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Shelby, NC (WNN) — The Combs Family Museum held its 7th Annual Reunion on Sunday, November 9th, 2025, located at 833 Pleasant Drive in Shelby, NC. It brought together racing enthusiasts, families, and community leaders on a sunny Sunday with temperatures in the mid-70s.
Museum Owner and Operator Phil Combs, with the help of volunteers, worked together to make this event happen. The event had been previously scheduled in 2024 and other times this year, but the weather did not cooperate. The weather was beautiful this time.
Entrance Sign - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
Rusty Wise (WNN)
The event adhered to a schedule, helping attendees navigate various tributes, gatherings, and talks. The day's activities were:
Combs Home - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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As the day kicked off, Dale Tyre, Co-Chaplain of Anderson Motor Speedway, hosted a Sunday church service for the crowd. Museum owner and organiser Phil Combs asked Tyre to speak about Forgiveness and making amends. Tyre told those in attendance, "Forgiveness is not about condoning the wrong that was done, nor is it about forgetting the pain. Instead, it's about releasing that grip that the past has on our present."
Chaplain Dale Tyre - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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Tyre urged everyone to get in touch with friends or family members they hadn't spoken to in a while, drawing on his years of experience working with the motorsports community.
Combs explained why he held the reunion: "This is about leaving at the end of the day feeling better than when you got here." He emphasized that the event's special sense of community comes from friendships, not fame.
7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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Attendees gathered to honor members of the local racing community who had passed away since the last reunion. A candle arrangement was lit by Tyre to remember friends and loved ones we've lost.
Memorial Candle - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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Among those many honored were recent deaths, such as Levi Hughes, a man many in attendance knew who enjoyed go-kart racing and drag racing, and Donnie Green, who was Tri-County's first track champion. Tyler Weaver, a national kart racing champion, died at the young age of 25 in 2025, along with Freddy Smith, a dirt track racer legend in the Carolinas, and Rex White, a NASCAR legend. White's 1960 NASCAR Grand National Series trophy is on display in the museum and may be the most prominent item in the collection.
Rex White's 1960 NASCAR Grand National Champion Trophy - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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The reunion also celebrated Billy Scott, a Southeast NASCAR racer who was admired by many. Becky White, known for starting a racing newsletter, Roger Richards, a talented photographer, and Charlie Craig, an announcer with a familiar voice in racing for many years. Friends, family, and fans gathered to acknowledge their contributions to the world of racing and the local community.
Aerial Photo of Combs Family Museum 7th Annual Racing Reunion - November 9th, 2025
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Apart from the memorial, living contributors and racing legends received recognition for their achievements. Rutherford County Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg and Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman lent a hand in presenting plaques to notable individuals. Among those honored were Bobby Barr, an engine builder, and Charlie Cabaniss, an announcer. Also recognized were John Finger and Mike Green for their multiple wins at the Chimney Rock Hill Climb. "Chucks" in the crowd who were honored and recognized were Chuck Bown and Chuck Piazza. They raced in different generations, and both were stars during their racing careers.
Also among those celebrated was 91-year-old Junior Neal. He shared memories from his time racing on over 100 tracks around the world.
Junior Neal at 91 years old - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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The Ricky Weeks Reunion kicked off at 12:30 p.m. to honor one of the area's top dirt late model racers. Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg stated that Ricky Weeks has made a name for himself in dirt racing, earning the nickname "Rutherford Rocket." His career boasts five Carolina Clash wins and over 100 wins at tracks like Cherokee Speedway.
The gathering paid tribute to his lasting mark on southeastern dirt late model racing. Guests shared stories, looked at racing items, and offered well-wishes from friends and fellow racing stars. A memorable moment for those at the event was the recognition of Weeks' induction into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame. This honor solidifies his status as a hero in the local grassroots racing community.
Ricky Weeks Award - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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The reunion honored his long-standing impact in Southeastern dirt late model racing and included stories, memorabilia, and congratulations from friends and fellow racing greats.
Sheriff Alan Norman announced the day as Barry and Judy Wright Day in Cleveland County. Barry Wright built many winning race cars in the area, including those of Ricky Weeks.
Barry Wright (blue) with wife Judy - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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A highlight of the day was the return of the roof from Barry Wright's first race car, built for Johnny Bochamp in 1972, a Dodge Polara. Phil Combs unveiled the roof brought by Bochamp as an emotional tribute during the afternoon program. The car roof still had the number 99 painted on it by Roby Combs.
Dodge Polara Roof - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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At 1:30 p.m., attendees celebrated the history of Shuffletown Dragway, a historic drag strip near Charlotte that closed in 1991. It still holds a special place in the hearts of racers and fans in the community.
Shuffletown Reunion - Tommy Mauney speaking - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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Drag racer Tommy Mauney presented the Shuffletown Reunion Check to Doug Mashburn, the son of the past and deceased Shuffletown Dragway owner Clinton Mashburn. The recognition highlighted the efforts of the Mashburn family, along with their loyal volunteers. They had all worked hard to establish the dragway back in the 1950s, leaving a lasting impact that would last for years.
Shuffletown Dragway Reunion Group - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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The reunion paid tribute to the racers who hit the track and looked back on essential milestones, such as the strip being paved in 1964 and setting speed records. Conversations also revealed how Shuffletown Dragway remains alive in local spots even today, with the promotional jingle saying "Sunday, Sunday, Sunday."
At 2:00 p.m., the Billy Standridge Reunion kicked off, bringing together his racing family, close friends, and panelists Rick Moore, Phil Fowler, and Dougman Davis. Everyone came to celebrate Billy Standridge, a Shelby native who raced in the Daytona 500 and became a symbol of pride in North Carolina's stock car racing history.
Billy Standridge Recognition Reunion - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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Attendees talked about Standridge's career and shared tributes. They spoke about his dedication, his talent in racing, and his care for his family throughout his career.
They also mentioned how his team and fellow drivers played a vital part in supporting his journey. Moore, Fowler, and Davis discussed the mark Standridge left on the world of racing and emphasized the need to honor his legacy to inspire younger generations in the community.
Billy Standridge Recognition Reunion - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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Participants who were involved with the Harris Speedway took part in a group picture and reunion at the massive Harris Speedway Victory Lane sign.
Harris Speedway Group - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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Guests toured museum rooms filled with decades of racing memorabilia, Cleveland County Fair artifacts, music artifacts, and local history items. Displays honoring all forms of racing, including drag racing and go-kart pioneers, were also on display. The house, metal building, and grounds offered a welcoming space for both planned presentations and impromptu conversations among those whose lives have been shaped by racing in Cleveland County, NC, and beyond.
7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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There were raffles and 50/50 draws, with prizes including vintage racing doors, pit crew shirts, event memorabilia, and a season pass for the 2026 Southeast Gassers Association. $214 was given away in 50/50 winnings, and additional prizes were awarded to both children and adults who participated.
7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
Rusty Wise (WNN)
Phil Combs and his brother, Roby Combs, were both surprised by the awards and recognition they received this year. Phil received an award for his contribution to the racing community from Mike Beam and James Benfield. Freddy Crawford presented Roby with an award for his years of lettering race cars and signage. "The man behind the brush", stated Crawford as he introduced Roby to the stage.
Roby Combs (L) - Phil Combs (R) - 7th Annual Combs Family Museum Reunion - November 9th, 2025 - Shelby, NC
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When the event concluded, Phil Combs expressed his gratitude to the crowd for their support of the museum. He urged everyone to keep in touch through upcoming events, visits, and online updates. "This is about leaving today feeling better than when you got here," he said.
Visiting the Combs Family Museum is by appointment only. To book an appointment, please contact Phil Combs through his Facebook page, accessible via the link here.
WNN Note: Be sure to check out the LIVE Video and photo gallery (click the arrows in photo) at the top of this article for car pictures and more!
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