The History of the 112 and the Red and White Paint Schemes

The number 112 has been a staple in Super Late Model racing in the southeast.  Many remember back to when Gary “Hot Shoe” Balough drove the famed number to multiple victories in the south.  Augie Grill is now writing another chapter with the famous number as he continues his dominance on the short track racing world. 

“Gary bought me my first racing go-kart when I was seven years old and in his honor I made it 112,” said Grill.  “When I started driving Late Models a few years back  I was kind of leaning towards 12 and didn’t want to go somewhere and have to change it so I just decided to be 112 like my first go-kart and it’s worked out well.  We’ve never had to change it.

“I have fans of Gary from years back come up to me at the racetrack and say, ‘Boy I sure am glad you’re carrying that 112 number.’  So that kind of makes me feel good, so yea, it’s a neat thing to be able to carry someone else’s number.”

The 112 was also a take of the 12, which NASCAR veteran Neil Bonnett used when he raced a house car out of the Grand American Race Car shop back in the 80’s.

“Neil drove my dad’s car in the early 80’s and some in the 70’s before he got into Cup and it was 12 most of the time.  Our paint schemes just kind of a keep with what we’ve had before.  That’s why we’ve had the throwback red and white cars through the years.”

At a recent race, Speed51.com brought Grill an article out of an old Newspaper of the 112 car with Gary Balough winning the World Crown at the old Peach State Speedway (GA).

“I was at that race and I somewhat remember,” said Grill.   “In the early 80’s I remember seeing Gary race back then and nobody liking him because he always ran good and I feel that way sometimes. People turn their nose up at me because I run good most of the time and it’s just part of it I guess.

“He, actually, not long after I started driving,  Gary called me and said I sure am glad you’re running my number and he’s called the shop since then and I think after the first Snowball I won, he called and congratulated me so it’s nice to here that from him.”