The Nation : Racers Speed Hay to Dixie

“We really appreciate the Ohio farmer,” racing driver Richard Petty said as a fleet of NASCAR racing team trucks roared out of Columbus after hundreds of volunteers worked into the night to load them with hay for the drought-stricken Southeast. The goal of 20,000 bales, set by the “Caravan of Care/Hayride 500,” was surpassed. All 43 trucks, sponsored by NASCAR stock car drivers and crews, were filled. “This is one day all you guys can consider the highway patrol your friend,” Gov. Richard F. Celeste told the drivers as they prepared to leave on the 483-mile trip back to North Carolina.