A WELCOME OF SORTS

     I've seen a lot of racing sites in the short while I've been "surfing" this sometimes cesspool called the "net". You can get everything from the latest chassis setup to Linda Vaughn's measurements and pretty much anything in between. They're sites that feature only one type of racing and others with every kind under the seven flags. Some are dedicated to only one driver while others so many you've never heard of half of them. Then there are the "forums"  that discuss everything from race results to who is a idiot this week (and , oh yeah, it can and will change from week to week).

 

     Now I know that different people enjoy different things so I will try to make this column "different" if nothing else. I have a simple philosophy and only ONE rule---If you came here for any reason other than to hear thrilling, swashbuckling, authentic, accurate, and truthful (give or take a lie or two) tales of the rip roarin' early days of stock car racing when the cars were a different type of Detroit iron and the people were a different type of Toledo steel, then simply GET OUT. GO AWAY! LEAVE! You don't have to go home but you can't stay here because we're here to have fun and gripping and back biting ain't my idea of fun. We'll wait while all the trouble makers leave.

 

Now that they're all gone let's roll up the rugs and push the furniture to the wall (ask your granddad why) and get this show on the (Thunder) road.

 

     Most of these stories will be old ones that I hope will be new to you. We'll have many funny stories but a few sad ones also. All, I hope will be entertaining and enjoyable.  I'll share some of the things I've seen and heard at countless races and bull sessions concerning the pioneers of stock car racing and the colorful "doings" that transpired. I hope you'll enjoy the ramblings of an old high octane fumes sniffer as he filters his memories through rose colored glasses and hard learned tolerance.

 

     There is just one thing I would ask of you. I remember that when all these magical things were happening that I wasn't the only one there and was only at one track at the time. That being the case, I know I missed an awful lot of wonderful stories, races, and characters through the years. So, if you will be so kind, please share some of your favorite stories of races and people with me. I promise to share them with our readers and just maybe some of our old heroes will become famous again. Or at least it will let them know that not only are they not forgotten but are the stars of countless cherished memories shared and lovingly passed down like the precious family heirlooms they are. 

 

 

     That said, lets fire up this skinny-tired, big-block, brightly-painted, fire-breathing, four-wheeled dragon and get ready to pull out on the track for the warm up laps. There's a signpost up ahead-- next stop--The Thunder Zone !!!!! In Cinemascope, Technicolor, and Stereophonic Sound. 

 

GET IN, SIT DOWN, SHUT UP AND HANG ON !!!