by John Evans

Stock Car Racing’s King, Richard Petty, will once again visit Caroline County during the Seventh Annual Ridgely Auto and Motorcycle Show to be held Sunday, October 15 from 9 AM. to 4 PM.

Making his fourth appearance at the show, Petty will sign 400 autographs and tour the grounds, judging and appreciating the more than 1,000 vehicles that are expected to be on hand – making the Ridgely show one of the largest of its kind anywhere.

Wristbands for the free autographs will be handed out beginning at 6 AM outside the pharmacy. Petty will actually sign autographs between noon and 2 PM. Only one band per person will be allowed.

In addition to Petty and one of his show cars being a large part of the show, several other TV personalities will be on hand as well as a number of other race cars and racing-related exhibits.

This year, two new celebrities will visit the show. They are Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke in the Duke of Hazzard television show and legendary drag racer Roy Hill. Hill now operates the Roy Hill Drag Racing School.

Returning this year will be Miss Linda Vaughn, also known as “Miss Hurst,” and Tom Sarmento, constructor of the General Lee. Hill will sign autographs from 9 AM until noon and again from 1-3 PM. For an additional fee, Linda and Roy will be available to sign your car and/or take pictures with your car.

For those wishing to enter the car and motorcycle show there will be 90 trophies awarded in several different categories – including some very unique one-of-a-kind trophies.

During the first six years of its existence, the car show has raised just over $250,000.

“We have been supported very well by the community and each year, the show continues to bring out both those showing their cars and those wanting to meet the King and view the cars,” said show founder Brenda Walls, who owns the Ridgely Pharmacy and is an avid race fan. “Having Richard there, as well as the other celebrities, is a real draw.“

Last year’s show was taped and featured on an episode of My Classic Cars earlier this year.

Benefitting from this year’s proceeds from the car show will be four charities – the Petty Foundation, Pink Cares of the Eastern Shore, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Del-Mar-Va Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

“We’ve been fortunate to raise such a sum that goes to help so many charities both locally and nationally,” said Walls. You can register online by going to ridgelycarshow.com.

Also taking place the day before on October 14 will be the “Tour Caroline Road Rally” which will begin at 10 AM with a mini car show and cookout on Market Street in Denton at the Court House Green. Participants will proceed along scenic back roads through the towns and finish at the Ridgely Pharmacy for ice cream. Each participant will receive various literature promoting sponsors and Caroline County organizations. An official tour route book will be provided to the participants to guide them along the route. It will also include historical and community information identifying interesting characteristics of Caroline County.

A commemorative dash plaque will be supplied along with stickers to identify the participating cars during the weekend. Each participant will be awarded participation points which will enhance their score during the car show on Sunday. The tour will begin at noon and cars may go at their own pace, travel in packs or meander at will. Each town will have the opportunity to provide information regarding the historical significance and why these are the best places to live and will be a stop to showcase their businesses and highlight things to do.

You may register for the car rally at the same website at ridgelycarshow.com.