NASCAR: A Festival of Memories at Darlington Raceway
The last weekend of September is a time to take a step back in racing history, as fans get to talk to the NASCAR greats who gave us memories the likes of which we shall never see again. You can shake their hand, get autographs galore and hear the wonderfully funny stories they have to tell of a time that has passed.
The Darlington Historic Racing Festival at Darlington Raceway is a plethora of vintage vehicles not only from NASCAR, but open-wheel cars as well. You will be certain to see many specialty vehicles from days gone by.
The cars come to life and take to the track with their drivers in full uniform, having to strictly abide by the rules set forth at the lengthy driver's meeting. Though they don't actually race, the cars go in classes of like vehicles and run at speeds that give you the feel of real racing.
Well known NASCAR commentator Barney Hall hosted the question and answer session with Ned Jarrett, Harry Gant, Leonard Wood, David Pearson and crew chief Waddell Wilson. The laughter and applause and comments from the audience showed just how much the memories these men gave us meant to NASCAR fans.
Lines of fans got to leisurely bring their memorabilia to the tables and chat with drivers and owners as they secured autographs galore. Young children would cling to pictures they had gotten signed even though they had no idea who these men really were and what they had done for the sport.
We must cherish events like this Historic Racing Festival because fans of the sport will not like see Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus, Rick Hendrick, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and on and on sitting around sharing stories of the good ol' days twenty or thirty years down the road. It just won't happen.
So thank you Darlington Raceway for this special time to share memories, sights and sounds.
Now for a quick tour of the Festival...enjoy!
NASCAR Fans Galore
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Legenday car owner Bud Moore sits next to Leonard Wood during the autograph session and the fans sit patiently for their turn at the tables.
Moore fielded cars for drivers including Fireball Roberts, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, Donnie Allison and more in NASCAR.
He was the country mechanic who "made em' run fast" and was known for his red and white cars.
Not NASCAR, But Very Cool
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This blue beauty garnered lots of attention for sure.
Chargin Charlie Glotzbach
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Chargin Charlie last won a NASCAR race in 1971. It was the caution free Volunteer 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway which was run at a record pace that still stands.
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Legendary David Pearson
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David Pearson pretty much stole the show with his stories and comments. It was unanimous from not only his peers, but the fans in attendance that he will indeed be inducted in the second class at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Old Stock Cars
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Sure looks like they are racing.
Talk About Memories
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These cars bring back some memories for sure. How great would it be to see Dale Earnhardt and David Pearson run side by side on the banks of Darlington just one more time?
Hardly The COT
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Great to see these fine looking cars.
Looks Like a Fun Ride
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I don't think this would make the Whelen Modified Tour, but it was cool back in the day, and still is.
Ready to Roll
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All dressed up and ready to run.
Two Of NASCAR's Best
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The called him "Handsome" Harry Gant and by gosh he still is, as he sits with Ned Jarrett during the question and answer session.
What kind of vitamins do these guys take?
Racing Safety Equipment
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Oh my! You guys raced with that kind of helmet and goggles? Thankfully we have come a long ways in auto racing.
Quite The Garage Area
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This was just a sampling of the cars in the garage area at Darlington.
Which Way To Indy?
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This looks a bit too pristine to be on a race track.
Popular Sponsor In The Day
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Lots of memories when you see this logo.
Mopar Fans Only
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This orange beauty would quicken the heartbeat of Mopar lovers.
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