Hickory Speedway, N.C.

[cbreez]

I just got back from a visit to the mountains, and took a run up to Hickory Speedway, "the track where champions are made"...they have a "wall of fame" with the likes of Petty, Earnhardt, Allison, Johnson, and Jarrett named on it. I also was surprized, and saw the name of a famous Cobra racer who also raced at Hickory...any guesses???

(I took a photo, but don't know how to post it, Sorry!)

[cbreez]

I thought this would be fun...sorry for the post.

[Jerry Clayton]

Maybe you should of posted it somewhere besides deep south club forum---

[ERA2188]

OK, so who raced at Hickory?

[cbreez]

Thanks for allowing me my fun!

I thought this "Deep South Forum" would be OK, because of the history and connection...

Ok...
A former University of Florida student drove in the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1963 and was teamed up with Dave McDonald. They DNF'd. He was better known in the Good Ole Boy circles,like Hickory, but his driving talents were obviously recognized beyond that. He was the only non-sporty car type I know of to drive a Cobra in a major race.

He was Fireball Roberts

Just a bit of trivia and nostalgia.

[ERA2188]

Damn, Fireball Roberts was a Gator??? Maybe everyone knew that and that's why they didn't respond?? (just kidding - I'm a Canes fan)

[Jerry Clayton]

He got 2nd at LaMans 1962

Fireball nickname came from when he pitched baseball

After he got burnt at Charlotte , Tiny Lund filled the seat

I never had a Pontiac back then but his performance in them made me consider one with those neat aluminum wheels--after he went to Fords, I wanted a 63 fastbact 427 , but got a M 48 tank with a 90mm exhaust!!!!

He was certainly missed

Jerry

[cbreez]

Interesting about LeMans...
Ironic and tragic both drivers would meet a similar demise in the same month a year later...