NASCAR legend Raymond Parks donates memorabilia to NASCAR Hall of Fame
HAMPTON, Ga. – The first NASCAR trophy ever awarded to a team is among a collection of NASCAR awards and memorabilia that will be donated to the future NASCAR Hall of Fame by the family of Raymond Parks.
Parks was a member of the group assembled by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Fla., in December 1947 to discuss the formation of NASCAR.
Parks’ accomplishments include claiming the first official NASCAR win for a team owner in 1948, winning the first two NASCAR owner championships in 1948 and 1949 and winning every race that took place on Daytona Beach.
“I’m proud of my involvement in NASCAR over the years and with the opportunity to partner with the NASCAR Hall of Fame. [My wife] Vi and I are thrilled that my artifacts will be housed in the hall of fame for future generations of fans to enjoy,” Parks said.
Samples of the collection were presented by Parks at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday. Included in the collection were trophies and memorabilia of Parks’ career.
“This is one of the most amazing and valued collections we could have envisioned,” said NASCAR Hall of Fame executive director Winston Kelley. “Raymond Parks is truly iconic ... [and] a genuine legend of this sport. We are honored that Mr. and Mrs. Parks have expressed their interest in donating their family’s collection to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
“It is both an honor and humbling to be entrusted with a collection such as Mr. Parks' and be able to share it with the millions of NASCAR fans. We pledge to treat and preserve it with the respect and care that it deserves.”
Trophies from the Parks’ collection include the 1941 Daytona Beach race (driver Roy Hall), 1946 Thomaston Speedway (driver Bob Flock), 1947 Stock Car championship (driver Fonty Flock), 1948 NASCAR championship (driver Red Byron) and 1950 Mexican road race (driver Red Byron).
“Our sport is very fortunate and quite unique in having living members of our founding fathers,” NASCAR President Mike Helton said. “Obtaining and displaying collections such as Mr. Parks is among the objectives NASCAR and the France family had when we decided to build a NASCAR Hall of Fame. This further validates the importance and credibility of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and its respect as the largest spectator sport in America.”
