1978 Off the Track Events | J. Murrey Atkins Library

: 1978 Ricky Rudd Car Announcement at Holman-Moody Shop Events; Most of the images in this collection document an announcement at the Holman-Moody shop in 1978. Holman-Moody was a racing team and remains as a race car manufacturer in Charlotte, North Carolina. Holman-Moody manufactures racing vehicles using vintage parts and approaches, with special editions of modern Ford sports cars. This race team built nearly all factory Ford racing vehicles from the 1950s to 1970s. Holman-Moody owns race cars that participate in NASCAR, sports car racing, drag racing, ocean boat racing, and rallies. A few notable drivers racing for Holman-Moody include Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, David Pearson, Mario Andretti, Junior Johnson, Fireball Roberts, and Cale Yarborough. Founders of Holman-Moody, John Holman and Ralph Moody, were nominees for the 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame. Ricky Rudd was also a nominee. The collection also contains several images of Ricky Rudd undergoing an exercise test at a doctor's office.

: NASCAR Visits the White House; The images in this collection document NASCAR’s visit to the White House on September 13, 1978. The NASCAR racing community was invited by president Jimmy Carter, a passionate NASCAR fan and a friend of Cale Yarborough. Before his presidency Jimmy Carter was an occasional ticket seller at the Atlanta Motor Speedway when his peanut crops were poor. At the event there was 500 guests in attendance, including Bill France, Sr. and Bill France, Jr. Country singer Willie Nelson provided entertainment, singing “Whiskey river” and “Up against the wall, Redneck Mother.” Jimmy Carter was unable to attend, as he was involved with Middle East peace talks at Camp David.