IT'S A HAPPENIN' AT HERBERT'S RACEDAY 2002
Words and photos by "Berserko" Bob Doerrer
An estimated 5,000 people showed up in the town of Cherryville, North
Carolina on May 11 for Doug Herbert's RaceDay 2002, in effect doubling
the population of the small town.
For the past 10 years Herbert has been opening up his race shop/performance
parts warehouse on the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend, a traditional
off week in all forms of racing. RaceDay features a giant car show
featuring all forms of motorsports. Doug discounts everything in his
multi-million dollar inventory, gives out free hot dogs and sodas
to all, and holds a free door prize drawing for thousands of dollars
in prizes.
The hit of the event is when Doug fires up his Top Fuel dragster
in the parking lot. This year Robert D. Raiford from the nationally
syndicated "John Boy & Billy Big Show" had the opportunity to sit
in the driver's seat when Doug cackled it up. Raiford, by the way,
is 75 years old, rode up on a 2002 Harley Police Special, and became
an instant "nitromaniac."
Then there was the "Big Bang" where they put a brick on the gas pedal
of a full size car and run it wide open until it blows up. This year
an Oldsmobile Cutlass was the sacrificial lamb.
One surprise was Shirl Greer, NHRA's first Funny Car World Champion
who showed up with his original "Chained Lightning" Funny Car and
his un-real 1947 General Motors Truck which he hauls it around in.
Look for Shirl to have this car on the track soon.
Mark your calendar's now for next year's event.
