6-30-10 —     Raymond Parks, the godfather of stock car racing passed away Saturday

night at his home near Atlanta, Georgia.

    Parks teamed with driver Red Byron  to win the inaugural modified

championship in 1948 followed by the first ³strictly stock²‹ the forerunner

to today¹s Cup Series‹a year later.

    In addition he helped finance many races as well as the fledgling NASCAR

organization in its early years.

    ³The NASCAR community is saddened by the passing of Raymond Parks,²

NASCAR chairman Brian France said in a statement. ³Raymond was instrumental

in the creation of NASCAR as a participant in the historic meeting at the

Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach. He was also our first championship owner.

Raymond is a giant in the history of NASCAR and will always be remembered

for his dedication to NASCAR.²

    Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.