Pipe Smoke – Sat. Night Legends Race Better Than Sunday Cup Race

Let’s go racin!

I caught a video of the Legends racing at Bristol. I was very impressed to say the least. It was nice to see the cars decked out in some of the numbers and colors we remember. Rusty had Miller Lite on his car and the tobacco cars had the colors right. I wasn’t surprised that the not so seniors led the way. Sterling had qualified for the Cup race and went on to win the charity event.

Of the super seniors, 70+ LD Ottinger had the best showing and Harry Gant was real fast. Not a surprise that I read a story about cheating in the race. Some things never change. LOL If they really want to make these races special, how about if someone came up with fiberglass bodies in the form of some of the original cars. I know that it would cost some $$$ but it sure would be neat to see.

I am not a minister, nor do I portray one on the internet. I would however like to ask all of you to stop and say a prayer. There are several of us on the staff of motorsportsnews.net who are facing life challenges. Some, including yours truly are either out of work, working part time,or will be umemployed shortly. Pray that we all find the guidance that we seek, the patience that we need in these times of crisis, the faith to see us through and the willingness to accept the changes in our lives. I was told often that God may close a door and when he does, a window opens. Pray that His light shines through it.

A warm welcome to my new friends in the town of Enfield Ct. I work there and in my travels I love promoting both this site and this column to NASCAR fans young and old alike. If you like what you see here, drop an email, stop at Facebook, or better yet, tell someone.

There was a time when race tracks of all sizes and shapes were painted in the red and white of Winston. From sea to shining sea, on bullrings and 1/2 miles, paved and dirt there were banners strung and new scoreboards carrying the Winston logo. NASCAR had come to town and along with it, the Winston weekly racing series. Outlaw tracks became NASCAR tracks. Here in New England , the dominant short track series were the modifeds and NASCAR North Late Models. Both ran on tracks ranging from the quarters at Monadnock and Westboro to the high banks of Thompson. Those two series alone sent several top drivers on to fame and fortune including the Bodine brothers, the Bouchard brothers, Jeff Fuller and others. Outlaw tracks flocked to join the weekly series to get a modified and or a Busch North date. Even the legendary outlaw promoter Anthony Vendetti, allowed his boys a chance to compete for the regional points. If you were a NASCAR track, there were no other forms of modified tours or late model tours at your track, period. A turf war broke out when Tom Curley and NASCAR parted company. Tom went on to form the American Canadian tour. Despite several setbacks Tom is stilll at it.

Does the weekly series still exist? I am sure some one will tell me. Winston is long gone from the scene and they took their money with them. Here in the New England states, both tours are but shells of what they once were. What was the NASCAR North series is now part of a developmental program. It’s fomer crown jewel, the Oxford 250, is now an ACT race. Additional late model competition comes in the form of the PASS series. The modifieds hover around they two strongholds, Thompson and and the Stafford Motor Speedway in Ct.. They face competition from the True Value Modifieds and the Race of Champions series.
Can someone please tell me where tomorrow’s Cup series drivers will come from?

Got into a couple of really great historic racing sites this week. http://public.fotki.com/tona/ is the home for Ray Lamm and his fantastic photo and postcard collection. From the 60 to the 90s there are thousands of images including some Permatex shots. All the greats are there and even some of the not so greats. There are special sections devoted to Richard, Cale, Bobby Allison, Bobby Isaac and so many more. I spent some time talking with Ray and he is a true southern gentleman with plenty of stories to tell. Be sure to sign the guestbook and tell him John sent you.

Anotehr great site is www.racersreunion.com . I just scratched the surface here, but it looks great. There is a lot more than just stock cars here. They have sections on drag racing, boats, motorcycles, and showcars. You can join for free, set up a profile and support some of those who have made our sport what it is today.

Another lap in the books. Send your historic racing sites and job offers to kokoracer@gmail.com, catch my homepage on Facebook or find me hanging with the sober folks at www.e-aa.org

John