Racersreunion.com and Love Chevrolet Present First Annual Spring Festival at the Columbia Speedway
February 6, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – February 6, 2009 – Local racecar fans can still remember the days of old when the Columbia Speedway was in its glory. They were most likely part of the ten thousand fans that witnessed the Speedway’s first recorded race in 1948. For three decades, the Columbia Speedway became the source for much of stock car racing’s rich history until it closed in 1978. Now, after more than 30 years, the Speedway will awaken.
In honor of veteran drivers who competed there along with countless loyal fans, Racersreunion.com presents the First Annual Love Chevrolet Columbia Speedway Spring Festival. The event will be held Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Speedway located at 2001 Charleston Highway in Cayce, SC. Admission to the festival is free and will include legendary race car drivers, vintage race cars on display, a car show, food, and fun for the entire family.
The half-mile oval that began operations as a dirt track became a regular stop for many of NASCAR’s great drivers running in both the Late Model Sportsman and Grand National / Winston Cup divisions. The list of regular competitors there reads like a virtual who’s who of NASCAR history and includes familiar names such as: Lee and Richard Petty; Buck and Buddy Baker; Tim and Fonty Flock; Tiny Lund; Ned Jarrett; Fireball Roberts; Curtis Turner; Rex White; “Little” Bud Moore; Haskell Willingham; Junior Johnson, and a host of others. Many of racing’s firsts were recorded at Columbia Speedway. It was the spot of Studebaker’s and Chevrolet’s first NASCAR win. Buck Baker took his first checkers at the finish line at Columbia Speedway. His son Buddy ran his first race there. Richard Petty made his racing debut there and recorded his first win there one year later. Columbia Speedway was the venue that hosted NASCAR’s first Grand National/Cup night race.
“It is an honor and privilege to be a part of something that racing fans are so passionate about,” said Jeff Gilder, founder of RacersReunion.com. “We are extremely excited about Love Chevrolet’s agreement to be the event’s title sponsor. They were part of the track’s history, so it is very fitting they occupy the title spot for this event. Stepping forward to accept this position speaks volumes of their confidence in our economic future and demonstrates their support for this event. It has been a tough time for many over the past couple of years. This will be an opportunity to bring the family to a free event and have some fun while celebrating the great history of Columbia Speedway.”
Information regarding vendor and concessionaire participation as well as festival details can be found on the Events Calendar at www.RacersReunion.com or by contacting Jeff Gilder at 843.997.6645.
