Friday Inspiration- Great Drivers

[VenturaAlfa]

I just got some really well done decals from Jim Heller. They were for a driver I was always inspired by as a kid; he was fast, won a lot and always a gentleman who spoke to crew, friends and fans alike. Always a tough competitor and a really nice guy. Spoken to him any times and he was always just a regular guy.

I had no idea he was as good as he was.

I hope this doesn't get too long but so be it.

Herschel McGriff won the second race he ever raced in 1946 at 17 years of age.
He won the first ever Carrera Pan Americana in an Oldsmobile 88 in 1950. He later ran the exact same car at Daytona and Darlington.
He competed at Lemans in a 1972 Dodge charger. Prior to that he won the 24 hours at Daytona
In 1986 He won the Nascar Winston West Series Championship at age 56.
In 2009 he started a lap down on the field at the Portland International Raceway road course where he was the DEFENDING CHAMPION of the race. He started last because he changed a carb. According to him the change was made because he "didn't just want to be flopping around out there, I want to win". He finished 13th and was turning equivalent times to the race winner; Jim Inglebright who said McGriff gave him a real run for his money. McGriff broke his own record as the oldest man to start and finish a race of this type. He was 81 YEARS OLD and hadn't raced since 2002.

That's 63 years as a racer. In researching him I think he has just become my choice for one of the greatest drivers of all time.
Heres the Carrera Pan American car, his Chevelle that won 1974 Permatex 200 at Riverside and him in 2009 at Portland.

[HomeRacingWorld]

I'll take old Hersch...and raise you a Red Farmer :)







From 1948 until TODAY :) This original Alabama Gang man is still kickin' up the dirt.

[VenturaAlfa]

I knew a little about Red but didn't know he was still out there doin' it. He was, and is, another amazing driver. Nascar modified champion in 1956 and still out running today.

Now that's a pair of legends. Just incredible, I'm taking both of those guys as my new role models.

Heck, I figure I'll be lucky if I'm still racing slot cars at 81 let alone climbin' into a real 1:1 race car. :auto-driving:

That's it, I'm outta here, gotta go get in the gym and start getting into better shape!! :music-rockout:

Ventura Alfa

[HomeRacingWorld]

Yes, both are pretty great drivers.

Car I did in 1/24 styled after Red.



And a Jalopy in 1/24



And finally I did one in honor of his new rides.

[VenturaAlfa]

Harry,
All 3 of those cars are fantastic :mrgreen: . I have always liked your work and it seems like it is just getting better :clap: .

I have one of the Carrera Chevelles and decals from Jim Heller after seeing the one driven by McGriff at Riverside in the Permatex 200 I think I will give that shot. Nothing as fancy as your brass chassis cars but I think it will still turn out ok. I'll post it hear when I am done.

Ventura Alfa

[HomeRacingWorld]

Thanks, well I look forward in seeing your work. Brass or not, a cool car is a cool car :)

[dreinecke]

One of my favorites: Herk!

[VenturaAlfa]

Dave,

You always do nice work, that chevelle is excellent and Yes, Hurtibise was another great driver. Remember watching him at Indy on TV as a kid.

Ventura Alfa

[HomeRacingWorld]

Thought you would get a kick out of this....Waffle House opened a new store and guess who stopped in?

[VenturaAlfa]

NICE. That is a great looking car! So Red is having breakfast at the waffle house, wonder what he was eating? I'll take the southern biscuits and gravy.


Made Gumbo last night for dinner and it was excellent if I say so myself. May not be able to keep up with you guys on a grill (you reign supreme there) but I'll take you on anytime when it comes to Jambalaya or gumbo.

Ventura Alfa

[HomeRacingWorld]

And I will let you :)

I can't make it very well. Not a big shrimp eater, but I like a good sausage version.

[fisherman]

:text-goodpost: ''RED'' ... Red used to live in Fairfield highlands, Alabama I know I live down the Block....Red race short Track at DIXIE Speedway in Midfied, Alabama back in the 60s..He also race short Track at Sayre, Alabama...Red broke a Track record at BIR International Speedway in Birmingham,Alabama (5/8 mile)..The track is no longer there...Great to see this on F-97.. :text-thankyouyellow: