Daytona 500 Winner In the Spotlight On Real Racin' USA
By Jack Smith
Real Racin' USA has a wild show lined up for race fans this Tuesday, Feb. 13th on , live from the Snook River Grill. Marvin Panch, the 1961 Daytona 500 winner will join hosts Bill Green, Rick Anges and Jack Smith for a look back at the 'ole days and get his take on today's speedway warriors.
Marvin Panch started in the racing world as a car owner in California. In 1949, when his driver didn't show up, Marvin ended up racing his own car to a third place finish. He continued to race his own cars and had his first big win that same year on July 4th at the Balboa Stadium, a ¼ mile dirt track in San Diego. Panch continued racing the next six years in California winning several races and a championship.
In 1953, Marvin traveled to the east coast to race the Darlington race finishing 28th. Based on his performance, Lee Petty invited him back to Darlington in 1954 to race a Petty car. Marvin finished 3rd in the race capturing the attention of a Pennsylvania Oldsmobile dealer named Tom Horbison who asked Panch to remain on the east coast and drive for him during the 1955 race season. During the season, Marvin ran extremely well, out qualifying and out running the Ford factory cars. As a result, Panch was offered a Ford ride in 1956 by Pete DePaolo.
Panch won his first Grand National (now Winston Cup) race on July 20, 1956 at Montgomery, Alabama. Marvin won the pole and dominated the 100-mile event.
We had the opportunity to chat a few minutes with the NASCAR legend at the Speedfest a few weeks back, and he is sure to be an interesting interview. Marvin also has a new book out about the good 'ole days of stock car racing.
Also joining us Tuesday night is veteran racer from Ohio Jack Landis. Jack will be racing again this year in the Super Late Models at New Smyrna Speedway during the 41st Annual World Series Of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. Several other racers who will take part in the World Series including Shelly Perry, returning from up north to try her hand in the Modifieds. Also young guns David Wilson and Blake Lehr will sit down with us at the Snook River Grill to talk about their aspirations for 2007. Terry Roberts, New Smyrna GM will update on the final preparations for nine straight days of high speed racing at FASCAR's home track.
Tony Veneziano, World of Outlaws Public Relations Director, is slated to talk with us about the nations top short track traveling series, and outline what fans can expect in 2007.
Jeremy Gerstner, one of Florida's top guns in the Open Wheel Modifieds is preparing the for the Ocala Speedway Blue-Grey Winternational events, will join from his race shop in Pinellas park, Fl.
Dave Westerman will give race fans a Orlando Winternationals Preview, always a big stop for Legends racers and Rob Kohler from the recently revived Hendry County Speedway will bring fans up to speed on the nations southern most dirt track.
If you listen to Real Racin' USA regularly you know there will be surprises, and this Tuesday will be no surprise. If you haven't had a chance to catch the show yet, all of the interviews and full shows are available on our web site for you to sit back and listen while hacking around on your computer or you can download them to a CD and listen on the road while in your car.
Real Racin' USA can be heard by clicking on the ON AIR links anywhere on our web site at www.realracinusa.com or copy and paste this link into your browser Tuesday between 6:30 - 9 PM: http://pointers.mmpros.net/asxfiles-live/il80winlive1092.asx
COMING FEB 13 TO REAL RACIN' USA: Strollin' Jerry Nolan - Owner of Suicide Circle Speedway D.J. Hoelzle Randy Hannagan Donny Shatts Danny Martin, Jr Buddy Bryan
NOTE:segments of this article was taken was www.marvinpanch.com
