What a wonderful site and wonderful memories you have here, i have been looking everywhere for early 80s photos of Red farmer and all grand american or late model pictures, racing around the south was so incredible during this time. Thanks so much for everyone who has contributed
My grandfather was Leslie Causey....he passed away in 1999 just after the birth of my daughter. My grandmother Beth is doing great living in a "retirement" home here in Montgomery. I love to see the old pictures of Sonny and my grandfather...it reminds me of his great smile. I would really like to see any pictures anyone might have of him and Sonny or Bob Fry or any other drivers he worked with. Man it took me a while to get that typed....he is and will always be my Hero. Mark Causey mccausey@knology.net
Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to this website. i grew up going to BIR every Friday night until I joined the Navy 21 years ago and had to leave the state. I just recently learned BIR was closed and is now gone, so these photos have certainly helped to mend a hurting soul. I'd like to contribute what photos I have as well and would like to see the Grand American cars that ran in the early 80's (Mike Alexander, Henry Brook, Hut Stricklin, etc). I miss those days.
Jerry was the man.My love for short track racing is directly attributable to him.Always amazed me how relaxed and easy going he was out of the car and so fast inside of it.My kids will never understand why I believe all race cars should be red and the number 4.
Guest Eddie Lawley wrote:
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 1:28 AM
Jerry is a retired businessman, living a nice quiet life in the mountains these days. Thanks for asking.
Thanks for the great memories. I grew up watching and pulling for that 48 car to win at Boyd's Speedway every weekend. My Dad and I were regulars every Friday night. He and I always would argue who was faster Freddy(me) or Harold Fryar 47 (him). I was all of about six or seven. We were there the night they passed around a helmet for donations to Harold's family. A few years ago at Dawsonville moonshine festival while talking over being a Freddy Fryar fan with Richard Abercrombie he suddenly yells at this guy walking by to come over. It was Freddy, made my day, extremely gracious. My Dad passed away in 79' but I still have the memories. Thanks again, Blake
I'm pretty sure I remember when Dave Mader went throught the wall at Midfield. Was he the one that rode the rail then went over of the one that wound up almost at the car auction? My dad raced both Sayre & Midfield (Jack Hall #59). I also remember someone going through the wall at Sayre and ending up in the pond.
One of my favorite memories of Midfield was when on driver tried to run another one down after he was out of his car and they got in a fight and everyone ran from the stands to the pits and the next thing you know the wives were fighting in the stands and here came everyone back up.
Guest Eddie Lawley wrote:
Sunday, June 28, 2009 - 12:58 AM
Glen, Sorry, but Jerry Lawley the race car driver, never lived in Ohio or Montevallo AL. for that matter.
i am looking for a man named Jerry Lawley who originally went to school in Lakeside, Ohio, before moving back to Montevallo, Alabama. I wonder if this is the same Jerry Lawley wo raced at your track. He would now be about 68-years-old
Just read in the Birmingham News that Larry Langford & the Birmingham City Council agreed to spend 7 million dollars to renovate Rickwood Field baseball park & build a museum. Too bad B.I.R. never had a black driver, maybe then Larry & the city council would have been motivated to save it & build a museum for the Alabama Gang & other famous Birmingham racers.
MY FATHER OWNED A CAR THAT RAN AT FIVE FLAGS SPEEDWAY, DRIVEN BY GENE TAPIA. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS A PICTURE OF IT. THE NUMBER IS 37 AND IT WAS BLACK AND GOLD. JAKE HATCHER SOLD HIM THE MOTOR THAT WENT IN IT. PLEASE IF ANY CAN HELP IT WOULD MEAN THE WORLD TO ME
I am looking for any information, photos, news articles or any thing on Jake Hatcher. He races SuperModifieds back in the 50 and 60's. He had a bad wreck at Five Fags Speedway in Pensacola Florida on April 4, 1965 and he past three days later in a local Hospital. We have the car and are trying to restore it like it was back when Jake drove it. I have a 13 year old son and he wont's to use it a a show car in memory of Jake. If any one can help I am having trouble finding any thing on hem. I would appreciate any help I can get. I am also trying to find out who owned the speedway back then so I might be able to get information form some of them. Any help would be apperciated. Thanks
I just discovered the site and have really enjoyed the photos. I am looking for any photos of BILLY CLARK # 01 -
Billy is ill with cancer and I would like to bring back the "good ole days" from him. If you have any photos or news clippings, please send to jwayneclark@yahoo.com
Jason, I can't remember his # either, i believe i remember the car but not the #. I asked my dad and he couldn't quite remember as well. The best thing i can tell you is go to Short Track Talk Forums and pose the question there. Go to the BIR link. Someone should be able to answer your question on the BIR forum. Dennis (tink) Reno may know or he can ask his dad. I'm kind of curious myself because i think Ronnie was a disstant cousin of mine. If you find out, post on here and let me know. Here is the link: http://www.shorttracktalk.com/forum/ Hope this helps, David Swann (aka Rapidd88)
I am trying to find the number on my Dad's car. His name was Ronnie Swann he raced at the Fairgrounds and Midfield and I think its called Libby? Anyway he was in the Cadet division at all places. My Mom said she thought it was 52 or 59 but shes not sure. My dad had bought the car from Judd Reeves at the time. If anyone has any idea what his number was feel free to call me. Mom said the car was Blue and gold Chevrolet. I am working om a special project in his memory and would love to know.