Stock Car History Online | NASCAR Photo Gallery

Saturday Night Special at Bristol 2009

What a great event the Saturday Night Special at Bristol turned out to be. Sterling Marlin led start to finish, but it was the chance to see legends on the track again that was really the highlight of the event.

Bryan Hallman was on hand to cover the event, and sent back these great photos. Clockwise from upper left, we have Cale Yarborough in what appears to be an authentic racing suit from his glory days with Junior Johnson; next, it’s Jack Ingram (11) and L.D. Ottinger bringing back memories in this door-to-door duel; Ingram waits for the starts of the race in that familiar No. 11; Ottinger climbs into his machine; and finally, Harry Gant never, EVER ages.

ARCA Testing At Daytona 2009

The sport’s past met the present when 91-year-old Ray Fox greeted 18-year-old Joey Logano during a recent ARCA test session at Daytona. If there’s a photo that captures the mission of Stock Car History Online, it could very well be this one. There’s virtually no end to the list of legendary figures that Fox worked with as an owner and engine builder. Fox also served as an engine inspector for NASCAR until retiring at the age of 80. Only time will tell the contributions Logano will make. One thing is certain, however. The stage upon which he will perform was built by people like Fox. (Motorsports Images & Archives)

Daytona 500 - 2009

Two NASCAR legends were recognized at the 2009 Daytona 500. Raymond Parks was joined by Mike Helton (left) and Brian France (right) in honor of the Georgia native’s contributions to the sport. The 94-year-old Parks owned the car which Red Byron drove in 1949, on the way to the first NASCAR Strictly Stock (now Sprint Cup) championship. (Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

2009 Daytona 500 - Allison Drops The Green Flag

The 2009 Daytona 500 also marked the 30th anniversary of the infamous 1979 event. Bobby Allison, involved in a post-race scuffle with Cale Yarborough 30 years ago, dropped the green flag on the ‘09 edition of the race. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Raymond Parks Donates To NASCAR Hall Of Fame

It’s great to see Raymond Parks getting the recognition as a NASCAR pioneer that he deserves. Parks, now 94, will donate several of the trophies his teams collected over the years to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Included in the lot will be the very first NASCAR trophy ever awarded a team. It’s a trophy given to Parks and driver Red Byron after their win in a Modified race on the Daytona beach and road course on Feb. 15, 1948.

Also presented to the Hall of fame will be the first Strictly Stock (now Sprint Cup) championship trophy, won by Parks and Byron. With Parks (second from right) during a ceremony announcing the gifts at Atlanta Motor Speedway are NASCAR President Mike Helton, Vi Parks (Raymond’s wife) and Richard Petty. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Jake Elder Fundraiser

Jake Elder (left) led many drivers to many wins on the NASCAR circuit, but this one might very well have had the most historical significance. With Elder calling the shots from pit road, Dale Earnhardt captured the first victory of his Winston Cup career at Bristol International Speedway on April 1, 1979.

Elder is currently in a Statesville, N.C. assisted living facility. A fundraiser was held for him recently, and those who weren’t able to attend can still contributed by sending a check to Memory Lane Museum at 769 River Highway, Mooresville, N.C. 28117. Please indicate on the check that the donation is for the “Jake Elder Fund.” (RacingOne/Getty Images)