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Where in the world can you see Linda Vaughn (Miss Hurst) and David Pearson within 20 feet of each other? BRISTOL!
Bristol, TN 03/21/2009 Editorial by Jeff Kluss/SIT: Well it was a major weekend for the Bristol races, but what folks were sticking around for after the Nationwide Series Race on Saturday was much more significant to me and the other 100,000 fans which never left their seats. It only consisted of 35 laps and lasted for less than an hour including the driver introductions. Maybe it was the idea of getting to see a great event that may never occur again due to the aging Hall of Famers that participated. Possibly it was that these participants help shape and mold the sport of NASCAR. For me, it was the idea of seeing childhood heroes that raced like crazed men on a mission since it definitely wasn’t for the endorsement income since it didn’t exist when they competed.
Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison in the infield at Daytona in 1979
Photo courtesy of ISC Archives
I was a late bloomer since I didn’t start attending NASCAR races on a regular basis until 1978. But I definitely remember what happened in Daytona in 1979. It was all over the television when Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough were battling down to the last lap…then it happened. They took each other out of the race, and Richard Petty took the win by default. But no one was paying attention to the King crossing the finish line since the spectacle was on the infield. Cale and Donnie were going at it while the crowd watched intently.
Wayne Estes, Jack Ingram, Cale Yarborough, Sterling Marlin, Harry Gant, Phil Parsons at Driver’s Meeting.
First Photo: Cale in the pits at Bristol. Second Photo: Cale coming out of turn 2 in his Late Model Busch sponsored car.
Those were the great days of NASCAR before fines and suspensions. All those memories and more came back in a flash with seeing all these great drivers back in a car, thanks to Wayne Estes and all the folks at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Special thanks to my second daddy Jack “Iron Man” Ingram for letting me tag along. I was able to relive all the great memories of those bygone NASCAR days when big budgets and multiple team ownership were non-existent. It is still exhilarating to see fans recognize the 5 time Late Model Sportsman and Busch Series winner. And it was great to see a smile on his face when he got in his car once again. As we all know, heroes are a rare commodity today.
Jack in his #11 Late Model before the race and then Jack “Iron Man” at Charlotte in 1974 with his Chevy Monte Carlo
What was very cool was listening in to all the conversations that were conducted left ear to left ear due to all these great drivers being mostly deaf in their right ears since there was very little or no ear protection in the old days.
Jack and Rusty discussing how the #2 car had an illegal B pillar and higher than legal rear spoiler..but the $200 thousand price tag for the car and wind tunnel testing for a Charitable race never came up…..or did it?
Of course the legends in attendance didn’t stop there. The Allison brothers showed up to see all the hoopla and to converse with all their former competitors.
Bobby and Donnie Allison on the infield at Bristol, and of course Donnie’s Ford Torino at Daytona in 1969.
But another real treat was to see Robert “Junior” Johnson actually get in the car once again. Course Jimmy Spencer just had to tap him and spin him out before the race really got underway.
Junior Johnson on the infield with David Green and of course Junior in his car at Daytona in 1964.
Of course it was great seeing the two Skoal Bandit Drivers on the track once again…that is Harry Gant in the #33 and Jack Ingram in the #11.
It has been my privilege to go to more NASCAR races than I can begin to count, five Hall of Fame inductions where I sat at the table and told jokes with Jack, King Richard, and Benny Parsons. I’ve shared photographic stories with T. Taylor Warren (God bless you Taylor, you will be missed.) But actually getting an opportunity to see all my childhood heroes drive again was something that will never be forgotten. If you missed this one, you missed something really special. Wayne Estes and the folks at Bristol want to repeat this again, but it makes me wonder if this kind of magic can actually happen again? I hope so.
Photo by Jeff Kluss/SIT
68th Running of the Iroquois Steeplechase Set for May 9, 2009
Spectators May Witness History as Good Night Shirt Seeks Third Consecutive Title
Photo by Jeff Kluss/SIT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — On the second Saturday of every May – one week after another popular horse race, the Kentucky Derby – Nashville society gathers in the boxes at Percy Warner Park to witness steeplechasing’s premiere spring contest and Music City’s traditional rite of spring, the iconic Iroquois Steeplechase.
The 68th running of the Iroquois Steeplechase – benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt – is slated for May 9, 2009.
Biggest Steeplechase in America’s Spring Season
While race day purses, bonuses and awards totaling $416,000 – the largest in American steeplechasing’s spring season and the second highest overall – attract the best horses and jockeys on the National Steeplechase Association (NSA) circuit, it is the tradition and pageantry of the Iroquois that draw a who’s who list of Southern society. Private box seats are filled with seersucker suits, sundresses, mint juleps and discussions of business and politics between the seven races of the day.
“The Iroquois Steeplechase has long been a major part of Nashville and Tennessee’s heritage – it is our traditional rite of spring,” said Dwight Hall, chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase. “The excitement, pomp and renown that increase each year were present from the beginning, starting with the founders of the race. It all began with members of some of the most prominent families in Nashville and the prestigious Hillsboro Hounds.”
A Storied History: Serious Horseracing In Tennessee Predates Kentucky
Photo by Jeff Kluss/SIT
Long before the first running of the Kentucky Derby, Tennessee – not Kentucky – was regarded as the center of horse breeding and racing in the United States. Tennessee’s renown as the center for thoroughbred horses and horse racing reached its pinnacle during the 19th century with more than 10 established racetracks, 20 organized jockey clubs and Belle Meade in Nashville at the center of the horse racing region.
Hats at the Iroquois
Photo by Jeff Kluss/SIT
In 1906, Tennessee passed an anti-betting law, bringing an end to horse racing in Tennessee for many years. However, the void was filled in 1936 when Marcellus Frost, John Sloan, Sr. and Mason Houghland, together with members of the Hillsboro Hounds and through ties to President Franklin Roosevelt, built a steeplechase racecourse in front of a hillside in Percy Warner Park. The first running of the Iroquois Steeplechase – named for Pierre Lorillard’s Iroquois, the first American-bred horse to win the English Derby – was held in 1941. The Iroquois has run continuously since, except for 1945 when it was suspended because of World War II.
Photo by Jeff Kluss/SIT
Seven races are held throughout the day, including the Bright Hour Amateur Hurdle and Guilford Dudley Jr. Memorial Flat Race. The Iroquois course, regarded as one of the best racing surfaces in the country, is maintained year-round with a computer-controlled, golf course style irrigation system. Below the course turf is 640 tons of sand that helps the course retain moisture and provides cushion to the horses in an effort to reduce race injuries. The Iroquois was one of the first steeplechase courses to use an irrigation system.
The Spring Gathering of Southern Society
“Remarkably, the Iroquois Steeplechase remains unchanged, for the most part, from its roots,” said Hall. “It remains the last surviving example in Tennessee of what horse racing was meant to be. And because of this, it continues to attract the crème de la crème of Southern society. But, beyond the excitement of great racing, the Iroquois Steeplechase continues to be one of the biggest and longest running fundraisers for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.”
Since being designated in 1981 as the official charity of the Iroquois Steeplechase, Children’s Hospital has received more than $9 million from the event proceeds.
For information on advance ticket purchases, corporate tents, and tailgating and RV spaces, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org or call (615) 591-2991.
The 2008 PBR World Champion took his first win of the 2009 Built Ford Tough Series season.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 8, 2009) – The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) thrilled the Show-Me State as the top 40 bull riders in the world competed at the Kansas City Invitational brought to you locally by Troy-Bilt, the second of two back-to-back stops in Missouri. On stop #13, the world’s best riders took on the toughest bulls the PBR had to offer at Kansas City’s Sprint Center on March 7-8. In the end, 2008 PBR World Champion and defending Kansas City event champion Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) took home the coveted event title after riding all three of his bulls for 267 points. He collected a check for $36,642.50 and jumped from sixth to third place in the 2009 Built Ford Tough World Standings.
“I try my best all of the time and this week I drew good bulls,” the 2008 World Champ said from the winner’s circle. “This weekend was great for me and I love Kansas City. I thank God that I am able to ride and I would like to thank my fans for all of their support.”
Marchi finished third in round one after scoring 87.5 points on the bull, Velvet Elvis, owned by Diamond S Bucking Bulls. He followed that up with a second place finish after scoring an 89.5 point ride on the bull, Stiffler, owned by Boyd/Floyd Bull Company, during round two. He entered the Built Ford Tough Championship Round in first place with a total of 177 points and picked the bull, Big Iron, owned by Diamond S Bucking Bulls, in the PBR Bull Draft. Marchi tamed the top animal athlete for 90 points, locking up not only the Championship Round victory, but the coveted Kansas City Invitational event title.
Oregon fan favorite Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) took second place after riding all three of his bulls for 263 points, adding $15,320.50 to his bank account. Taking third place was Brazilian superstar Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) who scored 261.75 points over the weekend and collected a check for $10,664.50. Last weekend’s BFTS event winner Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) took fourth after scoring 247.5 points and took home a check for $6,472.50 and rounding out fifth place was young gun McKennon Wimberly (Cool, Texas) who covered two of his bulls for 171.75 points and added $4,506 to his 2009 earnings.
The race for PBR’s million dollar world title takes the top 40 bull riders in the world to Alabama for stop #14 on the prestigious BFTS tour. PBR will buck into Birmingham’s BJCC Arena on March 14-15, showcasing the best bull riders and the toughest bulls in the country. The VERSUS network airs PBR events every Saturday and Sunday evening. Be sure to check www.pbrnow.com for upcoming cities, ticket information, and complete broadcast times.
INJURY REPORT:
Skeeter Kingsolver (Mclouth, Kan.) suffered a shoulder strain and is probable for next weekend’s BFTS event in Birmingham.
Ednei Caminhas (P.Alves, SP, Brazil) suffered a concussion after bucking off his round two bull. He is probable for next weekend’s competition.
Mike White (De Kalb, Texas) received a concussion after bucking off his round one bull. He did not compete in round two.
Cody Ford (Stanfield, Ore.) suffered a concussion and a laceration to the head after riding his round one bull. He competed during the second round of the Kansas City Invitational.
Kasey Hayes (Liberal, Kan.) suffered a high ankle sprain during round one in Kansas City. He did not ride in Sunday’s round.
Luke Snyder (Raymore, Mo.) aggravated a strained shoulder he suffered during last weekend’s event in St. Louis. He did not ride in round two of the Kansas City Invitational.
BEHIND THE CHUTES:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s “Ride with the Best” Bonus:
Due to his round three win at last weekend’s Enterprise Rent-A-Car Invitational, Bryan Richardson (Dallas, Texas) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during round one of the Kansas City Invitational. Because he did not make the eight second whistle on the bull, Diamond Heat, the stock contractor, John & Karen Sirridge, took home the $5,000 bonus.
As the winners of round one at the Kansas City Invitational, Brendon Clark (Morpeth, AUS) and Pete Farley (Kempsey, AUS) were eligible to compete for the $5,000 bonus during round two. Clark did not make the eight second whistle on the bull, Kiss Off; therefore, the stock contractor, Hebert Bucking Bulls, received their share of the $5,000 bonus. Farley also did not ride for the full eight seconds after taking on the bull, Matt Dillon, so stock contractor, Mann Creek Cattle Co./Curtis Mendell, took home part of the $5,000 bonus.
As the winner of round two at the Kansas City Invitational, Ryan Dirteater (Hulbert, Okla.) will be eligible to compete for the $5,000 bonus during round one at the 14th BFTS stop in Birmingham, Ala.
Ford Truck Moment of Truth Bonus:
Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) was in the lead going into the Built Ford Tough Championship Round and won the Kansas City Invitational; therefore, he collected the $5,000 bonus. The bonus will be $5,000 at the next event in Birmingham, Ala. It grows by $5,000 each week if it is not claimed. Once claimed, it returns to $5,000.
Ford F-150 Challenge:
As the Kansas City Invitational event winner, Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) has qualified for a chance to participate as a Ford F-150 Challenge contestant at the 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals, against all other 2009 Built Ford Tough Series event winners who qualify for the Finals. The Ford F-150 Challenge contestant who finishes the highest in the event aggregate during the 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals will win $50,000 towards the purchase of a brand-new 2009 F-150 truck.
Salem NationaLease Bull of the Event:
The bull, Crosswired , owned by D&H Cattle Company, earned Bull of the Event honors with a score of 46.75 points. This honor is acknowledged by an award of $1,250 going to the top bull of each event as determined by the PBR judges’ bull score.
High-Marked Ride of the Event:
Ryan Dirteater (Hulbert, Okla.) recorded the high-marked ride of the Kansas City Invitational in Kansas City, Mo., during round two after riding the bull, Chester, owned by Mendell/Jaeger, for 90.5 points.
Daisy Rookie of the Year Standings:
The 2009 Daisy Rookie of the Year race is heating up and as of the Kansas City Invitational, young gun Skeeter Kingsolver (Mclouth, Kan.) still holds the lead over young Aussie Pete Farley (Kempsey, AUS). A rider is considered a rookie in the year he debuts on the elite Built Ford Tough Series tour. The Daisy Rookie is determined by the rider who has won the most money during the year at all PBR events including Challenger events, International events, BFTS events, and the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals.
Kansas City Invitational RESULTS
ROUND ONE: 1/2) Brendon Clark (Morpeth, AUS) 87.75 points on I’ll Make You Famous (Kooper Branum & Gene Baker), $2,340; 1/2) Pete Farley (Kempsey, AUS) 87.75 points on V1 (Shad Smith), $2,340; 3) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 87.5 points on Velvet Elvis (Diamond S Bucking Bulls), $1,170; 4) Rocky McDonald (Col. Juarez, Mexico) 87.25 points on Life Sentence (5G Farms Bucking Bulls/Jim & Kelly Orhood); 5) Nick Landreneau (Sulphur, La.) 87 points on Depths of Despair (5G Farms Bucking Bulls/Jim & Kelly Orhood).
ROUND TWO: 1) Ryan Dirteater (Hulbert, Okla.) 90.5 points on Chester (Mendell/Jaeger), $2,730; 2) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 89.5 points on Stiffler (Boyd/Floyd Bull Company), $1,950; 3) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 88.25 points on Yosemite Sam (Diamond S Bucking Bulls), $1,170; 4) Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) 87.75 points on The Bug (Hebert Bucking Bulls/Georgia Akers); 5) Skeeter Kingsolver (Mclouth, Kan.) 87.5 points on Black Mamba (Martinez Bucking Bull, LLC).
BUILT FORD TOUGH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND: 1) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 90 points on Big Iron (Diamond S Bucking Bulls), $2,730; 2/3) Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) 89.5 points on Pearl Snap (Boyd/Floyd Bull Company), $1,560; 2/3) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 89.5 points on Hot Stuff (D&H Cattle Company), $1,560; 4) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 89 points on Sure Fire (D&H Cattle Company).
OVERALL EVENT STANDINGS: 1) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 267 points, $36,642.50; 2) Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) 263 points, $15,320.50; 3) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 261.75 points, $10,664.50; 4) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 247.5 points, $6,472.50; 5) McKennon Wimberly (Cool, Texas) 171.75 points, $4,506.
BUILT FORD TOUGH WORLD STANDINGS: (The PBR World Champion is based on total Built Ford Tough Series points earned through the season)
1) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 4,914.25 points, $163,646; 2) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) 4,496.5 points, $119,579; 3) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 4,026.75 points, $94,077; 4) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 3,873.5 points, $60,359; 5) Austin Meier (Kinta, Okla.) 3,583 points, $52,240; 6) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 3,554.5 points, $56,497; 7) Ryan Dirteater (Hulbert, Okla.) 3,481 points, $103,042; 8 ) Zack Brown (Santa Fe, Texas) 3,250.5 points, $78,126; 9) Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) 2,989.75 points, $29,489; 10) Cody Ford (Stanfield, Ore.) 2,801.75 points, $83,356.
