Forum: Oklahomatidbits.com General Forum (go)
Moderators:  /  David Smith Jr

I have ordered a Plaque to commemorate John and Gladys May Gaddis (the old black people) for their 60+ years of dedication to our sport.

In short John and Gladys May have been attending every Dirt Car Race Track in the OKC area from the N.E. OKC track, to the original Fair Grounds at S.E. 15th and Douglas, to Taft Stadium, then onto Fairgrounds Speedway. They did not stop there as they followed their favourite Drivers, throughout the Midwest.

They chased Harold Leep Sr. from State to State. And when you talk to them today, every Driver is their favourite. They have seen the likes of A.J. Foyt, Lloyd Ruby, Gordan Johncock, and Johnny Rutherford just to name a few compete when they where "Rookies".

Although costs of the Plaque / Award was minimal ($50) the plaque will be presented to John and Gladys (John is 81, and Gladys May just turned 80 years young) with a list of names will be presented to John and Gladys.

Any monies collected above the cost of the Award will go toward the Point Fund in the name of Mr. and Mrs. Gaddis.

Donations we have so far;

Stanley Reed Sr.

James and Clydene Beane

Steve and Charlie Gastineau

Allen Crawford

Jeff Leep

Mike Howard

Joe Wood Sr.

Ric Crawford

Steve Foster

Wendy Chapa

If you wish to contribute, please sign in legably (print your name) on the sign in sheet. Sign in sheets and donation sites (Grandstands or Pit Area) will be posted soon.

I could go on and on about the greatness of these two highly respected people. Personally I feel honored being in their presence. They've watched some of our grandparents (some great grands) race and for them to share those stories and memories with us is priceless. Never lost the enthusiasm to go watch some racing, no matter if it were out of town or not. At 80 and 81 still take a stroll through the pits after the races to say "Hello." or "Great job, you looked good."

I will be walking through the Pit Area this Friday accepting donations, or you can visit the Booster Club table located in the North Breezeway in the Grandstands.

We are asking for a $5.00 donation for each name on the list. Remember all proceeds collected above the cost of the Plaque will go to the Points Fund in the name of Mr. and Mrs. Gaddis.

Here is a Proof copy of how the plaque will appear. Less the wood surround it is mounted to.

We are hoping to present this award to the Gaddis's on June 12.

YES YES YES I AM IN!!!!!!

I asked the late Leep, Jr. a couple of years ago about them and he winked and told me to go talk to them as they are great people. I want to make a copy of the VHS tape I have of the '59 Taft Stadium and '72-73 MARCAR produced video tape. Plus a tape from late 60's and 70's from Muskogee and Tulsa.

The reason for this is I also asked Tommie Estes, Jr. if he knew them and he said they were the best people he knew and had known them for years. Everywhere Tommie went, those two were there.

Unclea, I don't know if I am going to be at the city Friday night but I am good for a $10. Let me klnow when you are going to present that to them and I will try to have my tapes dubbed onto video tape for them as well.

David Smith Jr.
www.oklahomatidbits.com

Fan Appreciation Night 1986. Prize: Tickets to the Indy 500. The winners: You guessed it. Don't know if they were able to attend or not.

thats a really cool Allen.

It's truly great to see such truly dedicated race fans honored. I'd like to pitch in a few bucks - would like to a bit more, but as I'm sure they can easily relate - it's not cheap chasing the sprint car races you want to see every weekend lol

This is very cool that these very dedicated lifelong race fans will be honored.

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That is outstanding,yall.

Wish I could be there as I used to sit up there near them.

I rememeber them being so nice and it didnt matter if it was cold weather or blistering hot, they were there.

I'm in, it's really cool that they have been around so long. To me the lifelong fans are just as important as any driver, crew members, or officials.

Thanks so much to all. After I pick up the cost of the plaque, we so far have $250.00 dollars added to the Point Fund in the name of John & Gladys.

I really appreciate all for helping to Honor these Great people. Heck I even got Lanny & Beverly to kick in. Now if I can get Lanny to issue a lifetime pass to John & Gladys. I'm working on that one.

Once again, Thanks to all that contributed.

Allen Crawford