Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Paul Radford, Billy and Jimmy Hensley, Joe Thurman, Hank Thomas all raced there. The list is almost endless of the great drivers who have graced the gates of Franklin County Speedway since Hank Thomas drove the #53 to that first win on asphalt forty years ago.
Much has changed since that day but some things have not. The winding roads leading through the Virginia countryside are a little wider than they were then but the countryside is still some of the most beautiful around. The little “mom & pop” stores that dotted the little towns are replaced by the box stores in Rocky Mount, Roanoke or Martinsville. US 220 is now Future I-73 but you still must pass Clarence’s Steak House in Ridgeway and the Dodge Store in Collinsville on the way to Callaway, VA from the south and if you come from the north, Boone’s Mill still has the friendliest Police Department around just waiting to collect their part of your paycheck if you go too fast through “their” territory.
But wait! After you pass the shuttered stores and drive through that beautiful Virginia countryside and you make the turn up the hill to Franklin County Speedway in the little hamlet of Callaway, if you are a “real” race fan or racer, something special happens. As you drive up the hill and pay your admission and the track comes into view, those little hairs on the back of your neck begin to bristle and goose bumps come up on your arms and there she is. The “old girl” ain’t what she used to be on the outside. The tower could use some work, the VIP on the backstretch needs some help and “Whitey’s Church” is closed but the track, that narrow and bumpy ribbon of asphalt still commands respect from everyone there. Just close your eyes and you can still see those drivers mentioned banging their way to victory lane or the wreckers hook.
On Sunday, April 24th, you will have the chance to experience what generations before you enjoyed as the names from today’s Modified ranks will have their chance to bang their way to victory lane. James Civali will wheel the Hillbilly Racing Modified. Civali is no stranger to victory lane at FCS. He is the track record holder with a qualifying lap at 12.867 seconds and a winner there. He will try to return to the winners circle against the likes of the Myers Brothers, Jason and Burt, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series winner, Cale Gale, “cup” winner Jeremy Mayfield, Mike Norman, Tom Buzze, Jimmy Wallace, Buddy Ellis and others including “Rookie of the Year” contenders, Jason Tutterow, Scott Eberhart, Ridge Kilmarchuk.
Also on the race card are events for the East Coast Flathead Fords, Mini Stocks and a special 50 lap, $500.00 to win race for the tracks UCARS.
Spectator gates open at Noon and practice begins at 1:00 PM followed by qualifying and racing starts at 3:30 PM. And we welcome everyone to the pits following the racing action for a big “Pit Party” with all the drivers.
For more information check www.southernmodtour.com or find us on face book at Southern Modified race Tour or call 336-972-4362 or 276-613-4208.
