Daggett Shuler Joins Triad Today to Celebrate the Final Lap of the Rusty Harpe Memorial Race
Daggett Shuler joined Triad Today to celebrate the final Rusty Harpe Memorial Race, honoring Rusty Harpe’s legacy and inviting the community to this special event. David Daggett also participated in the show’s Round Table, discussing important issues impacting the Triad.
Recently, Daggett Shuler’s David Daggett and Griff Shuler joined Jim Longworth on Triad Today alongside three-time Rusty Harpe Memorial Race winner Dylan Ward to discuss the upcoming 20th Annual Rusty Harpe Memorial Race at Caraway Speedway.
This year’s event holds special significance; not only does it mark the 20th anniversary of the race, but it will also be the final Rusty Harpe Memorial Race, or “Final Lap,” making it a memorable celebration of a legacy that has touched countless lives throughout our community.
Honoring the Legacy of Rusty Harpe
During the interview, David Daggett reflected on the origins of the event and the lasting impact of Rusty Harpe: “Rusty was a local stock car driver at tracks throughout the Triad, particularly at Caraway Speedway,” David shared. “He was the son of our longtime friends, Chip and Lynn Harpe.”
Following Rusty’s tragic passing in a farm accident 20 years ago, Chip and Lynn Harpe partnered with Caraway Speedway to create a memorial race in his honor. What began as a tribute has evolved into one of the most anticipated racing events of the summer.
“This is the 20th anniversary Rusty Harpe Memorial Race,” David explained. “We’re calling this one ‘The Final Lap’ because it will be the last Rusty Harpe Memorial.”
A Family Tradition Built Around Racing
For Dylan Ward, the race represents much more than competition. Ward, who has collected three Rusty Harpe Memorial Race victories, spoke about the deep connection between his family and the Harpe family. His father drove for Chip Harpe for more than a decade, and those relationships have remained strong ever since.
“Chip and I still talk weekly,” Ward said. “They’ve always been a big part of my family since I was a kid growing up.”
His victories have become special moments for everyone involved, particularly for Rusty’s father, Chip. As David noted during the interview, when Dylan won for the first time, “Chip Harpe about came out of his skin, he was so excited for Dylan!”
More Than a Race: A Community Event
As a longtime supporter of the Rusty Harpe Memorial Race, Daggett Shuler is proud to play an active role in the festivities each year. Griff Shuler shared that the entire Daggett Shuler team looks forward to the event: “Our team will be there giving out T-shirts, enjoying the races, and participating throughout the evening,” Griff said. “It’s a night of fun, and our team members bring their families. It’s a big event for Daggett Shuler and our Safe Sober legacy, and we enjoy it so much.”
Commemorative T-Shirts for the First 1,000 Fans from Daggett Shuler
To celebrate the final race, Daggett Shuler has created custom 20th Anniversary “Final Lap” Rusty Harpe Memorial T-shirts. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive one of these special commemorative shirts while supplies last.
Join Us for The Final Lap
The 20th Annual Rusty Harpe Memorial Race takes place on July 4th at Caraway Speedway, with racing beginning at 7 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m.
We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate Rusty’s legacy, support a cherished community tradition, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of family-friendly entertainment.
From all of us at Daggett Shuler, we look forward to seeing you at the track for one final lap.
Event Details:
20th Annual Rusty Harpe Memorial Race – “The Final Lap”
Date: July 4
Location: Caraway Speedway, Sophia, NC
Gates Open: 5:00 p.m.
Race Begins: 7:00 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at https://tixr.com/e/194450
David Daggett Shares Perspective During Triad Today Round Table Segment
Following the discussion about the Rusty Harpe Memorial Race, David Daggett remained on Triad Today to participate in the show’s Round Table segment, where community leaders weigh in on current events and issues affecting the Triad.
One topic centered on a proposed youth curfew in downtown Winston-Salem following a rise in juvenile-related incidents. While acknowledging that a curfew may serve as a temporary measure, David emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the problem.
“What we have to have is summertime activities, summertime jobs available for young people,” David said. “We have to give them leadership, guidance, and direction, not impose curfews on a long-term basis.”
The panel also discussed a proposal involving property taxes and sales taxes. David expressed concern that shifting more of the tax burden to sales taxes could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals and families.
“I think sales tax imposes more on the lower socioeconomic people and becomes more of a burden,” he said.
Later, when the conversation turned to federally funded paid parental leave, David acknowledged the value of supporting families but raised questions about the financial realities of implementing such programs.
Throughout the Round Table discussion, David brought the same thoughtful approach that clients have come to expect from Daggett Shuler, considering not only the immediate issue at hand but also the greater impact on individuals, families, and the community.
We appreciate Triad Today and host Jim Longworth for inviting us to be part of these important conversations and for helping spotlight community events like the Rusty Harpe Memorial Race.
