Full Throttle

It’s that time of the year when Father Time makes his appearance and hands over the duties of time to the Baby New Year.

Like Santa who has many accomplices that provide encouragement and laps upon which children’s Christmas wishes are expressed Father Time has his little helpers this time of year also.

Two of which may reside within NASCAR Nation.

The ageless Red Farmer is accomplice Number One. He along with Bobby and Donnie Allison formed what became known as the Alabama Gang as they spread their vast racing talents from the small burg known as Hueytown, Alabama. Jimmy Means, Davey Allison, Neil Bonnett and Hut Stricklin all became members of the Alabama Gang in later years.

The city, noting the notoriety the Alabama Gang has brought the town of 16,000, has honored them with streets named Allison-Bonnett Memorial Drive and Davey Allison Boulevard and the Seal of the City of Hueytown features two checkered flags, acknowledging the large part racing has played in the city’s history.

Finally they have gotten around to honoring the Gang’s founding Father [Time], Red Farmer. This week the vity council approved unanimously a resolution changing the name of Garywood Drive to Red Farmer Drive.

“You know we’ve been here longer and have stayed,” Wife Joan said of their Hueytown residency. “It may sound a bit tacky, but I think it’s time he got recognized.”

Indeed Joan and way overdue in my book. And lest you think Red is in quiet retirement he competed in about 20 short track races during the past season, returns from his current hunting trip to ready himself for the 17^th annual Ice Bowl race at Talladega Short Track next week and has competed in the last two Prelude’s to the Dream at Tony Stewart’s Eldora Speedway.

Father Time number two is the forever young James Hilton. After losing his chance at a final Daytona 500 start last year due to a slipping clutch and two late race yellows Hylton is set to make another run at history as the oldest 500 starter ever.