Southeastern News: Sunday, June 7, 2009

11th Annual Raymond Parks Birthday Celebration

It was a beautiful day in Easley, SC at the Riverbend Old Stock Car Museum. The racing community got together to celebrate Raymond Parks' 95th birthday. If love NASCAR and you don't know who Raymond Parks is, shame on you! Mr. Parks was the owner of Red Byron's car which won NASCAR's first Strictly Stock (now Sprint Cup) championship in 1949. He has had a long, rich history and direct influence on the sport of racing. It was overheard at the celebration, "There probably wouldn't be a NASCAR if it wasn't for Raymond Parks."

Along with Raymond Parks, several other drivers from his era were present: Rex White, Bobby & Donnie Allison and more. There was a live Bluegrass band and some of the best BBQ on hand.

The River Bend Old Stock Car Museum is owned by J.B. & Willavene Day. If you ever find yourself heading north on I-85 towards Charlotte and are passing through Easley, SC - you owe it to yourself to stop and see this wonderful place. We'll let the photos our photographer, Fred Hanyon took, tell the rest of the story...