Once those are selected, the true fun begins. (877) 258-1057 | info@talladegafiberglass.com. Dale and John became great friends, and anytime Dale was in town for a race, he stayed at Johns place. can provide an added layer of protection and color. If you want a different cut, just call and ask. 
Questions? Bill Elliot set an all-time qualifying speed record on a closed course in 1987 at Talladega, surpassing 212 mph to win the pole. ALI ARC SEMI TRUCK GRILLE GUARD MOOSE BUMPERS. John told me a funny story about what happened in 1976 when he told a NASCAR executive that he was going to put Dale Earnhardt in his car. We offer an array of brackets, mounting kits, mount tubes and other accessories to keep your parts secure. Racing at the season-opener in Riverside, California in 1976, John ended up with a 31st place finish. For safety reasons, in 1988, NASCAR imposed a new rule requiring cars running at Talladega and Daytona to use restrictor plates, which limit the amount of fuel and air entering the engine, greatly reducing the power and speed. Skip Manning got in there sideways and just drove right into my door. We can get you a custom cut, if you want it lower between the drives, or a lower lip around the tires. All Rights Reserved. Everybody on the Talladega Fiberglass team has no less than Five years Experience in the Fiberglass Business. Along with helping maintain the paint job and reducing the debris that is sent flying, upgrading them is an ideal way to complement a custom paint job or add some enviable style to your rolling office. Performing this special service for the track requires a special rig and Johns 1999 Peterbilt 379 is certainly that. I didnt think at the time it would become that big of a deal, said John but it did! This is why they have a five year warranty against cracking or breaking under normal wear and tear. EDITORS NOTE: We would like to thank Russell Branham and Talladega Superspeedway for allowing us to share some neat old black and white pictures of the track being built, as well some pics of Johns truck making actual parade laps in front of the crowd before a race. Outside, in their beautiful, grass-covered, 75-acre yard, is the actual 76 ball that used to stand on a tall column at the track, before Sunoco began providing the fuel for the race cars and it was removed. Featuring more custom stainless from Rig Skirts, including the floor of the cab, a steering column cover and all of the dash goodies you can buy, there is a lot to look at from the drivers seat. Powered by a 3406 Cat with 550 hp, the truck also has matching Talladega Fiberglass fenders, single-round headlights on Double JJ brackets, 8-inch Dynaflex pipes and a louvered grille. We come from a vast background of Boat Manufacturing. He was also married late 1969, and has another daughter named Nicole. Custom S American Eagle Blind Mount Semi Truck Bumper. It comes with an array of challenges, mentally and physically, and is a home away from home after a long day of driving. Soon thereafter, the tire companies were able to produce suitable tires for the extreme conditions Talladega created, and the track went on to host two Cup Series races a year ever since, along with countless other events. He drove for several outfits over the next few years until starting his own company, John Ray Trucking, in 1972. Moving through the ranks, he eventually found himself competing at the highest level in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Talladega took their knowledge of boat building and incorporated it into our their semi truck part accessories. Roun Chevy 2500/3500 Severe Duty Bumper. And having spent an entire day at the track doing the photo shoot with John, I can tell you from personal experience, those corners are super steep you can hardly walk up them! People said I spun and I was just sitting there on the apron. Light Holes Optional. Starting his own team later that year, he put driver Johnny Rutherford in his #77 Chevy and raced at Daytona in July and Charlotte in October. Whether you have a favorite brand, want a custom color to match the cab, looking to have the ultimate chrome appeal or need cutouts for custom lights, we have options for the main rigs on the road. (559) 338-2703. Driving a truck is more than a job. Hauling mostly flatbed freight, the typical JRE rig looks nothing like Johns gold, silver and dark brown Talladega Truck Peterbilt most of them are Kenworths, and most of them are painted black with red, white and blue stripes. We used our knowledge of boat building and incorporated it into our Fenders. But, if you are a fan of NASCAR, there is a good chance that you have probably seen his truck. The track would be named Alabama International Motor Speedway until 1989, when the facilitys name was changed to Talladega Superspeedway. Whether its a required replacement or a stylish upgrade, let Iowa 80 make getting back on the road quick and easy. Iowa 80 strives to make narrowing down your search for truck fenders easy. Recently purchased from a neighbor and then moved to their property, the neat old relic has been updated on the inside and is now a wonderful guest house for visitors. The walls, shelves, tables, cabinets, desks, floor and anywhere else you look are covered with NASCAR memorabilia and collectibles. INTERNATIONAL - MACK - WESTERN STAR - FORD. Peterbilt Exhaust Kits Lincoln Chrome Quality Guaranteed. The interior of Johns truck is amazing, too. Talladega has always been fast at the first race back in 1969, drivers were running just below 200 mph. This material gives the fenders a very rigid feel, yet will flex without cracking or breaking. Returning to Alabama in the mid 1960s, John began his trucking career when he bought a White truck, leased-on to a company called Colonial, and started pulling a reefer. Given the extreme competitiveness of this facility, Talladega is famous for having many first-time winners. These fenders are a great choice for the higher ride trucks. Dismiss, International Lonestar Breather / Air Cleaner Accessories, International Lonestar Cab & Sleeper Panels, Western Star 4900 Cowl Panels & Extensions, Copyright 2022 Jack's Chrome Shop | Powered by. Hard, durable fiberglass options also are available, as well as aluminum and chrome. Since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, John and his Peterbilt have proudly carried Old Glory around Talladega Superspeedway before each and every Sprint Cup race while the National Anthem is sung. With a hardwood floor and all of the comforts of home including a sink, refrigerator, convection oven, air conditioning, a table and fold-down bed, and a tracking-satellite television (you can watch it while on the move), you might never want to leave. We offer an array of stock that includes full, half and quarter, as well as tandem or single parts for the front or back of your vehicle. We use no fillers in our resins, and only use Owens Corning Fiberglass. As he laid in a coma for over 30 days in the hospital, the doctors did not think he would make it and, if he did, he would be paralyzed, for sure. His father died two years ago at the ripe old age of 98, and his mother passed away two years earlier. Phone: 1 (765) 476-1194 Email: [emailprotected]. One of the tracks he used to race at was the famous Ascot Park in Los Angeles. Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am 6pm EST /// Sun: Closed. Semi Truck Accessories Guaranteed To Last. Finding that same NASCAR executive, John said to him, Who in the hell is Dale Earnhardt! Dale went on to win seven championships before being killed in a crash on the last lap of the Daytona 500 in 2001.
As a kid, growing up nearby, I could hear the noise from that track at my house. The next Sprint Cup race at Talladega will be the Geico 500 on May 1, 2016. Ensure you have the protection you need with durable semi truck fenders. Unfortunately, many of those trucks are currently parked because they cant find good drivers to put in them. Talladega Superspeedway is special which is what it was built to be. Simply click on most images to access a higher resolution image for viewing and/or downloanding. Ive seen films of the wreck and the race, but I dont remember any of it.. The track opened on September 13, 1969 at a cost of only $4 million. *Must be shipped to aCOMMERCIAL ADDRESS. They say Ramo Scott blew an engine and I got into his oil, John said. Once you have picked the perfect semi fenders for your rig, ensuring a proper fit is essential. Share your opinion with others, be the first to write a review. As cars improved, so did the speeds. The first race on the 2.66-mile tri-oval configuration was unlike any other many of the original drivers boycotted the race and abandoned the track on the day before the race was to be held because of tire concerns, which forced Mr. France to hire some substitute drivers to fill the field. But carrying the flag is not all that he is famous for. In 1974, he ran in both of the races held at Talladega in his #84 Dodge, finishing 41st in one and 22nd in the other. Seeing the track on TV does it no justice the turns look high and steep, but when you are actually standing there, at the bottom of Turn 4, looking up at the banked corner, it is hard to describe how steep and tall it is I would guess its about three stories tall at the outside wall, and the angle is far steeper than I would have ever imagined. Although Johns original Talladega dreams included a race car and thousands of cheering fans, this lap around the track in his Peterbilt was pretty special, too. But none of that happened he recovered. John can remember watching his father fight the plow under the hot Alabama sun as he struggled to grow cotton in the rough red clay.
The two were married forever and had five kids, including John. For commercial uses, call for permission. I also spent many Friday nights at that place watching demolition derbies and figure 8 races! Trip Boxed End Blind Mount Semi Truck Bumper. In 1975, he ran in four races in his #77 Dodge Talladega twice (where he finished in 48th and 40th), Michigan (24th), and Daytona (30th). Elite protection. John Ray has also been trucking for over 50 years, was once a NASCAR racer himself, and he even put a young Dale Earnhardt in one of his racecars, way back before anyone knew who he was. But, the best view is the one looking back into the big, beautifully-appointed Double Eagle sleeper. Everybody on the Talladega Fiberglass team has no less than Five years Experience in the Fiberglass Business. After they are installed, add some flair with guards, mud flaps or LED lights. So rest assured that if you buy any product from Talladega Fiberglass you are buying the best built all American made fenders in the market place today! Keeping your rig in top shape can be hard when traveling on dirty, rocky roads. HD New Version 2007-2010 Super Duty Bumper. Peterbilt 379/359 Fiberglass Standard Front Fenders, Peterbilt 379 Fiberglass Stock Front Fenders, Peterbilt 389 Fiberglass Standard Front Fenders, Peterbilt 379 Fiberglass Lowrider Front Fenders, Fiberglass Standard Single Axle Rear Fenders, Fiberglass Standard Half Tandem Rear Fenders, Fiberglass Standard Full Tandem Rear Fenders, Fiberglass Paintable Rear Quarter Fenders, Fiberglass Low Rider Full Tandem Rear Fenders. When he got out, he was in California, so he stayed there for about three years and, among other things, began flat-track motorcycle racing on dirt ovals, until an injury sidelined that career. The horrific crash John was involved in broke 52 bones in his body, including several in his neck, and caused him to have a punctured lung and severe head trauma. We offer an array of brackets, mounting kits, mount tubes and other accessories to keep your parts secure. John told us that he gets his rig up to about 100 mph on the parade lap, and takes it all the way up into the center lane around Turn 1. They are designed to be impact and chemical resistant, are easy to clean and maintain and have long-lasting color. Who knew we would also get to drive around it, up in Lane 3 by the wall, at about 110 mph with the tracks Director of Public Relations. Wanting to create exciting finishes, Mr. France moved the start/finish line further down the front stretch, near the beginning of Turn 1. With a 120-inch Double Eagle sleeper, a 280-inch wheelbase, and a flashy Champagne-colored paint job with Dark Metallic Brown and Metallic Silver stripes, Johns rig turns heads, on the track and on the road. Copyright 2022 Jack's Chrome Shop | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme, Call us at (765) 476-1194 or email [emailprotected] with your inventory questions or custom projects! These fenders also work well on the low ride trucks. Up a few stairs into the office areas, you find what looks more like a NASCAR museum than a trucking outfit headquarters.
this is why we have a Five year warranty against cracking or breaking under normal wear and tear. This is a very nice article. for your rig, ensuring a proper fit is essential. All Images and content on this site are protected by copyright laws, but 10-4 Magazine gives viewers the right to download images or text for personal use. It was one of those T-bone deals. In its heyday, during the 1990s, John Ray Enterprises (JRE) grew to 50 trucks, but today they have eighteen. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Mack CL Bumper Series Set Back Axle Heavy Duty Application. Today, Johns son Johnny (43) runs most of the company, as John is now semi-retired. With about a million miles on the odometer, this truck has done its fair share of work, but these days, most of its work comes in the form of parade laps at Talladega Superspeedway. As much as John enjoys trucking, he likes racing even more. No matter your preferred style, size and material are stepping stones for the perfect fit.
So rest assure that if you buy any product from Talladega Fiberglass you are buying the best built all American made fenders in the market place today! These fenders give your truck that custom look. Copyright Talladega Fiberglass 2022. Talladega Fiberglass has 25 years of Fiberglass Experience. You get that custom low look with out having to lower your trucks suspension. Another thing that makes Talladega a more competitive track is NASCAR-mandated restrictor plates. Your email address will not be published. We even have blinker bars that make your rig even more shiny and sleek. Where he lives now is only a mile or so from where he was born in 1937, and the only time he lived elsewhere was during a four-year stint in the Air Force and a few years in California. We even have blinker bars that make your rig even more shiny and sleek. Dale Jr. (AKA Junior), who is a NASCAR star today, used to spend months at a time at John and Kays place in the summer when he was just a kid. Copyright 2022, PETERBILT - KENWORTH - VOLVO - FREIGHTLINER. We are the only fender company using Heavy Duty knitted 36/10 material in our fenders. John Ray is the best kept secret in trucking. Semi Truck Chrome Shop.
The crowd loved it there was just something about that big Peterbilt truck, roaring down the front stretch, with a huge American flag waving in the wind behind it and it quickly became a track tradition before every Sprint Cup race.
H Ends. John Ray was also married in the 1960s and has two daughters, Donna 57 and Jonda 54. A few weeks later, at race two in Daytona, John was involved in a terrible crash that almost took his life. Copyright 1993-2022 10-4 Magazine TenFourMagazine.com. Gangster Full Fenders Gangster Style. Currently there are no reviews for this product. Back at the shop, Pope (who has worked with John for 47 years) and Edward keep everything running (and looking) in tip-top shape. Website Design & Development by Moore Tech Solutions, Inc. Kenworth Exhaust Kits Lincoln Chrome Quality Guaranteed. Over the next 15 years, they built their operation up to about 45 trucks, and then sold out in 1988. And although he barrel-rolled Johns car in Turn 3 at that race and completely demolished it, Dale Earnhardt would go on to become the biggest name in the history of NASCAR. He also got married that year to the love of his life, Kay, and the two are still happily married today. PO Box 639 Dunlap, CA, 93621 tel. The guy said, Who in the hell is Dale Earnhardt? Two years later, when he ran his first complete season, Dale earned the NASCAR Rookie of the Year award in 1979 and, the very next year, became the Winston Cup Champion of 1980. I suppose his identity is no longer a mysterious secret, but we sincerely believe that his story needed to be told. Ali Arc Severe Duty Pick Up Truck Bumper. Be the first to learn about sales, new products & more! Much of Johns collection is dedicated to his old friend, Dale Earnhardt. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Freightliner Exhaust Kits Lincoln Chrome Quality Guaranteed. are often the go-towhich is a great choice when seeking a shiny look. But, he is still the first one at the office every day, and he still answers the phones and helps out. In preparation for the first Talladega race since those tragic events the Aarons 499 held on April 21, 2002 someone suggested that they put a big American flag on one of Johns trucks and run it around the track before the race. He broke ground at an old airfield near Talladega on May 23, 1968. Being a longtime NASCAR fan, I was excited to spend some time at my absolute favorite track Talladega! Your email address will not be published. They use only the best American made material. Whether you are a racing fan or not, you can certainly appreciate John Rays long trucking career, his awesome Peterbilt, and his patriotic parade lap. Whether its a required replacement or a stylish upgrade, let Iowa 80 make getting back on the road quick and easy. This extra little bit of straightaway at the end of the course has caused many drivers to win (or lose) in the last few feet of a race. The fenders are 7 lower to the ground than a stock full fender. Also on their property, in addition to a pond with a gazebo, they also have a log cabin that was built in the 1860s. Talladega Fiberglass has 25 years of Fiberglass Experience. After the terror attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, there was a resurgence of patriotism in this country. You can acually get your truck slammed to the ground with the air dumped.
We would like to personally thank Russell Branham, Director of Public Relations, and Grant Lynch, Chairman of Talladega Superspeedway, for helping us put this photo shoot together, and for allowing us to fulfill some childhood dreams. For more details or to buy tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. John cut windows into the sides and built a permanent ladder up to it, creating a fun space for the kids to play in (John and Kay have two now-grown boys John Jr. and Kevin). If you have any questions about the parts on this website or cant find something youre looking for, please contactJacksChrome Shop customer service thorough our phone number or email and we will help you find exactly what youre looking for! American Eagle Semi Truck Bumpers Sale. A few weeks later, he put an unknown driver, that had only competed in three big NASCAR races, in his car for the Dixie 500 in Atlanta that driver was Dale Earnhardt. But it was the 1976 season that John would remember the most. Some of the popular first-time winners at Talladega include Brian Vickers, Brad Keselowski, Davey Allison and Ken Schrader. For about five hours, it was just my partner Erik (Big E) and myself, along with John and his truck, out on the track taking pictures they closed the gates of the huge facility (for our protection) and just left us out there it was pretty amazing. After graduating from high school in 1955, John joined the Air Force and spent the next four years traveling around the country and studying diesel mechanics. Size: Regardless of your trucks brand, we can help you find the right fender. Part of Talladega Superspeedways White Flag Club since the late 1970s, John is the second oldest member (one other guy joined the club a few days before John) of this volunteer service organization that helps out with all sorts of activities at the track especially when there is a race going on. The pictures here (and the cover and centerfold) are proof that we got the job done! We use only the best American made material. But, if you do need to make a quick getaway, the sleeper is also equipped with a quilted-stainless-covered back door. They come from a vast background of Boat Manufacturing. Although these injuries ended his racecar driving career, they didnt end his involvement in car racing. It is arguably the most stirring moment of the entire race and were talking about Talladega, here the steepest, fastest and longest track on the Cup circuit! Sou Volvo VNL 64T, 630, 670, 780 Bumper Set Back Axles Deck Plate Paintable Fiberglass 8.5 Feet X 18 American Eagle Blind Mount Bumper. When John was a kid, his father farmed on a piece of land that was located where Talladega Superspeedway sits today. Born and raised in Eastaboga, Alabama, John (79) has lived in this small town for nearly his entire life. During the 1960s, Bill France Sr., who founded NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) in 1948 and built Daytona International Speedway in 1959, set his sights at constructing a track that was bigger, faster and longer than any other. ALI ARC PICKUP TRUCK GRILLE GUARD DEER BUMPERS. And like the track slogan says, This is more than a race this is Talladega this is also more than just a truck driver this is the legendary John Ray! This material gives the fenders a very rigid feel, yet will flex without cracking or breaking. Since its opening, the track has been repaved four times. The winner of that first race was Richard Brickhouse. They use no fillers in their resins, and only use Owens Corning Fiberglass. After racing on his Triumph motorcycle in California, he moved on to dirt cars when back in Alabama. One of the reasons is because of the location of the start/finish line, which is usually in the middle of the front stretch. Kay keeps busy, too, as they have worked side-by-side for decades. Unfortunately, the new owner went belly-up shortly thereafter, so John bought a bunch of his old equipment back from bank and started over as John Ray Enterprises in 1991. Like with many things, knowing which is the best option can be difficult. Required fields are marked *. Now, for the most part, the cars on the track are equal, which puts the skills of the driver ahead of everything else. After they are installed, add some flair with guards, mud flaps or LED lights. Covered in stainless accessories from top to bottom from Rig Skirts, the truck, when hooked to its matching trailer, has over 500 lights. 32 Chrome Shop. They are the only fender company using Heavy Duty knitted 36/10 material in fenders and other fiberglass accessories. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser.