North Turn Restaurant, located at the—what else?—original north turn of the beach racing course. The restaurant is a home for racing memorabilia and the site of many important racing events.

Ragan h NASCAR driver, David (holding gloves right), wit e n here nsk ow rge Sh .

Be ry ren Ga ild e, Ch tat Imperial Poten riners Hospitals for Sh fit ne be to ves glo racing (center), who donated his an Shriners. ra Lee, and flanked by Az aed Ph er, nd fou cowith BTTR

d close frien Panch with in rv a .

M te im The la uz McK historian, B and racing

! e t a e v D Sa

Dick and Eva Foley attend every year. Dick is from Canada and raced on the beach course.

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FOLLOW US - FACEBOOK: Back to the Roots Daytona EMAIL: backtotherootsdaytona@gmail.com

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historian, ycle racing ief rc to o m ), ch er (left SCAR crew Doc Batsle former NA h enter), it (c w n p u so il s catche addell W W r, e d il u eb cKim. and engin rian, Buz M to is h t/ is rt a and racing

Back to th e Roots co -founder, B Hisson, wit ob hd recipient, V river and award icki Wood and Richard Poindexte r.

The # 34 car was driven by Bill Morton from Cherry Hill, Tenn. In 1962, this car won the Nascar Modified Championship in Bristol. This is the "real deal car" and was restored by Rod Long in 1995. This car was also driven by Johnny Handy at one time.

Special thanks to racing photographer, Don Bok, for sharing these great photos he took of Bill Jolley with Behind Daytona, capturing the Bill Morton car #34 at Main Street Station.

 The car is owned by Charles Poindexter, and is part of the "Gold Mine" collection in Gainesville, FL.

#34

The Beach & Road Courses of

Most race fans are familiar with the wild and crazy days of stock car racing when it was held on the shimmering white sands of Daytona Beach, FL. It was certainly one of the most – if not the most – unique race venues in the world. Stock car racing on the beach predates the founding of NASCAR in 1947, by over a decade. Sir Malcolm Campbell set the final speed record on the beach, in 1935, before moving his efforts to the more spacious Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The City of Daytona Beach wanted to continue beach competition with another type of racing.

So, in 1936, they reached out to local, retired racer Sig Haugdahl, for an idea.

He suggested establishing a 3.1-mile oval course with a half of the track running north along the beach, and the other half running south along State Road A1A.

Many racing legends, both stories and drivers, sprung from this piece of Florida real estate. NASCAR was in its infancy and was trying to establish its place in the racing world and this course did wonders in doing just that. But, did you know there were two beach race courses? in a heap out in the palmettos. The south turn was located at DeMotte Avenue, about one block south of the Dunlawton beach approach. In 1937, motorcycles were added to the events there, and this course was used through 1947.

In the years after World War II, beachfront development was booming so this first course was abandoned in favor of a new location a few miles south in Ponce Inlet.

This second course was born with the running of the first NASCAR race in February, 1948. It was a 4.1-mile affair consisting of two 2-mile straightaways. The north turn was located just south of the present North Turn Restaurant, with the south turn using the southernmost beach approach near the iconic lighthouse. Again, motorcycles were included in competition.

Stock car racing had a 10-year run on the second course, ending in 1958, with the opening of the ultra-modern Daytona International Speedway looming in the near future. Motorcycles races continued on the beach through 1960 before moving to the new speedway.

Daytona Beach

By Buz McKim

The north turn was cut through the sand dunes, across the road from today’s Daytona Beach Shores City Hall. A1A featured an “S” turn about halfway down which gave the drivers a unique challenge. Many ended up with their cars

Beach racing was part circus and part Keystone Cops. Crowd control was always an issue although Bill France’s “Beware of Rattlesnakes” signs helped a bit. As crazy and uncontrolled as it seemed, the racing was always very serious with state-of-the-art technology – as simple and crude as it seems today. One thing is for sure, we will never see the likes of it again.

t FRANCES h g i l t o FLOCK Sp IN THE

Tim Flock gets congratulated by wife Frances and brother Fonty after winning at Detroit in 1952.

2016 Behind the Scenes - Lady in Racing award recipient whose tireless dedication helped propel the sport.

Smokey Yunick greets Bill France.

Photo: georgiaracinghistory.com

Autographed photo of Hall of Fame Champion Rex White with the #4 race car.

ishers in the e of the top fin on is er rn Tu is Curt .

1958 on Feb. 22 beach race of

first

Travis Tiller - fa ce bearing evid ence of a hard foug ht race to the finish.

Frances is honored with the 2016 Ladies in Racing Award for her years of dedicated service and support of racing.

Tiger Tom Pistone (center) and the crew having fun in this photo with fellow racer Marvin Panch (left).

Frances Flock looking good behind the wheel!

Dink Widenhouse skillfully navigates the famous beach course turn - 1956.

CAPTURING

SPEED

By David Axelrod

Not

too

many

people

will tell you they used film spools as toys as a kid. Not too many young people even know what film spools are anymore. Son of a professional photographer who owned a well-known studio right here on Main Street, Don Bok has devoted

eedway red him at the Sp hi ho w n, re ar W Don with Taylor rd Mustang. d Don's ‘67 Fo an o, ag s ar ye 57

himself to photography, for over 50 years employed by NASCAR to capture some of its most important moments.

A Tim Sullivan Award Winner in 2013, Don Bok is recipient of the prestigious Degree of Photographic Excellence from the Florida Professional Photographers. But Don will tell you his real joy is, “When people tell me photos I took of

50 years betwen these photos an d still going strong.

them at events have become family treasures.” Whether you see him carrying his own ladder across an infield to climb to just the right

Don Bok has devoted his career to racing photography. For over 50 years he was A favorite photo of Don dressed as John Wayne with his nieces.

employed by NASCAR to capture some of its most thrilling moments.

perspective, or peeking through a fence to get the perfect view, Don continues his award-winning career as racing’s documentarian.

Don receives the 2018 Back to the Roots Media Award from co-founder, Phaedra Lee.

COLLECTIBLES &

TREASURES

By Jim Cowan, Classic Auto Appraisals, International At the start of the 1900’s the automobile was just being introduced to North America, but it didn’t take long to get to the first time trials and races.

Happy100th Birthday7

By 1903 the sands of Ormond Beach became a proving ground for automobile inventors and drivers. These first speed tournaments earned Ormond the title “Birthplace of Speed.” Then the playboys and speed demons from around the world hit the shore, moving slowly southward to Daytona then finally Ponce Inlet in search of better sand for higher speeds.

The “actual historical” cars are subject to their history, condition and the market but can attain a huge value.

Over the years there would be thousands of drivers attempting to break records on those beaches with many different forms of automobiles and motorcycles. Many of the drivers have left us now but many of their automobiles remain as proof of the time and events. Some of the automobiles that we appreciate and reminisce over attend events here on the beaches of Daytona each year for this continuing ritual that has lasted 116 years. Others remain in museums or private collections to be seen by few, and most are never operated.

When we view the cars we often think “how much would that cost?” The answer is, values vary but all are a treasure to someone.

To the person who re-creates or replicates a vehicle, the costs can be unbelievably high, but for a car that is “a driven reminder” of the past, the investment can be considerably lower. The “actual historical” cars are subject to their history, condition and the market but can attain a huge value. There’s always the stickler though when considering value. That stickler would be the vehicle that looks the part but is not what it is being purported to be. For that, a person should be very wary because, as in all forms of collectibles and treasures, the value may not be there.

Always refer to a knowledgeable and respected person to advise you when considering a purchase of one of these vehicles.

Please have a fantastic time with us during the 2019 version of Speedweeks.

VICKI WOOD

Most of us know that Vicki Wood holds the fastest time for a stock car on Daytona Beach (150.375 mph) in 1960, but what has she done for us lately? A lot, it turns out. At 100, Vicki is still as quick-witted as ever and a major advocate for auto racing. A few years ago, when she first met Danica Patrick, they commented on both of them being “tiny,” but that just meant they were "built close to the ground for speed.” At the presentation of her Tim Sullivan Award at the Back to the Roots Brunch, in 2017, she gave a rousing acceptance speech. We honor her again this year for her passion and contribution to auto racing.

HAPPY 100th Vicki. Many more miles per hour to you!

LADY AT THE

WHEEL!

Joan Newton Cuneo was the nation’s first successful female race car driver. Competing from 1905 until 1915, she raced in a time when women were considered too frail and nervous to pilot a powerful race car.

By Dan Smith

It might not be too late You may still be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan

Call a licensed sales agent Peter Napoli

386-566-0433 (TTY: 711) Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

If you missed the December 7 Annual Enrollment Period deadline, we have good news: You may still be able to enroll!

There are several reasons why you may be elligible to enroll in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan—reasons like you are moving; you are just turning 65 years old; you are newly qualified for Medicare due to a disability. Other circumstances may qualify you as well.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to H1036-044. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings call 1-800457-4708 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., seven days a week. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (Chinese): 1-877-320-1235 Y0040_GHHK4UHEN_19_C

When we think of the famous women of auto racing, names like Vicki Wood, Janet Guthrie, Lyn St. James, Shirley Muldowney, and more recently Danica Patrick, come to mind, but one very important name is mostly lost to history. Joan Newton Cuneo was the nation’s first successful female race car driver.

Competing from 1905 until 1915, she raced in a time when women were considered too frail and Cuneo, circa 1910. Library of Congress nervous to pilot a powerful race car. Joan would race Joan image from the Harris & Ewing collection. successfully against most of the top male drivers of the day. In 1909, she took her big, Knox racer to New Orleans to compete on an oval dirt track, and after several days of racing, was voted one of the three top drivers of the meet along with Ralph Depalma and Bob Burman, both legends of early racing. At the New Orleans Auto Carnival, she would leave famed drivers like Barney Oldfield and Louis Chevrolet in her dust. Despite her success, soon after that meet, the deaths of two female drivers resulted in women being banned from racing. Joan then spent much of her life trying to prove the critics wrong.

She was born of a wealthy Massachusetts family and raised in the style of a socialite.

In 1898, she married Andrew Cuneo from an established banking family. On a whim, or perhaps out of boredom, Joan bought a used 1902 steam-powered Locomobile. Until then, she had never even sat in an automobile, but once she learned to drive it, there was no getting her out. She spent her days whizzing Circa 1911, behind the wheel of a Knox Giantess. Image about the country roads (at 10 to 15 m.p.h.). courtesy of Wilmington Historical Society.

Quickly, Joan found she had a need for speed, and moved up to a more powerful, 1906 Maxwell. She traveled the country competing with the top male drivers of the day. In 1909, she came to our beach to try for a land speed record, but had to withdraw due to mechanical problems. Still, the name Joan Newton Cuneo rings out as one of America’s racing pioneers.

Dan Smith is a founder and board member of the Motor Racing Heritage Association and writes 2 weekly columns, “Landlines” and “Fishing with Dan” for the Hometown News. He is also author of The World’s Greatest Beach.

7 k o o b r a Ye BACK TO THE ROOTS

18 onies at the 20 Evening cerem ent. to the Roots ev

Back

Trish Yunick with husband, Wade, filming the Back to the Roots 2018 activities.

Bobby Allison accepts the Tim Sullivan Award from Motor Heritage Racing Association's Ron Piasecki at the 2018 event with Phaedra Lee and Tiger Tom Pistone.

Kenny Troutt walks the red carpet like a true champ.

from the photographed ity tiv ac s ot e street.

Back to the Ro etary across th m Ce ds oo W historic Pine

Racing fan and volunteer, Toni, is getting all of her favorite autographs.

Imperial Potentate, Gary Bergenske, with fellow Shriners holds the racing gloves donated by NASCAR driver, David Ragan.

Racing legend s on stage stan ding for pledge

by American Le presented gion Color Gua rd, Post 120.

Buz McKim with his original racing art displayed at the 2018 BTTR event.

2018 In Remembrance STOCK CAR RACING James Hylton James Hylton, Jr. David Pearson Eddie MacDonald Kevin Caldwell Russ Truelove Rich Rubenstein Terry Stevensen Charles Strang Jimmy Hailey Sr. OPEN WHEEL Jason Johnson Jerry Sneva Mari Hulman George Bill Egleston Greg Hodnett

SPORTS CAR Dan Gurney Dan Panoz Jeff Green Jim Victor

OFFICIALS Jim Foster Carl Hill

JOURNALISM Tom Higgins

DRAG RACING Tom “Mongoose” McEwen Kat Moller Kitty O’Neil Doug Rose

BROADCASTING Brian Drebber Keith Jackson OTHERS WE LOST Glenn McGlone Al Wanser

IN MEMORY OF JIMMY HAILEY SR.

April 12, 1939 - May 2, 2018 Written By Hank & Bonnie Goodrich

Tom “Mongoose”

McEwen

After graduating, in 1957, from Gray High School in Winston Salem, NC, Jimmy Hailey proudly served his country for 13 years in the United States Marine Corp., receiving an honorable discharge Jimmy Hailey Sr. in 1969. In 1975, he attended Davidson Community College and earned a certificate in transportation traffic management and joined Old Dominion Freight Line trucking company as director of the air freight division.

Jimmy always had a passion for auto racing and raced for many years in many divisions including Winston Cup Grand National from Bowman Gray Stadium, to Daytona International Speedway.

He also became a car owner and raced throughout the southeast in NASCAR-late model stock car racing. Jimmy and life-long friend, Richard Childress, teamed together in 1988, and formed RCR Promotions Show Car Program starting with one car, and growing a fleet of cars until his retirement in 2001. Jimmy always kept his interest in old cars and his 1936 Studebaker could be seen at many local car shows. His recreation of his old race car was his pride and joy—a 1936, purple #4 Plymouth coupe.

Dan Gurney

Photo: indycar.com

Jimmy's health was a challenge beginning in 2008, with a heart attack requiring a pacemaker, and two more heart attacks in 2015, along with a diagnosis of lymphocytic leukemia in 2014. He had one last goal... to complete his beautiful, purple #4 1936 Plymouth vintage modified, and head south to Daytona Beach for the 2017 race week events including the historic Racing's North Turn Beach Parade, Main Street Station's Back to the Roots events, and the Living Legends of Auto Racing events. His friend of 33 years,Tim White, decided he was going to make Jimmy's dream happen. So he stepped in to help complete the car, and together, they drove to Daytona and had a memorable time together at all the events.

That is where I met Jimmy Hailey and Tim White for the first time. After Jimmy's passing, I contacted Jimmy Jr., and purchased the purple #4. It's now in my garage here in daytona. I plan on making sure the #4 hits the beach again and is displayed at as many of the 2019 race weeks events as possible.

James Hylton and Eddie MacDonald

Jimmy Hailey Sr. will have a brick installed in the Memorial Drivers' section at the historic Main Street Station, once owned by Bill France Sr.

A Special Thanks to Jimmy Jr. and the entire Hailey Family for allowing us to honor Jimmy Hailey Sr.

Eddie MacDonald

DIS 4th President jim Foster

Sincerely Hank & Bonnie Goodrich Port Orange, FL. Brian Drebber

Jimmy Hailey Sr.'s

purple #4

BROWNIE KING

NASCAR pioneer Brownie King recalls his first trip to the beach.

old, Brownie, from East Tennessee, somehow enjoyed his first trip to the world center of racing.

“That was a thrill,” he said. “Man you would race forever. And the backstretch down A1A, those humps and bumps would about jerk you in two.”

King’s first time racing on the beach ended unceremoniously. He dropped out after burning up the Chevrolet’s clutch and was credited with a 50th place finish in the 56car field.

King also competed in both the Convertible and Grand National beach races in 1958 – the final year before the speedway opened.

Brownie racing the 1957 Chevy on the beach at Daytona

By David McGee Herman “Brownie” King charged northward across the sands of Daytona’s hard-packed beach at 100 mph when he realized he couldn’t see where he was going.

It was the opening lap of the 1957 NASCAR Grand National race on Daytona’s famed Beach & Road Course, while surrounded by 56 of the world’s best drivers. The moment’s historical significance was temporarily clouded by near zero visibility as the heavy-duty, spring-designed windshield wipers failed.

“We were in the South turn and they dropped that green flag and we took off up that beach,” King said.

“I was back about the middle of the pack and all that salt water came up out of that sand, went all over that windshield, and those windshield wipers stood straight up in the air and just quivered. They didn’t even touch the windshield.”

In addition to the wiper spring, Jess Potter, the car owner and crew chief, had rigged a contraption under King’s left foot to pump clean water onto his windshield. While it worked fine in the pits, it proved utterly useless at high speeds.

“I couldn’t see where I was going. I looked on both sides of me and there were cars on both sides. I stuck my head out the window a little bit and it was still a long way up to the North Turn,” he said.

“That’s the way I drove until we got to the turn. The windshield wipers started working once we slowed down and wiped the windshield off. After a lap or two, all the water evidently got out of the sand and I didn’t have any more problems seeing the rest of the day.”

In the decade before NASCAR founder, Bill France Sr., built the mammoth Daytona International Speedway, he staged organized races on the 4.1-mile beach and road course. The fearless 23-year-

He finished 21st out of 29 cars in the 39lap ragtop race on Saturday, bolted the roof on and ran 35th out of 49 cars on Sunday.

His day ended when the engine failed after 24 of 39 laps. King took home $60 for his Saturday showing, and $25 for Sunday – vast improvements from 1957, when he was among 16 drivers who received nothing.

One of the sport’s true pioneers, King competed alongside the first generation of superstars – Lee Petty, Tim Flock, Fireball Roberts, Joe Weatherly, Curtis Turner, Rex White and Jack Smith – during six seasons in NASCAR’s Grand National division and four seasons racing Convertibles.

“Brownie was a charger,” said White, the 1960 Grand National champion. “I remember racing with Brownie a lot. He’s a good racer.”

In addition to competing in the last beach race, King raced in the first two Daytona 500s and was in the starting fields when three of the sport’s all-time greatest drivers – Richard Petty, David Pearson and Cale Yarborough - made their initial NASCAR starts.

David McGee is the senior P.A. announcer at Bristol Motor Speedway and author of seven books about auto racing history. This story is reprinted with permission from his A History of East Tennessee Auto Racing.

WHAT IT MEANS TO RACE Inspired by the Back to the Roots autograph session

By David Axelrod

THE OLD-TIMERS

The collectors are out with glossies, NASCAR jackets, even model cars to be signed.

The old-timers are glad to slap each other’s backs. Those 500s left you exhausted and sore. Now it’s soft seats and classic photos on display.

You can pick your young self out or shout, “There’s Billy!

Gawd, he was handsome!”

These are easy times, showing up for kudos and autographs. 3 drivers from the ’60s stand close for a photo— but this one is for themselves.

You can tell by their gentle hands around the shoulders, this one is sincere. Speed was one thing. Now, they take it all in stride, glad they have survived.

AUTOGRAPHS

The principle is called “contagious magic.”

Someone or something has special powers.

You touch and the powers transfer to you.

It’s worked since you caught that homerun ball at the big league game and touched it before you batted on the little league team.

The rabbit’s foot—another story. Not so lucky for the rabbit but an ancient sign— where there were rabbits, with luck you, too, could find lots of food.

So, you stand in line to get the autograph.

Others may see it as a quick way to make a buck selling on eBay, but you know better.

If you get a NASCAR champ to sign, it has to bring you better luck. Your car will always start. You’ll get to work on time.

If you get a picture of you two shaking hands, frame the photo for your desk. “Is that you with Earnhardt?” You’ll get promoted, a big raise and finally you can buy those Daytona 500 Tower tickets that cost a fortune but come with the chance to meet more drivers, get more autographs, good luck, and like magic, you are sure to win.

Poems © Copyright 2012-2013 David B. Axelrod.

First published in The SPEED Way: Poems about NASCAR and Growing Up Around Cars and Racing (TotalRecall Publications). Dr. Axelrod is Volusia County, Florida, poet laureate.

David B. Axelrod, author of The SPEED Way, at Back to the Roots.

Jodi, Dolores, and Holly with a car owned by Hank Goodrich

From all of us at Backyard Boys BBQ, Congratulations to the winners of the 4th Annual Awards Brunch!

Stop in and see us • Located on US1 in South Daytona • Open 11-9 daily