Joe Carver, one of the best-known promoters in Langley Speedways 63-year history, died on Saturday. A resident of Concord, N.C., he was 76. Carver moved from the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, Tenn. to become promoter of what was then known as Langley Field Speedway, serving at the track from 1973-83. A series of promoters had experienced little success during the four years prior to his arrival. Carver was an innovator, whose gimmicks included match races. He brought in big-name drivers from around the region and nation, once creating a $1,000-to-win match race between Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip, Sonny Hutchins and Ray Hendrick. In addition to Waltrip, Carver brought in NASCAR legends Bobby Allison, Benny Parsons, Dick Brooks, Lennie Pond and Neil Bonnett to race in special events. Waltrip tweeted on Saturday that Carver ‘is one of the best track promoters and PR guys Ive ever known.” Carver also served a stint as Darrell Waltrips PR person.( Daily Press and RacinToday )
