A RECORD TO NEVER BE BROKEN
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04/22/2016 |
(Editor’s note: To those wondering why you haven’t heard much from Dave on these pages lately, our Dave has been challenged by chronic health issues and repetitive surgeries, all of which we pray are now behind him. When he posted this on our Fan Forum, I asked permission to use it as an article, as both Dave and the guy that set the unbreakable record are part of our RFF Family. Permission granted!)
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I wish I felt up to writing an article and I wish I felt like using my desktop, but I don't - so I'm pecking away on this little tablet trying to override the autocorrect feature that is determined to change half the words I type. Besides, time is of the essence.
My good racing friend, Chase Whitfield from the Nashville area (dare I say Franklin, TN?) reminded me of something yesterday that was about to elude my memory and that would be a shame.
As we head into the Richmond spring race weekend, it is highly worth noting that something of great significance happened at the Richmond track 50 years ago and fellow Race Fans Forever contributor, Frank Buhrman and I were there together to see it.
On May 15, 1966, the Richmond track looked far different than it does today. It was a half-mile dirt track beloved by drivers and fans alike. The front straight is now part of the pit road for the 3/4-mile asphalt showplace the late promoter, Paul Sawyer opened on the same site in 1988.
In 1966, Ford racing boss, Jacques Passino had a falling out with Bill France, Sr. because Big Bill refused to let Ford run its new dual overhead cam engine. Passino was so infuriated that he ordered all Ford factory teams to boycott NASCAR and they did.
In order to keep the competition level high and help keep the independent Ford teams somewhat competitive with the factory backed Plymouth's and Dodges fielded by Chrysler Corporation, France allowed the independent Ford entries to run two 4-barrel carburetors on their 427-cubic inch Dearborn power plants.
One of those independent Ford drivers hailed from Chicago and had previously won a Grand National race at the Richmond track some eight years earlier. He is a driver dearly loved by the Race Fans Forever fraternity. If you look at the blue column of subject titles at the left of this page, you'll see his name.
That's right, we're talking about "Tiger" Tom Pistone, a driver small in stature, but large in heart and talent. On May 15, 1966, Tiger Tom had a two year old Ford Galaxie at the Richmond race. He took advantage of Big Bill's new rule and had bolted a second 4-barrel carburetor on the motor in his familiar #59 powder blue Ford.
I can hear famed racing announcer Ray Melton announcing Tom's qualifying lap for the Richmond 250 as if it were yesterday, not a half century ago.
"From the Windy City, Tiger Tom Pistone is now putting his #59 Ford Galaxie through its paces. Off the 2nd turn, Pistone is in the championship groove as he broad-slides onto the backstretch. Two turns to go. Now coming off turn four, Pistone has his belly to the ground like the true champion that he is. Wait a minute, ladies and jellymen (as pronounced by Ray Melton), WE HAVE A NEW TRACK QUALIFYING RECORD this afternoon here at the Virginia State Fairgrounds Raceway!!!"
"From the Windy City, Tiger Tom Pistone is now putting his #59 Ford Galaxie through its paces. Off the 2nd turn, Pistone is in the championship groove as he broad-slides onto the backstretch. Two turns to go. Now coming off turn four, Pistone has his belly to the ground like the true champion that he is. Wait a minute, ladies and jellymen (as pronounced by Ray Melton), WE HAVE A NEW TRACK QUALIFYING RECORD this afternoon here at the Virginia State Fairgrounds Raceway!!!"
Tom Pistone had just turned the magnificent Strawberry Hill dirt track at a lap of 70.978 mph. It is a record that will stand for all time. Two carburetors soon went the way of the goony bird as France and Ford reached a compromise and two years later the beloved Richmond dirt was paved over.
A little later on that spring Sunday afternoon in Richmond, Tom Pistone would lead the first 22 laps of the 1966 Richmond 250 before exiting with engine failure 99 laps shy of the finish. Frank Buhrman and I didn't realize we had witnessed history that afternoon, but whenever does one?
It would be nice if someone in either the NASCAR or Fox brain trust would recognize Tiger Tom during Friday afternoon Richmond qualifying on the 50th anniversary of his record that shall never be equaled or exceeded. Who knows, maybe somebody in that crew won't be asleep at the wheel.
I say it would be great if we all congratulate Tiger on the 50th anniversary of his accomplishment.
Wish I had a photo of Tom that day, but there is a rare color picture I can show you from the same race courtesy of racer GT Nolen. Lined up below in the black & gold #22 Smokey Yunick Chevy Impala at Richmond is the legendary Curtis Turner. That's Nolen in front of Curtis in the Worth McMillion Pontiac #83. Enjoy.
A little later on that spring Sunday afternoon in Richmond, Tom Pistone would lead the first 22 laps of the 1966 Richmond 250 before exiting with engine failure 99 laps shy of the finish. Frank Buhrman and I didn't realize we had witnessed history that afternoon, but whenever does one?
It would be nice if someone in either the NASCAR or Fox brain trust would recognize Tiger Tom during Friday afternoon Richmond qualifying on the 50th anniversary of his record that shall never be equaled or exceeded. Who knows, maybe somebody in that crew won't be asleep at the wheel.
I say it would be great if we all congratulate Tiger on the 50th anniversary of his accomplishment.
Wish I had a photo of Tom that day, but there is a rare color picture I can show you from the same race courtesy of racer GT Nolen. Lined up below in the black & gold #22 Smokey Yunick Chevy Impala at Richmond is the legendary Curtis Turner. That's Nolen in front of Curtis in the Worth McMillion Pontiac #83. Enjoy.
Congratulations, Tiger Tom on setting the all-time Grand National qualifying record on the Richmond dirt track 50 years ago in 1966!