Gaffney, South Carolina - Friday Night is a special night at Cherokee Speedway for the running of the much anticipated 5th Annual Robert Pursley Memorial Race. Fans around the Carolinas flock to this race each year to pay tribute to a family who has contributed so much to local racing. There will be music, giveaways and fun for all ages. With the Ultimate and Carolina Clash Series having the night off, this race has the making of a good old fashion outlaw event. Drivers from both series are expected to attend, and bonus money has been coming in to spread throughout the field and to the fastest qualifier. This year's Robert Pursley Memorial will be a 40 lap $4,000 to win unsanctioned event and will follow the Ultimate Series rules using these tires: Hoosier 1300-1350-1600 & American Racer 44-48-56.
Robert "Pop" Pursley, the father of John Pursley/grandfather of Johnny Pursley Jr. was a fixture atop the grandstand anytime John and Jr. were racing. He was a devoted family man that was well liked in the community. 'Pop' was a friend to many of John and Johnny's competitors, and a few of their heated rivals too. Many say he never met a stranger at the race track, and it's only fitting this race carries on his legacy."He was my hero," said son John Pursley. Jeff Smith, son of Dirt Hall of Fame Freddy Smith, added "It was an honor to win the first Robert Pursley Memorial. I've known John for years and his dad was a lot like my grandfather as far as being friendly to everyone and well respected at the tracks."
Announcer and long time promoter Duane Goins reflects on Mr. Robert 'Pop' Pursley, "I'd see Mr. Pursley come in right before hot laps, with that blue shirt and those red suspenders. I'd go into part of my act, saying the family section is over here, drinking section over there, and all with red suspenders need to sit waayyyy down there on the end behind the light pole! He'd just keep walking, slowly throwing up that hand. He knew it was all an act and he was part of the show. Before the night was over, I'd take time to go and shake that hand. He was a true 'fan in the stands'. I miss those race nights, and I miss Mr. 'Pops' Pursley. I'm very sure a lot more folks do also, he was a great one."
Past winners of the Pursley Memorial Race include Jeff Smith, Furman Parton, Chris 'Smokey' Madden, Chad Paxton and last year's winner Casey Roberts. Friday Night's 40 lap Robert Pursley Memorial Race will pay $4,000 to the winner with bonus money spread through the field and to fastest qualifiers. Support divisions racing will include Crate Late Models, Renegades, Crate Sportsman, Stock 4 & Front Wheel Drive Divisions. Fridays Gates will open at 5pm, Drivers Meeting at 7pm and racing to promptly follow.
Cherokee Speedway "The Place Your Momma Warned You About" is conveniently located off I-85 exit 96 in Gaffney, SC. Physical Address: 153 Speedway Road Gaffney, SC 29341. For more information please visit www.cherokeespeedway.com Phone Contacts: Track Phone 864.489.1969 / Lennie Buff Promoter 864.5o5.9199.
Prepared by JCRacing Promotions
Robert "Pop" Pursley, the father of John Pursley/grandfather of Johnny Pursley Jr. was a fixture atop the grandstand anytime John and Jr. were racing. He was a devoted family man that was well liked in the community. 'Pop' was a friend to many of John and Johnny's competitors, and a few of their heated rivals too. Many say he never met a stranger at the race track, and it's only fitting this race carries on his legacy."He was my hero," said son John Pursley. Jeff Smith, son of Dirt Hall of Fame Freddy Smith, added "It was an honor to win the first Robert Pursley Memorial. I've known John for years and his dad was a lot like my grandfather as far as being friendly to everyone and well respected at the tracks."
Announcer and long time promoter Duane Goins reflects on Mr. Robert 'Pop' Pursley, "I'd see Mr. Pursley come in right before hot laps, with that blue shirt and those red suspenders. I'd go into part of my act, saying the family section is over here, drinking section over there, and all with red suspenders need to sit waayyyy down there on the end behind the light pole! He'd just keep walking, slowly throwing up that hand. He knew it was all an act and he was part of the show. Before the night was over, I'd take time to go and shake that hand. He was a true 'fan in the stands'. I miss those race nights, and I miss Mr. 'Pops' Pursley. I'm very sure a lot more folks do also, he was a great one."
Past winners of the Pursley Memorial Race include Jeff Smith, Furman Parton, Chris 'Smokey' Madden, Chad Paxton and last year's winner Casey Roberts. Friday Night's 40 lap Robert Pursley Memorial Race will pay $4,000 to the winner with bonus money spread through the field and to fastest qualifiers. Support divisions racing will include Crate Late Models, Renegades, Crate Sportsman, Stock 4 & Front Wheel Drive Divisions. Fridays Gates will open at 5pm, Drivers Meeting at 7pm and racing to promptly follow.
Cherokee Speedway "The Place Your Momma Warned You About" is conveniently located off I-85 exit 96 in Gaffney, SC. Physical Address: 153 Speedway Road Gaffney, SC 29341. For more information please visit www.cherokeespeedway.com Phone Contacts: Track Phone 864.489.1969 / Lennie Buff Promoter 864.5o5.9199.
Prepared by JCRacing Promotions
