The Historic First Entry

The Inaugural Southern 500 – September 4, 1950

NASCAR Founder Bill France, Sr. watches Bobby Griffin complete Entry Form #1
for the first Southern 500 on the hood of the actual car to be raced while Mrs.
Harold Brasington, Sr, (left) and a track employee look on.

Regardless the endeavor, there can only be one “First,” one “original pioneer,” a single individual that
breaks the ice and sets the stage for more to follow. For the future to happen.

And when the dreams and visions that we as humans have the capacity to share our passion for--and
the stars--align, sometimes like-minded and determined individuals get together and a tradition truly
timeless in nature is set in motion.

Such was the case in 1933 when Harold Brasington Sr., enthralled and enthused by the growing new
sport of Auto Racing, decided, after a visit to attend the Indy 500, to convert a row-crop, farm-field in
rural Darlington, South Carolina into the South's first Superspeedway. And rather than the folly some
considered it to be over the ensuing years, instead it became fabled, known even today ever more
widely as one of the most iconic and challenging tracks on the NASCAR circuit, and recognized by the
single mention of “Darlington” throughout the world.

Early NASCAR racers gather on the beach at The First Entry Replica car on track and
the Daytona Beach-Road Course, prior to displayed at Darlington Raceway's Start/Finish
construction of the Darlington Superspeedway. line, ready for another Green Flag!
But it takes racers to make a race, and a key component to Darlington's early success was shared
commitment and determination to seeing Brasington's idea come to fruition, and none moreso than
Bobby Griffin, of the local Griffin Motors Oldsmobile dealership, who so believed in the growing sport
and the local track that he was the signer of Entry #1 for that inaugural Southern 500. Then had noted
painter Francis Haney hand-number and letter his car to advertise the race and spent weeks traveling
the state using the brightly-painted Chariot Red w/Canto Cream Top stock race car as a rolling
billboard promoting the upcoming event. He also later went on to serve on the track's Board of Directors
and help guide it through its early growth.

Local painter Francis Haney hand-numbered and lettered the First Entry, which was driven around
South Carolina as a rolling billboard advertising the first Southern 500 on September 4, 1950.

But commitment to a purpose was nothing new to Bobby Griffin, a U.S.

Army vet who served in WW II in the European Theatre under Patton,
fighting in the ferocious Battle of the Bulge and earning a battlefield
commission during a particularly vicious Christmas Day engagement
during the Battle of the Ardennes. And if his commitment was ever in
doubt, it only needs be noted that he was a German POW not once, but
TWICE. There was no “quit” in Lt. Robert Griffin, as four Purple Hearts, a
Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and numerous other military medals and
recognitions can attest. And that commitment carried forward post-war as
he served as State Commander of the South Carolina VFW for a time, and
was consistently active in state and local VFW and Veteran-related events
and efforts.
CPT. Robert P. Griffin
The First Entry was a 1950 Oldsmobile “Rocket 88” Club Coupe, powered by an Olds Rocket V-8 303
C.I., locally ordered by and prepped at the Griffin Motor Company dealership in Florence--which was,
coincidentally, recently added to the National Registry of Historic Places—and co-sponsored by Griffin
Motors and Darlington International Raceway. It was driven by future NASCAR Hall of Famer Buck
Baker, who qualified 28th at a speed of 74.301 MPH for the race—in a field of what eventually grew to 75
cars! Ironically, the First Entry and ol' Buck shared another less illustrious first, that of being involved in
the first crash in Southern 500 history when he hit a spinning car on Lap 176, ending his chance at
Victory.
 The Griffin Motors-provided Rocket 88 Convertible Oldsmobile Pace Car. driven by Harold
Brasington, Sr. leads a massive 75-car field to the Green Flag on September 4, 1950 to
commence the running of the inaugural Southern 500.

The First Entry Replica has been created to match, in every way possible, the original equipment, power
plant, and materials used during the original car's days of thunder on the track, right down to matching
paint colors and era-correct decaling, with the only exceptions made out of considerations for safety or
modern reliability and efficiency.

One-of-a-kinds are just that: uniquely incomparable. Without peer or parallel. And this car represents the
very beginnings of the legend of “The Lady in Black” and “The Track Too Tough To Tame”, a tradition
that seems to have become even more beloved and embraced over the past decade, and a tradition
that continues to grow, generation-to-generation, even today. And with nostalgia all the rage and
Darlington now known as the “Throwback Track,” where special old-school paint schemes and
wardrobes are celebrated, a legend certain to grow larger and ever more dear to our aging hearts.

We are extremely honored to be associated with this car and Darlington Raceway. And seek to honor
the vision of those who came before us—especially those who served under our National Flag—and
welcome inquiries about the vehicle or incorporating it into your event, especially to see these colors
run, to let this old-school Beast roar, and, once again, savor those feelings from so long ago.

For more information about the Historic First Entry Replica please feel free to contact:
Gray Bostick at:: GrayBostick@gmail.com or 843-544-5056.