What was the original name of the Joe Weatherly Museum?
Originally, the facility was called the Joe Weatherly Stock Car Museum; the name was changed following a major renovation and expansion project in 2003. "Little Joe" Weatherly had a reputation as one of racing's most colorful characters back in the sport's early days, even earning the nickname "The Clown Prince of Stock Car Racing."
Is Joe Weatherly in the Hall of Fame?
Joseph Herbert "Joe" Weatherly (May 29, 1922 – January 19, 1964) was an American stock car racing driver. Weatherly was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2009 after winning NASCAR's Grand National (now Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series) championships in 1962 and 1963, three AMA Grand National...
Why visit the Darlington Raceway stock car museum and Hall of Fame?
The Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum and NMPA Hall of Fame offer those who are interested in the history of stock car racing an in-depth look at the roots of the sport, and has a lot to pique the interest of newer fans as well. All in all, both facilities provide a unique stroll down NASCAR's memory lane.
What did Joseph Weatherly win in NASCAR?
Joseph Herbert Weatherly (May 29, 1922 – January 19, 1964) was an American stock car racing driver. Weatherly was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2009 after winning NASCAR 's Grand National Series championships in 1962 and 1963, three AMA Grand National Championships, and two NASCAR Modified championships.
Who built Darlington Raceway?
Harold BrasingtonHarold Brasington, the man who built Darlington Raceway in 1949-50, was honored by his peers on Tuesday, May 20, by being named the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR recipient.
What is Darlington Raceway famous for?
Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum Exhibits include race car history, memorabilia and classic cars, including ones driven at Darlington by such famous race car drivers as Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, and the 1950 Plymouth that Johnny Mantz drove to win the first Southern 500 at Darlington.
Does Darlington Raceway have tours?
Visiting this historic racetrack for a race, a tour thu their museum, or a drive/ride along experience is a must for any Nascar fan!
What county is Darlington Raceway in?
Darlington CountyDarlington is the county seat of Darlington County, located in the heart of South Carolina's Pee Dee region. Chartered in 1835, it developed as an agricultural center, first for cotton, and later for tobacco. Today, is best known for its iconic stock car track, the Darlington Raceway.
Who died at Darlington Raceway?
Notes: Bobby Myers slammed head-on into the stalled Pontiac of Fonty Flock, on lap 28 of the 1957 Southern 500 at Darlington Speedway, South Carolina, while driving Lee Petty's Oldsmobile. Paul Goldsmith was also involved in the pile-up. Bobby Myers was killed instantly, Flock and Goldsmith sustained serious injuries.
How Old Is Darlington Raceway?
Darlington Raceway History. Having broken ground in 1949 and hosted its first race in 1950, Darlington Raceway is the second oldest track in all of NASCAR and the oldest of all superspeedways. Only Martinsville Speedway in Virginia is older and has it beat by just one year.
Can you smoke at Darlington Raceway?
There is no smoking in the grandstands at Darlington Raceway (this includes electronic cigarettes). There are designed smoking areas on the concourse. - Everyone regardless of age must have a grandstand ticket.
Who owns Nazareth Speedway?
Nazareth Speedway was an auto racing facility near Nazareth in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania which operated from 1910 to 2004 in two distinct course configurations....Nazareth Speedway.OwnerRaceway Properties, LLC (since November 2015) International Speedway Corporation (former)Opened1910Closed2004Oval (1987–2004)18 more rows
How much are tickets to Darlington Speedway?
On average, the cost to attend a live event at Darlington Raceway is $316.00. Seats located in the back of the venue are always the cheapest option and can cost as low as $42.00 a ticket.
What is the smallest NASCAR track?
Martinsville SpeedwayAt . 526 miles in length, Martinsville Speedway is the shortest track on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit. Because of its small size, tight corners and unique shape – described most often as a paperclip – Martinsville offers some of the most exciting and close-quarters racing in the sport.
Who owns Darlington?
Owner of the Raceway Grill and Darlington native, Tony Baird, has high hopes for this year's race weekend featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr. “For me here at the grill, it's tremendous. That weekend our business over a five-day period is about what we usually do in a month,” said Tony Baird.
Why is Darlington egg shaped?
Darlington (S.C.) Raceway is an egg-shaped oval, 1.366 miles in length – the odd shape stems from a promise track founder Harold Brasington made to Sherman Ramsey, the neighboring farm owner, that he wouldn't disturb his minnow pond when the track was built in 1949.
Where is the Weatherly stock car museum?
After a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Musuem, Weatherly suggested to his good friend Bob Colvin, then president of Darlington Raceway, that he consider building a stock car museum in South Carolina.
Who brought the idea of the Joe Weatherly Stock Car Museum to the Raceway?
Colvin not only liked the idea, but followed through with it; following his friend's death, Colvin brought plans for the Joe Weatherly Stock Car Museum before the Raceway's Board of Directors, where they were unanimously approved.
What car did Johnny Mantz drive in the first Mountain Dew Southern 500?
On the end of a line of classic cars, looking like a prop from a 1940s film, sits the 1950 Plymouth Johnny Mantz drove to Victory Lane in the very first Mountain Dew Southern 500.
How many wins did Joe Weatherly have at Darlington?
He was a serious competitor on the track, with two wins at notoriously tough Darlington Raceway, in 1960 and 1963. Joe Weatherly was killed while driving at Riverside in 1964, but he left a legacy at Darlington that went beyond a couple of entries in the win column.
When was Darlington Raceway built?
Just as Darlington Raceway had originally been constructed in 1950 to give stock car racing a platform to rival that of the Indianapolis 500, the Museum was intended to do the same for the history of the still fledgling sport.
Where is the Hemi engine?
How about the famous "Hemi" engine? Both are on display in the Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum, along with other bits and pieces of racing trivia such as Fonty Flock's Bermuda shorts and Joe Weatherly's very own racing shoes.
When did Joe Weatherly start racing cars?
Weatherly began racing cars in 1950. "Little Joe" won the first modified event that he entered. He won 49 of the 83 car races that he entered that season. In 1952 he won the NASCAR Modified National crown, and he again won 49 of 83 car races that he entered.
What car did Weatherly drive?
He drove a factory-sponsored Ford car for Pete DePaolo Engineering. For the next two seasons, Weatherly drove for Holman Moody. In 1959, Weatherly recorded six top-5 finishes and ten top-10s.
How did Weatherly die?
Death. Weatherly died on January 19, 1964, from head injuries sustained in a racing accident at the fifth race of the 1964 season, at Riverside International Raceway. His head went outside the car and struck a retaining wall, killing him instantly.
When did Weatherly's engine blow?
In 1956 at Raleigh, while racing in the convertible series, Weatherly's engine blew. With the help of Ralph Liguori pushing from behind, he displayed showmanship to the fullest extent by crossing the finish line while standing in a "chariot of fire".
When was Weatherly inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Weatherly was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2009 after winning NASCAR 's Grand National Series championships in 1962 and 1963, three AMA Grand National Championships, and two NASCAR Modified championships.
