It was 120 degrees in the pits and 120mph on the track!

In the heat of a Southern summer, when the cicadas sang their endless dirge and the kudzu vines threatened to swallow entire towns, men turned to stock car racing. It was the 1960s, a time of transition and turmoil, and in the South, racing wasn't just a sport; it was a way of life.

This is the story of the gutsy drivers and their speed machines during the golden age of Stock Car racing on everything from dirt tracks to concrete ovals across the

Southland of America. In the sweltering summer sun they fought for money reputation and glory of having 'bragging rights'.

The wear and tear on both car and driver was intensive. Some say that a driver would actually lose several pounds during a 500 lap race. And while these might look like the average automobile inside these were vehicles on steroids able too reach speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour.

From the smell of peanuts, beer and cotton candy to gasoline, buying rubber and human sweat It was a special time and place when the new sport of Stock car racing came into being. This is their story of speed, camaraderie and culture.