Mike Bell
By Mike Bell
Posted in Columns 2/25/11
A guy from Michigan by the name of Alan Brown has compiled a list of all the race tracks that ever existed in North America, entitled “The History of American Speedways: Past and Present.” He shows every track that is known to exist but knows he hasn’t made a complete list.
I have tried to help him update his book. I do this by looking through numerous microfilms of newspapers at the University of Georgia. Thanks to their School of Journalism, there are films of papers from throughout this state. So far, I have gone through papers for Macon, Columbus, Athens, Augusta, Gainesville, Albany and other cities.
Georgia's Charles Barrett piloted this #09 Torino for George Elliott, father of current NASCAR driver Bill Elliott in 1973. Photo courtesy the Barrett Family
By Rick Minter-Guest Contributor
Posted in Feature Stories 2/18/11
For long-time NASCAR fans, the idea of seeing Bill Elliott in anything other than a No. 9 Ford or Mercury just doesn’t seem right.
But as Elliott begins the season in James Finch’s No. 09 Chevrolet, some things aren’t really new at all.
Former driver Lanier Englett visits with NASCAR racing legend Bill Elliott at a recent function. Englett had quite a racing experience himself back in the sport's pioneer days.
By Eddie Samples
Posted in Feature Stories 2/11/11
First of all, Lanier Englett had to be corralled for an interview by his good friend Jimmy Mosteller, historian Mike Bell and myself, Eddie Samples.
We met in racing hall of famer Mosteller’s home in Mableton, Georgia. Lanier lives in nearby Lithia Springs.
Since the Georgia Automobile Racing Hall of Association’s creation in 1997, the 82 year old Atlanta/Mableton native was one of its founding members and major contributors, and Mosteller knew he had a story to tell.
Former drivers, officials, fans and friends gathered at the American Legion in Austell, Georgia, to honor and remember Atlanta’s Peach Bowl Speedway on Sunday, Jan. 30. Photos by Mike Terrell
By Brandon Reed
Posted in Feature Stories 2/4/11
The 22nd annual Peach Bowl Reunion was held in Austell, Georgia, on Jan. 30.
Former drivers, officials, fans and racing aficionados gathered at the American Legion Post 216 to reminisce about old times, visit with old friends and remember one of the most historic and important tracks in Georgia’s rich racing history.
