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The 5th annual East Coast
Drag Times Hall of Fame and Reunion
started a day earlier with a drag
race at Roxboro Motorsports Dragway
in Roxboro, NC. The first annual
Ronnie Sox Memorial race was held
under threatening skies. The
inclement weather was a factor in
the number of competitors and
spectators that attended this
tribute to North Carolina’s most
famous drag racer. An emotional
service was held on the starting
line to remember the members of the
drag racing community that have
passed away in recent years with
special emphasis on the deaths of
Malcolm Durham and Ronnie Sox. For
those attending this inaugural race,
they once again were able to see the
legends of drag racing compete on
the “asphalt aisle.”
The
weather for Friday’s car show and
bench racing session at Superior
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealership was
a big improvement over the previous
day. Sunny Carolina skies greeted
the many spectators, racers, and car
owners to the Superior facility. In
addition to enjoying the many cars
on display everyone was treated to a
complimentary lunch provided by the
dealership. While enjoying the
pulled pork and BBQ chicken those in
attendance were able to enjoy oldies
but goodies tunes by well-known DJ
“Koto” Gieser. Friday’s activities
continued at the host motels where
manager reception parties were
held. Attendees were able to
continue their bench racing from the
Superior sponsored car show held
earlier in the day. For those not
attending the host motel receptions
there were car cruises held at the
Raleigh Road drive-in Theater and
Sonic Grill.
A cool
Saturday morning changed to mid
60-degree afternoon temperatures
with plenty of sunshine for the
multi-block long Show, Shine, Shag
and Dine. A sea of people could be
seen the length of the historic
downtown section of Henderson, NC.
In addition to the aforementioned
crowd on Garnett St. there were also
side streets to handle the overflow
of show cars. On one of those side
streets was a collection of antique
Corbett trucks. These well-known
trucks had been manufactured in
Henderson until the 1950’s. The
number of classics, street rods,
muscle and antique cars ranged
between 1200 and 1500 vehicles. The
North Carolina Commerce Department
estimated the crowd at 45,000 car
enthusiasts. Two live bands, placed
strategically among the show cars,
added to the atmosphere by playing
oldies and beach music. For those
so inclined a shag dance contest was
held at the Garnett St. band
location. After the show car awards
presentation, it was time for the
large gathering of “car crazy”
people to head for the Courthouse
Commons area. The burnout contest
was the climax of the day’s
activities in downtown Henderson.
The packed crowd roared its approval
after the performance of each
vehicle. Saturday evening was a
repeat of Friday with car cruises to
the Raleigh Drive-in and Sonic
Grill.
The last
day of the event was the induction
of the new members of the East Coast
Drag Times Hall of Fame. In past
years the morning hours were spent
in the Vance-Granville Community
College Civic Center parking lot
looking at the nostalgia racing cars
on display. However, the rainy
weather kept everyone in the
memorabilia and scrapbook room to
reminisce about the golden days of
drag racing.
As the
noon hour approached it was time for
the past inductees to take their
seats, followed by the class of
2006. A video presentation by Jim
Amos of Bee on Video depicted a
brief description of the
accomplishments of the new
inductees. After each of the
inductees was presented with a large
plaque, they made remarks about
their involvement with drag racing.
As can be expected, remarks made by
people representing inductees who
are now deceased provided emotional
moments for everyone. At the end of
the awards program a report was
given on the progress of building a
drag racing museum in the Henderson
area to house memorabilia and
vehicles related to the history of
East Coast Drag Racing. A luncheon
at the conclusion of the induction
proceedings was once again provided
by Superior, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep
dealership. This was the last
opportunity for all to socialize
before returning to their homes
throughout the eastern United
States.
The ECDT
Hall of Fame Reunion and Show,
Shine, Shag, and Dine would not
enjoy the success that it does every
year without the guidance of Nancy
Wilson. Throughout the year she
attends a variety of car related
events held on the east coast to
promote the Henderson gathering.
She would be quick to acknowledge
others that help in this endeavor,
however, you need a great leader to
direct everyone’s contributions.
Nancy Wilson is the First Lady of
Nostalgia Drag Racing.
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