Written by Monte Dutton Thu, 2016-01-07 11:28
Last week a New Year got Happy, and now racing is once again ... in sight.
The sky at the eastern horizon is getting light. The whistling of the sea breeze has a guttural edge, barely discernible.
"Are engines cranking up out there, Molly? Listen. Can't you hear it? Whoa. Did you hear somebody who sounded like Ol' D.W.? I think I caught the last 'boogity.'
Written by Tom Higgins Sun, 2016-01-03 08:16
During a NASCAR racing career stretching from the late 1950s into the ‘80s Neil Castles was known as one of the Cup tour’s bravest, toughest drivers.
Such was his courage that he often took on stunt-driving roles in Hollywood movies that no one else would accept.
But Castles’ fearlessness was no match several years ago for an amorous animal. He was “treed” atop a big motorhome/camper by a love-struck moose weighing almost two tons.
Written by Monte Dutton Fri, 2016-01-01 14:24
Perhaps you have noticed that I tend to be cynical at times where NASCAR is concerned. I have been told occasionally that it leaks out.
I mean no harm. I do not consider myself omniscient. My goal is for readers to realize that when I criticize NASCAR, I do so out of love, not hate. I have followed stock car racing, most sanctioned by the Lords of Daytona, from my earliest memory.
When first I managed to finagle a job writing about NASCAR, I thought my knowledge of its history stood me in good stead. I came along when one guard was changing and stayed until a new guard relieved me. I didn't get escorted out of the fort and have my sword broken in a ceremony of dishonor. I just stopped getting a paycheck.
Written by Monte Dutton Wed, 2015-12-23 10:13
Christmas.
My mother asked me if I wanted her gift card for a nearby restaurant.
"I just wondered if you could get anything there for $10," she said.
"I expect you could," I said. "I couldn't. Why don't let's go out, and you can use the card."
Written by Tom Higgins Mon, 2015-12-21 10:18
Every year when winter's chill sweeps across the Western North Carolina mountains and brings with it bear season, I recall a particular hunting story and laugh.
Never mind that no bear skin rug was bagged during that long-ago trip in the early 1970s to the Great Smokies.
The incident, and a later one it inspired, forever will remain amusing to me. I have written of them before. I'm inclined to repeat them, probably forever.
Sat, 2015-12-19 15:15
Speedway Children’s Charities officials have announced that the nonprofit will distribute nearly $2.9 million in grants to more than 390 different charitable organizations across the country in 2015, bringing the total funds distributed since 1982 to more than $46 million.
“My parents started Speedway Children’s Charities from modest beginnings with the goal of helping children in physical, financial, emotional and medical need,” said Marcus Smith, vice chairman of Speedway Children’s Charities. “From that first chapter at Charlotte Motor Speedway to now eight chapters at Speedway Motorsports’ facilities nationwide, we’ve far surpassed their early expectations. But as long as there is a need, Speedway Children’s Charities will continue working to improve the lives of children by supporting local nonprofits that help children in hundreds of local communities.”
Sat, 2015-12-19 15:01
Another historic celebration of the sport is in store for Darlington Raceway in 2016.
The track is pleased to announce the return of its award-winning throwback campaign for the Bojangles’ Southern 500 race weekend on Sept. 2-4, 2016.
Written by Monte Dutton Sat, 2015-12-19 08:54
Relax.
The racing will be back soon enough.
Let the wind blow your troubles away. It's been a warm breeze,
September-like, here in the East. Fear not, for 195 nations have recently announced their willingness to fix this.
Written by Tom Higgins Mon, 2015-12-14 08:25
(Last week: The battle for the 1980 NASCAR Cup Series championship was down to a shootout in the season finale L.A. Times 500 between Cale Yarborough and Dale Earnhardt at Ontario Motor Speedway in California. Earnhardt, in only his second full season on the major circuit, held a 29-point lead over the veteran Yarborough, who had won three straight championships. Despite committing two glaring errors on pit road that could have cost him the title, Earnhardt managed to finish fifth to Yarborough's third and prevailed by 19 points.)
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