Tuesday, March 22, 2011

from the Cheap Seats

Tracks of the StoneBear Copyright MCMLXIII Uncle Hargus ALL Rights reserved

ROF= Ring of Fire Odyssey  

MEF-H = Marine Expeditionary Force- Hargus 



Talladega 500 1974 - 1975

From the "Cheap Seats"

The "Stands" back then had only about 10 upper rows of galvanized metal seats with backs. the lower 25 rows were plain concrete, stair-stepped... and the step risers were bigger than regular residential building code steps. You had to work to go up and down the stair steps, back to the restrooms or concession stands. And sitting on raw concrete for 3+ hours was a pain.

But they were worth it. The real racing efficianados were here.

And then there was "The Infield bunch".

It was a rivalry then. We actually wanted to see and enjoy the race. The ticket for this race-- in the stands-- $20. I don't think it was reserved seats. Maybe the galvanized metal seats.... but they were never full so you sat anywhere you wanted.

A couple of times I saw the infield zoo. Most of the people didn't know there was a race going on they were so zonked, or knew they were even at Talladega. An infield ticket was $6. and I think that was per vehicle with as many people could fit in. Need I say more? The Scots Irish borderers live on!


A $20 dollar seat???... ?What was that actually worth back then? It was cheap for the history and racing we saw.

Well,... a ticket for Dylan and The Band was $8.50




Talladega 500 1974 1975

From the "Cheap Seats"

The "Stands" back then had only about 10 upper rows of galvanized metal seats with backs. the lower 25 rows were plain concrete, stair-stepped... and the step risers were bigger than regular residential building code steps. You had to work to go up and down the stair steps, back to the restrooms or concession stands. And sitting on raw concrete for 3+ hours was a pain.


But they were worth it. The real racing efficianados were here.

And then there were "The Infield bunch".

It was a rivalry then. We actually wanted to see and enjoy the race. The ticket for this race-- in the stands-- $20. I don't think it was reserved seats. Maybe the galvanized metal seats.... but they were never full so you sat anywhere you wanted.

A couple of times I saw the infield zoo. Most of the people didn't know there was a race going on they were so zonked, or knew they were even at Talladega. An infield ticket was $6. and I think that was per vehicle with as many people could fit in. Need I say more? The Scots Irish borderers live on!


A $20 dollar seat???... ?What was that actually worth back then? It was cheap for the history and racing we saw.


Well,... a ticket for Dylan and The Band was $8.50

You never drink twice from the same stream. 

Just because you wander doesn't mean you're lost. 

Uncle Hargus: Last of the Independents  

Have Bear,    
          Will Travel 

StoneBearTracks Copyright Uncle Hargus MCMLXIII ALL blog posts/photographs/video ALL Rights reserved 

ALL Blog posts/photographs/video Copyright MCMLXIII ALL Rights Reserved 

1974 Talladega 500

1974 Talladega 500

Sunday August 11, 1974

***

This is from a post on the http://stonebeartracks.blogspot.com/2010/12/canyon-de-chelly-jun-3-2010.html site.

Friday June 4, 2010

Cottonwood Camp, Navajo Nation, Chinle AZ

pronounced Canyon de "shay"

Of the days of my journey...

of the whole time of my life, this day will be in the
top 10 best days.



I've seen a lot of things / places/ spectacles in my time. Saw Many Launches of... and the space shuttle
explode in Florida.


In 1974 standing 40 feet from the Talladega 500 finish line saw David Pearson and Richard Petty bump and rub sides and "trade paint" at 190+mph in the Tri- Oval on the final lap... & then dash to the finish line-- ... and The King won by a nose.... 3 inches.  That's back when it was real racing! That was before they slowed them down to be "competitive". Some say this was one of the greatest races ever... it was something to see that electric blue #43 - red trim- STP Dodge thunder by at 196mph.


Witnessed and served in the Last of the Old Corps with the Old Breed. Semper Fi, 'Til I Die.

****









1974 Talladega 500

Sunday August 11, 1974

***

This is from a post on the http://stonebeartracks.blogspot.com/2010/12/canyon-de-chelly-jun-3-2010.html site.

Friday June 4, 2010

Cottonwood Camp, Navajo Nation, Chinle AZ

pronounced Canyon de "shay"

Of the days of my journey...

of the whole time of my life, this day will be in the
top 10 best days.



I've seen a lot of things / places/ spectacles in my time. Saw Many Launches of... and the space shuttle
explode in Florida.


In 1974 standing 40 feet from the Talladega 500 finish line saw David Pearson and Richard Petty bump and rub sides and "trade paint" at 190+mph in the Tri- Oval on the final lap... & then dash to the finish line-- ... and The King won by a nose. That's back when it was real racing! That was before they slowed them down to be "competitive". Some say this was one of the greatest races ever... it was something to see that electric blue #43 -- red trim-- STP Dodge thunder by.


Witnessed and served in the Last of the Old Corps with the Old Breed. Semper Fi, 'Til I Die.

****

?Why buy a ticket?

Tracks of the StoneBear Copyright MCMLXIII Uncle Hargus ALL Rights reserved

ROF= Ring of Fire Odyssey  

MEF-H = Marine Expeditionary Force- Hargus 

Talladega 500 August 1975



?Why buy a ticket for a seat?... ... we never used the seats at Talladega!


Stacking the tri- oval at Talladega in 1975; the excitement would bring you to your feet... for sure.




Talladega 500 August 1975



?Why buy a ticket for a seat?... ... we never used the seats at Talladega!


Stacking the tri- oval at Talladega in 1975; the excitement would bring you to your feet... for sure.

You never drink twice from the same stream. 

Just because you wander doesn't mean you're lost. 

Uncle Hargus: Last of the Independents  

Have Bear,    
          Will Travel 

StoneBearTracks Copyright Uncle Hargus MCMLXIII ALL blog posts/photographs/video ALL Rights reserved 

ALL Blog posts/photographs/video Copyright MCMLXIII ALL Rights Reserved