Darlington, S.C. — Cathy Kemmerlin, a lifelong Darlington, South Carolina, resident and motorsports veteran, has been named President of Stock Car Classics (SCC), effective immediately. In her new role, Kemmerlin will oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations and work alongside the Board of Directors and club members to expand SCC’s mission of preserving, celebrating, and sharing the history of stock car racing.
Stock Car Classics is dedicated to bringing the rich history and heritage of NASCAR and stock car racing back to life. Founded by Brinkley “Doc” Whiteside, an optometrist with a lifelong passion for stock car racing, SCC serves as a mobile museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the sport’s storied past. Whiteside will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board.
“I consider SCC to be one of the top five accomplishments of my life, and I look forward to seeing it grow,” Whiteside said. “I was recently told that we had built a respectful club, but more importantly, we built a racing family. This club remains a tribute to my father and the other unsung heroes of racing who were never given the appreciation they deserved. This includes drivers, crew members, and everyone who works to make the sport great.”
In 2021, Whiteside and a group of friends came together to create an organization that would celebrate their shared passion for stock car racing. Their vision extended beyond the purchase, restoration, and preservation of historic NASCAR race cars. SCC also began organizing track events that give owners the opportunity to drive their cars on the same speedways where NASCAR Cup Series drivers have competed.
In just five years, Stock Car Classics has grown into a thriving community, with more than 14,000 followers on Facebook and a core membership of approximately 25–30 stock car owners throughout the Southeast.
The organization’s motto, “Keeping History On Track,” reflects its commitment to preserving the heritage of stock car racing by safely putting original, restored, and tribute cars on track, allowing generations of fans to experience these historic machines in their natural environment.
“While researching my first car, which was driven in the NASCAR Busch Series by Bill Lester, I realized that every one of these cars has a history that needs to be told,” Whiteside explained.
“I’m very pleased to have Cathy guiding our club’s day-to-day operations. She is a proven leader with a lot of passion to go along with her experience,” said Whiteside. “Our Board has embraced her leadership and are excited to assist her in the growth of the club’s activities.”
“We are not, nor do we claim to be, a racing series,” Kemmerlin said. “We are more of a rolling history museum for fans of stock car racing, dating back to the 1940s, to enjoy. We want people to have the opportunity to see these cars up close and personal. That’s exactly what we do.”
Kemmerlin said she is honored to take on the leadership role and is especially excited about the opportunity to grow the organization and introduce more fans to its mission.
“What an honor it is for me to be elected President of Stock Car Classics,” Kemmerlin said. “This club is about much more than old cars. It’s about history, memories, friendship, and people who share a passion for classic stock cars.
“Living in Darlington my entire life, I learned at an early age that you either like stock car racing or you don’t. I’m so glad that I come from a family — especially my brother — that loved Darlington Raceway and passed that love and passion down to me.
“I worked at the track during races many years ago in credentials and several other offices, so I feel right at home seeing and working with some of these classic cars. It makes me happy to see adults and children get so excited when they see the Stock Car Classics cars lined up along the FanZone at NASCAR tracks, and especially when they have the opportunity to see these historic cars running on the track.
“Thank you all for your support as I step into this new position as President. My promise to you is that I will do the very best I can to grow this club and take it to the next level, with my fellow Board members and participants by my side.
“Look for Stock Car Classics at a racetrack near you very soon.”
With its continued focus on preservation, education, camaraderie, and the safe return of historic stock cars to the tracks where racing history was made, Stock Car Classics remains committed to its mission of “Keeping History On Track.”
MIKE CONGDON – Stock Car Classics