Here’s a look at some of the latest racing news from around Georgia, and regarding Georgia racing history.
Margie Flock, wife of Fonty Flock, Passes Away
We received word that Margie Flock, wife of 2004 Georgia Racing Hall of Fame inductee Fonty Flock, passed away July 7. No word yet has been shared on funeral arrangments.
Fonty Flock, winner of the 1947 National Championship Stock Car Circuit championship as a driver for Raymond Parks, winner of the 1952 Southern 500 and 18 other Sprint Cup races, passed away back on July 15, 1972.
Please keep the Flock family in your thoughts and prayers.
GRHOF Member Buck Simmons Hospitalized
2009 Georgia Racing Hall of Fame inductee Buck Simmons has been hospitalized, according to reports. Simmons, winner of over 1,000 feature events in his career, is now at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, according to friends of the family.
The GARHOFA website reports that Simmons has pneumonia, and has suffered congestive heart failure. They also report that he remains on a respirator.
We’ll pass on more information as we receive it. Please keep Buck and his family in your prayers.
Georgia Racer Andy Buffington Passes Away
We lost longtime Peach State racer Andy Buffington earlier this week. Andy was a winner at Lakewood, and was with us at last year’s Lakewood reunion. He was also a competitor and winner at the Peach Bowl, Douglasville and Senoia.
Visitation will be Saturday, June 26th from 7-9 and the funeral is Sunday at 2pm at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home in Griffin, Georgia. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Andy’s family and friends.
Raymond Parks passes away
Raymond Parks, racing legend and member of the inaugural class of inductees into the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, passed away Sunday at his home in Atlanta at the age of 96.
Mr. Parks was a cherished and important part of Georgia Racing History. More than just being the first championship car owner in NASCAR, his work to strengthen the sport began prior to World War II, and set the example for many who followed. He will truly be missed by all of those who knew, honored and admired him. He leaves behind a wife, Violet.
A viewing for Mr. Parks will be held Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at HM Patterson Funeral Parlor in Atlanta. A memorial service is planned for Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Peachtree Christian Church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Victory Junction, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, N.C. 27317.
Gresham Motorsports Park to host Ga. Racing HOF Night May 15
GMP Named “Official Track” of Hall of Fame
Some of the greatest drivers in the history of Georgia Stock Car Racing will be on hand this Saturday at Gresham Motorsports Park as the track presents Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Night. The event, part of the CARQUEST 100 Pro Late Model race, will honor the 2009 Georgia Racing Hall of Fame inductees with a trackside presentation during pre-race ceremonies.
Included in the 2009 class are Bob Burcham of Rossville, Luther Carter of Acworth, Tommie Irvin of Baldwin, Ronnie Sanders of Fayetteville, Leon Sells of Villa Rica, Buck Simmons of Baldwin, Herb “Tootle” Estes of Knoxville, Tennesee and Katron Sosebee of Lilburn.
Additional Georgia Racing Hall of Fame members Jack Jackson, Bruce Brantley, Charlie Bagwell, Jimmy Sumerour, Gene Felton, Hoyt Grimes, Bud Lunsford, Eddie McDonald, Charlie Mincey and Jimmy Mosteller along with family members of Fonty Flock, Weyman Milam, Bob Flock and Gober Sosebee are expected to attend.
An autograph session for all the Hall of Fame members is planned for 6 p.m. while Opening Ceremonies are set for 7 p.m. Saturday. Meanwhile, several historic race cars will also be on display as part of the event.
Last week, the Dawsonville, GA City Council announced that Gresham Motorsports Park in Jefferson, GA would serve as the Official Track of the Georgia Racing Hall Of Fame. The Hall – which is housed at the Dawsonville City Hall Municipal Complex – is in its seventh year of honoring Georgia’s racing legends and is one of the top tourist attractions in the state.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s CARQUEST 100/Georgia Hall Of Fame Night at Gresham Motorsports Park will feature a full program of racing action that will also include feature events in the Outlaw Late Model, Truck, Renegade Street Stock and Mini Stock divisions.
For more info, go to Gresham Motorsports Park.com.
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