Being an old school fan and a former driver, I’m one of those who like reminiscing about the past. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a current NASCAR fan…maybe not as passionate as I used to be, but I still love the sport. NASCAR racing, like all things in life has evolved over the years. Some people accept change more readily than others.
Many say…me included…that the sport wouldn’t be what it is today without the contributions of the veterans of days gone by. The racing stars of today enjoy the monetary benefits of the meteoric success of NASCAR.

Let’s not forget that many of the stars of yesteryear wouldn’t be enjoying their continued celebrity if, not for the recent success of the sport. Sure, there are some of us die hard old timers out there who would remember them and wonder where they are today. But, I think the millions of fans and the publicity the sport receives today helps the legends become even more famous than before. I spoke with former Grand National Champion, Rex White a few weeks ago, and he told me that he receives more fan mail today than he did when he won his championship in 1960. Rex is currently the oldest, living Cup/Grand National Champion. David Pearson says he gets mail form all over the world.

Many times we get into the discussion about how the stars of the past worked on their cars….and drove their own tow trucks across country to race after race. Today’s stars fly jets to and from practice, qualifying, and the race. The old guys used to all stay in the same motels and swap stories after a race….the young guns stay in plush motor homes at the track…or hotel sweets….or fly back home. In the ‘good ole’ days they raced 45, 50, or more races a year and now they race 35. Don’t think for a minute that the stars of today have it so much easier than the stars of the past. The schedules they follow are grueling with sponsor commitments and team responsibilities, all these conveniences have become necessary. I think that if you asked them, many of the younger stars would like to enjoy the pace the old timers had.

The bottom line is this….It was a great sport then and it’s a great sport now. In my opinion there is none better. It pleases me when I see young fans seeking information about racing history. I have found in talking to many of the legends, they respect the young drivers of today and the pace they keep. But, they all will mention the difference in the equipment and money then and now. Some critics say it’s all relevant. I don’t think so…how about you?

RacersReunion.com

NASCAR needs to remember the past, even if it doesn't want today's NASCAR compared to the NASCAR from the past. It needs to remember what made it so popular. Why it's legends are legendary. Why Stock Cars appealed to the masses.

How about some Racin History trivia...?
Since we're here on SpeedTV.com...this is appropriate:
Who was the first active driver to work for one of the networks as a commentator? He also was the first driver to broadcast from his car during a race. He did this at 200mph at Daytona. He didn't have a 2 way radio...so the crew held up a sign from the pits that read "TALK" when it time to transmit.

Buddy Baker?

No it wasn'nt Buddy. When I give the next hint...it'll probably give it away....He's a Dr.

I guess that one was too tough....Dr. Don Tarr is the answer.
Try this one.

Here are my highlights and stats....who am I?

Late 40s started my racing career in California at Oakland Speedway (The Wall); Carrell Speedway, Gardena; West Coast Speedway, Vallejo; Memorial Stadium, Long Beach; Marchbanks Stadium, Hanford etc. During that time Dick Meyer and I drove Dodge Red Ram V-8s; one of my favorite cars to this day; which enabled the two of us to dominate West Coast racing in '52 and '53. Starting in 1953 we would head east once a year to race at Darlington. In 1955 I packed the family up and moved to the East Coast.

Ran both NASCAR Grand National and Convertible division in 1956 as a member of the Ford Team, run by Pete DePaolo. I was lucky and able to drive for many great car owners: Ray Fox, Cotton Owens, Petty Enterprise, Smokey Yunick, Holman-Moody and Wood Brothers. Am still partial to those #21 candy-apple red Ford Galaxies.

Starts: 216..........Poles: 21........Wins: 17
Tops 5's: 96..........Tops 10's: 126

RacersReunion.com