America on the Move: Muscle Cars (Forever) First Day of Issue Ceremony

The latest installment in the America on the Move stamp series is the exciting Muscle Cars (Forever) issue.  The set was released by the USPS Friday, February 22, 2013 at Daytona International Speedway, two days before the 55th running of the Daytona 500.

 The stamps in the set feature five legendary American Muscle cars including the 1966 Pontiac GTO, the 1967 Shelby GT-500, 

the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, the 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda, 

and the 1970 Chevelle SS.

Wilton Stamp Company is located only 90 miles from Daytona.  

Having never been to the races or to a First Day of Issue Ceremony, 

we jumped at the chance for both experiences.

Here is a photo diary of our day:

The Official Program

 There were a dozen chairs set up in front of the stage.  Half of them were reserved.  

We were there early enough to get two of the six open seats!

The stamp set was unveiled after opening remarks from seven time Sprint Cup Champion 

 Richard Petty, former driver and current NASCAR Raceday co-host Kyle Petty, and 

Postmaster Patrick R. Donahoe.  Also pictured, from left, Joie Chitwood III, 

President of Daytona Speedway, and stamp artist Tom Fritz.

Richard Petty and the sheet, top, Kyle Petty, Postmaster Donahoe, and Richard Petty holding the new sheet posing in front of the Dodge Charger Daytona, bottom.

 

 Ford Shelby GT-500

Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda

Richard Petty and Postmaster Donahoe signing autographs.

My First Day Cover, signed by the Artist, the Pettys, and the Postmaster.

The stamp features the Pontiac GTO.

Your field reporters, Mike and Ron Goldberg.

Mike is starting his 10th year as owner of Wilton Stamp Company, 

having joined his father in the business in 1989.  

 Ron and Susan Goldberg began Wilton Stamp Company in 1987.   

Ron believed that a Championship, Winning formula was to provide stamp collectors with  

exceptional service, attention to detail and consistent high quality product.

Mike and wife Donna continue the tradition as Ron and Susan now help in the "back room", 

and Ron joins Mike on exciting Race Track Stamp Adventures!  

Stay tuned, as the USPS returns to Florida April 3 for the 500th Anniversary of the naming of Florida.  The "La Florida" forever stamp set is being released with a ceremony in historic St. Augustine. The beautiful set of four features tropical flowers.

 http://www.beyondtheperf.com/stamp-releases/la-florida

(Mike expects to take Donna, not Ron, for that ceremony!)