The racing organization that my dad used to race with has staged a dramatic comeback this season, with the final race of their six-race season coming this past weekend. The race was held at Darana Motorsports Park in Dunn, NC. The track was formerly known as Dunn-Benson Drageay and also Galot Motorsports Park. I had heard about the race when it was announced a few months ago, and planned to attend to show ky support. I have fond memories of Dad going to IHRA races back in the 80s and 90s, so I would like to see this new iteration be successful.
It was really cool that they had Big Daddy Don Garlits there signing autographs. Garlits is 93 years old, but is still up and about. I paid $20 for the above poster, which he signed in copper Sharpie. He told me while the picture was being taken that he had originally built that car for "Jungle" Jim Lieberman. Lieberman decided against running a dragster, so Garlits kept the car for himself; he also told me "see, I would build them just as good for my customers as I would for myself!"
Of course, I had to go by and see Shirley Muldowney since she was set up at the track selling signed posters for her "Shirley's Kids" charity. She signed two cards for me and also the above poster. The poster and autograph were $20, and I gave her another $20 as a donation for signing my cards. She was really funny when Chris and I walked up; complaining about eyedrops she needed to take. She also was fretting over not being able to find her special pens she had bought for signing. I've loved Shirley since I was 3, and she has always been awesome every time I've met her.
While I was waiting for Shirley to sign my poster, Don Garlits walked over to her, hugged her and said some great things about her. It was so cool to see these two former bitter rivals get together. I'm glad I was able to get my phone out and take a picture of the moment.
I had to get some graphing in while I was there, so I raided my old 1990 IHRA set and also an album of drag racing cards that Mom found for me.
Del Worsham was really cool. He had a conversation with a couple guys while he was grinding some clutch plates; doing his own work on his funny car. He ended up winning the race, which was cool to see. He commented on how young he was in the cards, then joked about how young Rickie Smith was on his card.
Also above, you can see that Shirley ended up finding her pen that she was looking for when she signed one of her cards in white.
I had an amazing time with Chris at the race. I was pleasantly surprised when I was recognized by several people who knew me, or my parents. I also surprised a friend who used to race against Dad that hadn't seen me in about 18 years or so. He and his wife were thrilled that I came out to the race.
The quality of the race was top-notch. Chris and I picked out a spot in the stands, then barely moved for hours. He walked to the car a couple times to drop some stuff off and get drinks from the cooler. He shot a bunch of pictures and videos on his phone also, so i know he was enjoying himself. He even bought me a shirt.
Above are some videos I shot. Hopefully they capture a little bit of the excitement we saw while we were there. I definitely plan to go back when IHRA starts next season in Dunn.
I almost forgot, in all, I got the following autographs: Don Garlits x 1, Shirley Muldowney x 3, Chris Cline x 2, Camrie Caruso x 2, Larry McBride x 3, Keith Jackson x 1, Tommy Mauney x 5, Rickie Smith x 2 and Del Worsham x 3 (22 total autographs).
No comments:
Post a Comment