Darris Summers remembers Judge Stone

Nov. 7—Back in the day at the old Smithton Speedway, the drivers were known to settle their disputes with their fists after swapping paint on the track. This beloved facility just outside Pittsburgh was a critical stepping stone for aspiring professionals in the NASCAR world, who were aiming for the substantial rewards that weren’t available just yet.

A wrecked car could signal the end of a promising career. Former Monongalia County magistrate, Darris Summers, vividly recalls the time two drivers got into a physical altercation on the pit road after a devastating crash.

Despite the serious nature of the accident, Summers now chuckles as he recollects the incident. “Yeah, they really tore into each other after the wreck,” he remembered, still amused by the memory.

Initially, the violent confrontation wasn’t comical at all. When the cars collided, the metal mangled like a beer can in the parking lot at closing time. “To be honest, I thought they were both dead or badly injured,” Summers revealed, and the crowd also fell silent in fear. But much to everyone’s surprise, both drivers emerged from the wreckage and promptly advanced toward each other.

Did they ask about each other’s well-being? No. Did they exchange insurance information or shake hands? Absolutely not. “They started cursing each other out, while windmilling haymakers at the same time,” narrated Summers humorously.

Judge Stone, the veteran judge in Monongalia, marveled at the spectacle. Upon hearing about the judge’s untimely passing, Summers vividly remembered their first NASCAR race together.

Stone was not only Summers’ bailiff but also his mentor. As Summers learned from Stone, the two cultivated a deep friendship. Stone imparted legal knowledge to Summers, while the latter introduced Stone to pursuits outside his usual comfort zone, such as NASCAR and country music.

Regarding Stone’s performance as a judge, Summers emphasized his impeccable demeanor in the courtroom. “I wanted to run my courtroom the way he ran his courtroom. He was always calm and respectful,” Summers stated, praising the judge’s professionalism. Beyond professional interactions, Summers cherished casual lunches with Judge Stone, where they engaged in wide-ranging conversations about topics as diverse as the Supreme Court and the Grand Ole Opry.

Summers also has a talent for country music and is a former bass player in a band called The Knighthawks. The band had the honor of performing at Stone’s daughter’s wedding reception, during which Stone wowed the crowd with an impromptu rendition of “Man of Constant Sorrow” from the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”

Summers affectionately recalls Stone’s live performance, stating, “He nailed it. The crowd loved it, the band loved it and he loved it too.” Stone’s death marks the end of an era as friends, family, and colleagues mourn his passing.