Phil Combs: A Racing Legacy Forged In Family, Fuel, and Upcoming 6th Annual Reunion
By: Rusty Wise, Mason Beam, Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network
Article Updated: Reunion Date moved from April 6th to May 11th (Mother’s Day) due to weather.
Shelby, NC (WNN) – Cleveland County, NC native Phil Combs recently visited WNN studios to discuss his lifelong connection to racing. With parents Roby P. Combs and Irma Combs, who were active in NASCAR’s early days, he gained valuable insight into the sport. Phil is hosting his annual race reunion at his home on Mother’s Day, May 11th to celebrate the racing community’s rich heritage.
The Combs Lineage: A Front-Row Seat to Racing’s Golden Era
Phil’s story begins with his parents, who were involved when NASCAR was just starting. His father, who was inducted into the Mount Airy, NC Racing Wall of Fame, transitioned from racing on local dirt tracks to working alongside the legendary Bill France, shaping the very foundation of the sport.
His mother Irma, equally immersed in the racing scene, managed the bustling pit areas, selling NASCAR licenses and forging bonds with racing legends. This unique upbringing provided Phil with an unparalleled perspective, a front-row seat to the evolution of racing from its raw, untamed beginnings.
Early Work and Racing Roots
Phil’s early life was not just about watching races; he was also part of the working world. He began working at UPS at the age of 16, a job he got through a contact from his early go-kart racing days. This experience, along with his upbringing around the racing scene, shaped his appreciation for hard work and dedication.
His brother Roby S. Combs spent time selling racing newspapers. Roby’s entry into the racing world was through the “National Speed Sport News,” selling papers to drivers and pit crews. Selling those papers led Phil to meeting tons of people and hearing all of their stories, building long-lasting friendships. It showed him that racing is about more than just fast cars; it’s about the people and the shared love of the sport.
Phil Comb’s Racing Beginnings
Phil Comb’s racing journey began in 1970 racing go-karts. While his first outing didn’t result in a win, he quickly found success, claiming victory in his second race and securing a points championship in his inaugural year.
His first car race occurred in 1977 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, participating in the NASCAR Baby Grand Series. He experienced racing on both dirt and asphalt tracks, with a significant highlight being his participation in the 1982 NASCAR Goody’s Dash race at Daytona. He ultimately finished 15th out of 50 cars.
Although he no longer races, his involvement in the sport continues, having started announcing races in 2000, a role he’s maintained for many years. He currently announces races at Tri-County Speedway in Hudson, North Carolina.
A Living History: Phil Comb’s Racing Museum
Phil’s home has become more than just a home; it’s a carefully curated museum, a place dedicated to preserving the vibrant history of American racing. Within its walls, every artifact from vintage programs and photographs to cherished racing memorabilia tells a story contributing to the grand narrative of the sport’s evolution.
Phil credits his mother for much of the collection, stating with gratitude, “My mother, she kept everything. she hoarded stuff, she did, and I’m so thankful now that she kept what she did.” He emphasizes the personal connection to these items, explaining, “People ask me all the time, how did you find this? I say, ‘I didn’t find this. My mother saved this when I was little.”
The museum stands as a testament to the power of memories, showcasing the stories of racing’s past that resonate with the present and ensuring that the legacies of racing’s heroes remain alive.
The Reunion: Celebrating Racing Legends
Phil’s upcoming reunion is a special event hosted at the Combs Family Museum in Shelby. It will be held on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11th, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM at 833 Pleasant Drive in Shelby, NC. However, the date is subject to change depending on weather conditions. This 6th annual reunion honors the people who made racing happen, even if they didn’t always get the spotlight.
Ricky Weeks, who is now in the racing Hall of Fame, will be present. He’ll show off his restored race car. Fans can get his autograph on postcards, and it is a way to celebrate his achievements with the people who supported him.
Barry and Judy Wright, who have built race cars for many drivers, will be present at the reunion as well. The reunion will bring together the drivers they have helped, giving everyone a chance to recognize their important work.
Shuffletown Dragway has closed, but it was a big part of the local racing scene. There will be a memorial for Clinton Mashburn, who ran the dragway, and people can share memories of the track.
Billy Standridge made it to the Daytona 500, a huge achievement, and his family, team, and sponsors will gather to remember him, a tribute to his hard work and the support he received. Phil wants to recognize racers who are 80 and 90 years old. People like Junior Phillips and Ernest Rogers will be honored as a way to remember the history of racing.
A Legacy of Passion and Community
Phil’s whole life shows how much love and friendship mean in racing. His 6th annual race reunion isn’t just a get-together; it’s about celebrating what makes racing so special. It’s a day to remember the old days, enjoy today’s racing, and get excited for what’s next. When everyone gathers and shares their stories, Phil’s home will feel like a place where racing history lives.
Full In-depth Phil Combs Interview: Phil Combs Interview
Full In-depth Museum Walk Through: (NASCAR) The Combs Family Museum
Audio Podcast: The Who Gives a Hoot Podcast S2E1
Racing Reunion Information: Please see the Phil Combs FaceBook Page for Reunion Updates
Want to go? 6th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion, 833 Pleasant Drive, Shelby, NC 28152, Sunday May 11th 2025, Hours 11:30 AM – 5 PM
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