Throwback Thursday, a little early

Does this name ring a bell? Glen “Pop” McGinnis?

Do these programs bring back a memory?

McGinnis, a racer from 1951 to 1971 both locally and nationally, will be honored at Ona Speedway by the track officials and a regional racing historian.

So, if the name doesn’t bring a memory, there are plenty who do recall McGinnis. Some of them will gather at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to do just that, plus unveil a memorial.

 Tim Flock, (May 11, 1924 – March 31, 1998), recently selected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, certainly knew who McGinnis was.

 When asked by WV racing historian Steve Chapman if he remembered Glen McGinnis, Flock’s reply was, “we called him Pops.” Flock and McGinnis both drove Hudson Hornets and raced each other frequently.

Tim Flock photo from GeorgiaRacingHistory.com

In 1970, McGinnis prepped a Wood Brothers equipped Mercury Cyclone for the WV 300 at Ona, the Grand National Circuit, which is now the Sprint Cup. He started 25th and finished 9th. 

Oh, the track was, at the time, WV International Raceway Park.

And, if you go to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, when you load your track preferences on your hard card, be sure to look for WV International Raceway, not Ona Speedway. Just a hint.