International Motorsports Hall of Fame Press Releases

Press Release... June 20, 2008

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2008

The Bandit’s Last Ride

     TALLADEGA, Ala. – On November 13, 1994, Harry Gant brought an end to a career that had spanned twenty-one years at NASCAR’s highest level. In what seemed like fate, Gant rode his trusty steed, the No.33 Skoal Bandits car, to a 33rd-place finish. Fortunately for race fans, Gant’s ride wasn’t put out to pasture after the race, instead, it made its way to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum for all to enjoy.

    During his career, Gant earned 17 poles and won 18 races. While his dashing good looks earned him the nickname “Handsome Harry” early in his career, Gant’s racing prowess garnered four consecutive victories in September of 1991 and the nickname “Mr. September”. A true legend of racing, Gant was inducted to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006.

    Visitors to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum will find the “Bandits Last Ride” on display in the Bill France Sr. building and Harry Gant’s IMHOF induction trophy on display in the Union 76 building.

    “Visitors to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum regularly comment how special the Bandits Last Ride display is to them,” said Talladega Superspeedway President and IMHOF Executive Director Rick Humphrey. “Harry Gant had a lot of fans when he stepped away from the sport in 1994 and the IMHOF is proud to give those fans the opportunity to reminisce about their favorite driver.”

    Opened in April of 1983, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history of motorsports. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week with the exception of major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter). Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 7 to 17 and free for kids age 6 and younger. Combo packages that include both tours of the museum and Talladega Superspeedway are $12 for adults, $8 for kids age 7 to 17 and free for kids age 6 and younger.

Contact: Kristi R. King
Director of Public Relations
Office: (256) 761-4705
Cell: (256) 223-0370

kking@talladegasuperspeedway.com

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