Before soft walls and seats situated in the middle of the car, stock cars actually looked like stock cars. They crashed like them too. In 1982, Dale Earnhardt and Tim Richmond got together in Turn 1 and all hell broke loose. Earnhardt would end up with a broken kneecap, while Richmond helped him down across the track. Wonder if Ryan Newman and David Gilliland would have done the same last week at Dover?
by Vito Pugliese
9. 1998: DW Nearly Wins No. 85
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Despite three Winston Cup titles, 84 career wins and a Daytona 500, Darrell Waltrip is known to most fans as the guy yelling “Boogity, Boogity, Boogity” every week and who’s last years behind the wheel as Jimmy Spencer’s teammate were less than impressive. Running his own team beginning in 1991, things took a downturn as technology and the sport outgrew his operation. Forced to sell his team, he ended up getting a call from former rival Dale Earnhardt in 1998 to sub for an injured Steve Park. It didn’t take long for him to get the new team up to speed, and ol’ DW nearly won Pocono in 1998, dueling with another Owensboro, Ky., native for the win. Check out his glassy-eyed interview at around the 10:00 minute mark. The Boogity schtick might be getting a little old, but you gotta love Darrell’s passion.
by Vito Pugliese
8. 2002: DEI's Wild Ride
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Dale Earnhardt, Inc. was in turmoil after the passing of its founder in 2001. In September of that year, Steve Park was critically injured at a Busch race in Darlington when his steering wheel came off under caution and he was t-boned by another driver catching up to the field. His first race back at Pocono didn’t last long — or go very well. Check out this harrowing moment between the two teammates and how close they come to knocking over the camera scaffolding. Dale Earnhardt Jr. running to his teammate’s aid paints one of the most indelible images of his career.
by Vito Pugliese
7. 2011: The Un-Rivalry
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You might beat Kurt Busch on the track with a better car, but you’ll never beat him in a war of words or witty remarks … well, actually you can. Anywat, this back and forth between Busch and Jimmie Johnson at the end of the race at Pocono, and then the week following at Watkins Glen, was one of the highlights of the 2011 season. While Busch ultimately had a few more run-ins with the media later in the year (and the First Lady’s Secret Service Suburbans), it was yet another vignette for the wild world that is Planet Kurt.
by Vito Pugliese
6. 2003: Turn 1 = No Fun
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Race cars never crash at the slow part of the track. They do so at the fastest, and inevitably into unprotected walls at obtuse angles — and oftentimes with full loads of fuel. Dale Jarrett found that out the hard way just after a pit stop in 2003, when his Taurus took off entering Turn 1 at nearly 200 mph with a full 22 gallon fuel cell. SAFER Barriers, new car designs, fuel cell improvements and eight gallons less fuel to burn have all contributed to help stop these sorts of accidents from getting out of hand.
by Vito Pugliese
5. 2000: Jeremy Mayfield is No. 1
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Dale Earnhardt was famous for rattling cages … and for letting you know who was number one. Check out this last lap battle between Jeremy Mayfield and Earnhardt at Pocono in 2000. Not many were able to see this live as it is was a rain-delayed race run on Monday. Sad to see how quickly Mayfield fell in just a few short years and how it would be less than a year until we would lose Earnhardt.
by Vito Pugliese
4. 1991: Swervin' Irvan's Track Blacker
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Ever wonder how Ernie Irvan earned the name Swervin’ Irvan? It was incidents during the 1991 season such as this one at Pocono, where he sends Hut Stricklin spinning in front of the field, and launches Richard Petty — who was having a pretty stout weekend — skyward. Save the Gen-6 brand identity spiel and check out those T-birds, Regals, Grand Prixs and Luminas looking every bit as street worthy as their counterparts today.
by Vito Pugliese
3. 2010: Kasey Gets Kahne'd
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As Kurt Busch says, it’s a free for all on the last lap, and this incident on the final lap of the 2010 Pocono 500 was no exception. The action starts at 1:35, when Kasey Kahne is blocked and shoved to the grass by AJ Allmendinger — and after earlier showers, said grass was slick as ice. Kahne then spins back across the track and into the path of Mark Martin and Greg Biffle and is nearly ejected from the facility. Check out the impact at 3:15, as the No. 5 hits the No. 9 and how quickly he’s stopped. Say what you will about the CoT; it was a life saver.
by Vito Pugliese
2. 2003: Schrader's Crash & Burn
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You may notice a common thread with many of these incidents, and it’s an unprotected Turn 1 wall with 200 mph corner entry speeds. There are two things a driver fears most in a race car: abrupt driver-side impact and fire. Ken Schrader experienced both at Pocono in 2003. His post wreck comments are about what you’d expect from Schrader; dead pan humor and his no-big-deal delivery.
by Vito Pugliese
1. 1992: Davey vs. Darrell
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Those new NASCAR commercials touting rivalries would be well suited to revisit the rift between Darrell Waltrip and Davey Allison from 1991-92. Davey often got the worst end of it with broken ribs at Bristol, and then this horrific crash at Pocono in ’92. How bad was it? Allison’s crew chief Larry McReynolds recalled how he was scanning radio traffic to check on Davey’s condition, when he heard Mark Martin say, “they better just get a body bag for Davey….” Check out how close the No. 28 comes to breaching the guardrail and taking out the safety trucks, flinging parts for a quarter mile.
The 2011 Sprint All-Star Race came down to Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin battling for the win. Denny fades high exiting Turn 2 as DW says, “Put ‘em een the wawll!!!” Kyle’s post-race reaction was succinct (ear muffs!) and complete with memorable radio wire yank from. I understand him being mad for getting run up into the wall, but did he really have it won? Busch never even got along side Hamlin …
by Vito Pugliese
11. 2004: With friends like this...
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Kurt Busch offers a hand to Roush teammate Greg Biffle here in 2004. Unfortunately, you can’t really bump draft with Gen 4 cars. And not at Charlotte. And not through the quad-oval. What results when one does is a 195 mph debacle, taking out the two team cars, nearly a third, as well as Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick and others. It also helped set the stage for Biffle’s then-girlfriend (now wife) Nicole getting into it with Busch’s then-wife (now ex) Eva at Texas two years later after a similar incident. By the way, check out Junior driving through that, managing to miss everything.
by Vito Pugliese
10. 2007: Oh Brother, Why Art Thou … Wrecking Me
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Witness Kyle Busch attempt to execute a move that I once tried in my fourth career season in NASCAR Thunder 2003. There’s no way in hell it’s going to stick, but it’s the All-Star Race and it was for the win. Mike Joy’s summation isn’t much different than what we’d hear over the next five years or so. This incident in part also helped set the stage for Busch’s move to Joe Gibbs Racing a year later. Kurt. Meanwhile, gives a great interview around the 3:00 mark. Joy’s comment following is even better. “So much ...”
by Vito Pugliese
9. 2001: Why NASCAR doesn’t race in the rain
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Picking up the action at 3:33, the race gets going just as it gets going raining, with cars sideways out of Turn 4 and into Turn 1 as the sky opens. NASCAR made the, uh, "unprecedented" decision to let those involved in the wreck go to back up cars since it was a non-points paying exhibition race. One of those involved, Jeff Gordon, rebounds to win in the replacement ride.
by Vito Pugliese
8. 2000: The rookie rules the roost
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Fresh off his first career win at Texas Motor Speedway just a month earlier, Dale Earnhardt Jr. pits while running second for a couple of adjustments to get him a car capable of contending for the win in the 200 All-Star Race. He proceeds to mow down the veterans in front of him setting up a duel with defending Winston Cup champion Dale Jarrett. Junior wins the battle, and I find myself missing that exuberant guy celebrating with his team as opposed to the quiet and corporate dude of 2013. I also miss the other guy coming into congratulate him by putting him in a headlock.
by Vito Pugliese
7. 2002: The Mayor’s politically correct observation
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Sometimes the fastest car doesn’t win; the smartest team does. Jeff Burton’s No. 99 crew, led by crew chief Frankie Stoddard, did just that in the first segment of the 2002 running of The Winston. Burton’s pit stall was positioned just 50 yards from the start-finish line, so the required four-tire stop was able to be delayed until the last lap. Burton lapped the field as others pitted, then cruised to a runner-up finish in Segment 1.
by Vito Pugliese
6. 1998: The well goes dry
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In 1998, the new Ford Taurus was on a tear. Engineered from the get-go to make maximum downforce and excel on intermediate tracks like Charlotte, it was in a perfect position to continue its early season dominance. That is until Jeff Gordon and his Ray Evernham-engineered No. 24 showed up. Gordon and Mark Martin had dominated the event and the former was leading into the last lap of the final 10-lap segment with Martin and Bobby Labonte on new tires gobbling up his lead. As the 24 took the white flag, all went silent in the car. Later, Evernham would say they forgot to refuel it. Hmmm ... maybe. Or maybe they just didn’t want to call attention to something else. After all, Gordon would go on to win the 600 a week later.
by Vito Pugliese
5. 1985: Ka-ching and Ka-boom
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It’s been debated for nearly 30 years now. Did he or didn’t he? As Darrell Waltrip crosses the finish line in the inaugural Winston in 1985, the engine goes up in a thick cloud of smoke. Like, literally as he crosses the finish line. Did he clutch it? Or did car owner Junior Johnson build, as Mike Joy notes, a 105-mile hand grenade? Johnson is a legend and all, but what are the odds? Let the debate rage on.
by Vito Pugliese
4. 1996: Mikey makes his move
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Michael Waltrip had been racing for 10 years and made 309 career starts when he raced his way into The Winston in 1996. On the final lap, Dale Earnhardt rattles Terry Labonte’s cage, clearing the way for Mikey and the Wood Brothers Ford to cruise home to his first Cup win. As Waltrip would later recount, his first thoughts upon celebrating were, “It doesn’t count.” He would have to wait another five years for his first “official” Cup win.
by Vito Pugliese
3. 1987: The Pass in the Grass
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Yeah, it’s kind of a misnomer. It’s not really “a pass in the grass” so much as a “block Bill, almost spin yourself out and save it while in the grass.” There was something special about that mid- to late-80s generation of cars and bias-ply tires that was a thing of beauty to watch. Sliding sideways, smoking the rear tires at 17 0mph, cars that legitimately looked “stock” … and “Woaaah, Nelly!” how about Keith Jackson calling the action?
by Vito Pugliese
2. 1989: “I hope he chokes on that money.”
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While The Winston was first run in 1985, it wasn’t until ’89 that it really came of age with a watershed moment that “defined” what was to be expected forever more. Coming to take the white flag, Rusty Wallace makes ever-such-slight contact with a rejuvenated Darrell Waltrip — who had won three races already that season, including the Daytona 500. The contact sent DW’s Tide Ride sliding through the grass and triggered a fracas in the garage between the two teams. While the incident may have cost “Jaws” the $185,000 payday, it transformed him from heel to fan-favorite in an instant — propelling him to Most Popular Driver honors in ’89 and 1990.
by Vito Pugliese
1. 1992: One Hot Night
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While the 1989 dust-up between Darrell and Rusty may have ruffled some feathers and bruised some egos, the 1992 running of The Winston went further: it sent Davey Allison to the hospital. Guys in cars do weird things when there’s big money on the line, and on the last lap they did just that in NASCAR’s first 1.5-mile night race. Kyle Petty’s Mello Yello Pontiac pulls down to pass Dale Earnhardt, and things get interesting. Of note, much like Kyle Busch and Kasey Kasey last week at Darlington, Petty never makes contact with Earnhardt. This also proves you don’t have to be going 200 mph on a 1.5-mile track for the racing to be exciting, and why SAFER Barriers should not be taken for granted.
“Reganomics” was the rule last Saturday at Talladega and paid huge dividends for the winner Regan Smith in the Nationwide Series event. However, the first installment of Reganonmics was at the 2011 Southern 500. After getting jobbed out of a win at Talladega in 2008, Smith would have to wait three years to get another crack at one — and he delivered in the clutch in Darlington, holding off Carl Edwards on new tires for the final two laps. The win did get a bit overshadowed with the antics between Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch in the final laps and on pit road following the race. To Busch’s credit, he actually did try to avoid confrontation twice before Harvick’s car went on a ghost ride into the wall. Busch would later claim his transmission wouldn’t grab reverse, and he didn’t want to get clobbered by Harvick.
by Vito Pugliese
9. 1965 Southern 500: Cale has left the building
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In recent years, NASCAR has made great strides in safety, notably with the installation of “soft wall” SAFER Barriers that line most walls around the circuit’s 23 tracks. Cale Yarborough could have used something like that at Darlinton at the 1965 Southern 500, as his Banjo Matthews owned No. 27 Ford ollies the guardrail and parks it with the fans outside of Turn 1. Check out his comments about it at 3:05 with Richard Petty, Benny Parsons and Darrell Waltrip — as well as those retro New Balances that have just been re-released.
by Vito Pugliese
8. 1997 Southern 500: Earnhardt punches out
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A scary moment in the opening laps of the 1997 Southern 500 occurred when Dale Earnhardt basically blacked out coming to take the green flag and then had trouble finding his way onto pit road. He would later say that he had an episode of double-vision before the incident, but then didn’t remember anything until he got out of the car. Doctors attributed it to a migraine-like episode or broken blood vessel in his brain. A couple of years later, Earnhardt would have surgery to remove a piece of metal from his skull that occurred during a shop incident in the 70’s. Fitting since he was nicknamed “Ironhead.”
by Vito Pugliese
7. 1970 Rebel 500: That’s why they now have window nets
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After seeing the rash of accidents at Talladega — including Kurt Busch barrel rolling and landing atop Ryan Newman’s windshield — it is a wonder nobody was injured. Such was not the case during the height of speedway racing in late 1960s and early ’70s. Richard Petty endures this violent head-on impact into the concrete retaining wall (nothing “soft” about these walls), blasting it apart, and then barrel rolling his Roadrunner, with his body hanging halfway out of the window. Petty would miss the next five races with a broken shoulder, and despite 18 wins that season, finished fourth in the final point standings.
by Vito Pugliese
6. 1993 Southern 500: Martin wins fourth straight
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Mark Martin’s No. 6 Valvoline Thunderbird was on a roll in 1993, and the train kept booking through Darlington. A race that was delayed once for rain, but only featured three caution flags was the perfect complement to the Roush team’s raked Ford that ran roughshod all summer long, tying the modern era record for consecutive wins at four. Ford honored the win by placing a full page ad in the USA Today that read, “It Was Labor Day Weekend, But We Celebrated The Fourth.” Pick up the action around the 3:04 mark and check out the banzai run by Dale Earnahardt. Think things were dark at ‘Dega last weekend? Check out the sun setting behind Turn 2 when Martin pulls into Victory Lane. Also, awesome hat.
by Vito Pugliese
5. 1997 Southern 500: Brother, can you spare a million bucks?
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Jeff Gordon was eligible for the Winston Million in 1997 after winning the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600. We pick up the action at 2:25, with five laps to go, as Jeff Burton gets past Dale Jarrett to get a shot at Gordon’s lead. Don’t let Tony Stewart see this last lap — he will lose it after seeing Gordon’s defensive maneuver coming to take the white flag. After the race, Burton said he would have nailed Gordon had he been able to get back to him. It was only the second time the Winston Million had been won at the time.
by Vito Pugliese
4. 2004 Southern 500: The final “true” Southern 500
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From 1950 to 2004, the Southern 500 was run on Labor Day Weekend. That changed in 2005, when the push for major market exposure meant that Labor Day weekends would move to — gulp! — Southern California. The final “true” Southern 500 was the set up to the inaugural Nextel Cup under the new Chase format. We pick up the action at the 21:00 mark, as the final “true” Southern 500 finds a great race with championship implications unfolding. Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray exchange the lead over the final 100 laps, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has battery problems and some new guy named Carl Edwards is making video game passes with 25 to go. Remind me again why they aren’t racing here twice a year?
by Vito Pugliese
3. 1985 Southern 500: Million Dollar Bill
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In 1985, Bill Elliott was deemed “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville” after his Ernie Elliott-powered Coors Ford became the scourge of the speedways in NASCAR. He won the Daytona 500 and Talladega 500, making him eligible for the $1 million bonus put up by Winston for any driver who could win three of NASCAR’s four most prestigious races: Daytona 500, Talladega 500, Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500. Equally awesome call by Larry Nuber here, as Elliott comes to the checkers to become the first winner of the Winston Million. The fans seem pretty excited too, even though he had to beat native South Carolina son Cale Yarborough to do so. Mind you, this was a million dollars in 1985 money — back before the days of multi-million dollar driver contracts, huge purses and lucrative endorsement deals. I mean because now, a million dollars is chump change …
by Vito Pugliese
2. 1979 Rebel 500: A changing of the guard
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Picking up the action at the 6:20 mark, three-time Formula 1 champion Jackie Stewart calls the final five laps with ABC’s “Wide World of Sports’” Jim McKay. This race is cited as the changing of the guard between the previous generation to the next, led by drivers such as Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt and Bill Elliott. Richard Petty and Waltrip battle back and forth, exchanging the lead several times. Coincidentally, three of the four cars involved in dictating the final lap of the ’79 Daytona 500 are charging for the win, but this time the outcome is reversed. Of note, nobody makes contact with each other or executes a “bump ‘n’ run” to win. There was a different code back then. And some big-assed boats, ‘70s style.
by Vito Pugliese
1. 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400: Greatest finish in NASCAR’s Modern Era
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The best recipe for cookie cutter tracks and nap-inducing races? Head to the oldest of the old-school racetracks: Darlington. After all, what other track on the circuit can lay claim to the myth that a minnow pond dictated its layout? Larry Mac goes bat guano during the final laps calling this one, with plenty of “hah-side” and “drag race” quips, as Darrell Waltrip cheers on Ricky Craven to victory – which I guess is unbiased and all. Interesting observation, however, by DW, that the pointy Pontiac nose helped get the win for Craven. Ten years later, this is still the closest finish in NASCAR history at .002 seconds. And contrary to what you may think, Kurt Busch wasn’t upset afterwards.
10. 1984: Putting the “super speed” in “Superspeedway”
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200 mph laps in Monte Carlos, Thunderbirds and Regals — cars that actually look stock. If there's a reason we don't use these camera angles anymore, it would be nice to know why. Look how friggin' fast these things are going! The in-car shots are awesome, cars buffeting about, half a turn into the steering wheel without any appreciable change in direction of the cars. And another great Ken Squier last lap Talladega quip: “Dale Earnhardt, winds it up, fires it in there…”
by Vito Pugliese
9. 2009: A Georgia Bulldog Representing in Bama
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Not all the best finishes come in Cup races. David Ragan's first NASCAR win would occur at Talladega in 2009, making the type of last-lap, last-second slingshot move that would have been impressive in any era, in any division and under any circumstances. With one lap to go, tell me if Ragan even looked like he had a shot at anything other than a good points day.
by Vito Puglise
8. 2011: Four Rows of Two
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After conceding that the CoT was a PoS, NASCAR removed the “Fast & The Furious” surfboard spoiler and Erector Set splitter in favor or traditional aerodynamic accouterments. This brought about the unintended consequence of tandem drafting between teammates. Here, one guy would push and another would steer while each remained in radio contact — kind of like a 200 mph rail cart. It's always hard to beat Hendrick Motorsports on a big track, and the HMS guys make quite a charge at the 3:00 minute mark with two to go … and Junior wouldn’t have any of the flag afterward.
If you have a few minutes, just watch the whole thing. If not, pick it up from the 20:00 mark. Hall of Fame broadcaster Ken Squier touches on why fans cheer for the cars – not just their favorite drivers. Dig the mid 70s music score, sucka – and the last lap battle between two legends of superspeedway competition: Buddy Baker and Richard Petty. Plenty of bowl cuts and Brady Bunch music for all.
by Vito Pugliese
6. 1981: Where’d Bouchard Come From?
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Back before the days of Danica, not all rookies were subject to intense scrutiny with regards to their appearance or personal life. Such was the case of Fitchburg, Mass.’ Ron Bouchard. The first year of the downsized car gave hope to those who may have been skeptical about a field full of Buick's. Jump ahead to the 1:17:40 mark to watch the “impossible finish” between Darrell Waltrip, Terry Labonte and Ron Bouchard. This finish remains one of Waltrip's most memorable races and non-wins. Also, check out Brent Musberger, before he started creeping on QB's girlfriends in BCS games.
by Vito Pugliese
5. 2001: Little E and the Big One
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The EA Sports 500 at Talladega was a typical plate race affair with the roof wicker rules package. Business picks up around the 7:00 minute mark when some Bobby-on-Bobby violence ensues — Labonte goes for a roll and Hamilton gets turned into the wall — while Dale Earnhardt Jr. cruises through for the win and a million dollar bonus. Ricky Craven gets out of his car and calls it a day, while Sterling Marlin offered his summation of what the response would be to fix plate racing: “I guess we'll do what we done agee-an.”
by Vito Pugliese
4. 2008: A Block by any Other Name …
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Thought I'd throw this one in since Tony Stewart is so averse to blocking. I'd include last fall's Talladega melee as well, but the finish wasn't really that close because of it. Regan Smith would have to wait another three years before he'd score his first “official” victory.
by Vito Pugliese
3. 1993: Irvan vs. Earnhardt
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What is it with David Hobbs calling a NASCAR race that gives it a little extra sense of legitimacy? Kyle Petty is leading late in the going in his Mello Yello Pontiac, with Dale Earnhardt, Ernie Irvan, Dale Jarrett and Mark Martin in tow. Pontiac vs. Chevy vs. Ford – how's that for parity? These, uh, “Generation 4” cars look every bit the equal of the Gen 6 to me. Check out Earnahardt's Lay-Z-Boy seating position and truck door mirror laid sideways. Gotta love Ken Squire's late race call — “five seconds to pay-dirt,” and his nonchalant call for a .005-second margin of victory.
by Vito Pugliese
2. 1993: Rusty Goes for a Ride
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If there is ever a book written about NASCAR's golden era of racing (OK, fine, I'll write it), the 1993 Winston 500 will go down as the definitive superspeedway race. NASCAR rolled the field off early under the threat of thunderstorms, while Mark Martin's crew had to hot wire his car on pit road. The first few laps of the race got so wild and chaotic that Benny Parsons and the broadcast crew gave up trying to call it and just implored fans to sit back, watch and listen for themselves. With one lap to go all hell breaks lose with Martin sandblasting the outside frontstrech wall, guys running out of gas and Rusty Wallace going Orville and Wilbur after contact from Dale Earnhardt. Earnhardt was visibly shaken afterwards, as the interview shows.
by Vito Pugliese
1. 2000: "3" Forever
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The final win of Dale Earnahardt Sr.'s illustrious career would happen, predictably, at Talladega — a track he was known for his mastery of. Earnhardt charged from 17th to the lead in just four laps to complete a most unlikely comeback. If NASCAR is looking to improve superspeedway racing, this package may have been the best. Not much more needs to be said — just sit back and watch the master at work.
NASCAR's greatest runs of success at it's most daunting racetracks
Jimmie Johnson’s eighth career win at Martinsville last Sunday highlighted his dominance at that particular track. Johnson has won seven of the last 14 visits to the track and in 23 starts has an average finish of 5.3. While he still has a way to go to match Richard Petty’s mark of 15 wins at the paperclip, it did bring to mind some past performances at other tracks by NASCAR stars who were able to hit on some unmistakable magic. Let's take a look at the top 12 most dominant streaks in NASCAR:
From Tiny Lund to Jamie McMurray: NASCAR's most noted fill-ins.
With the flurry of press releases that were flying about last Friday, with the announcements and retractions regarding Mark Martin substituting for the injured Denny Hamlin, it brought to light one issue we haven’t had to tackle in a while: NASCAR Super Subs. They can be much more than a wheel holder, and often end up becoming a larger part of the team. It can be an audition for a future ride, or a once-in-a-lifetime shot at greatness. This week we present the Top 10 Super Subs in NASCAR:
For those who feel that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has gone too corporate, you'll always have this little gem. After winning at Talladega for the fifth time in his then short career, Earnhardt’s exuberances got the better of him. The 25-point fine would prove costly, as it may have provoked him to make an ill-advised move in Atlanta a couple of weeks later that would cost him a chance at the Cup. By the way, the most overlooked part of Junior’s Victory Lane interview is the line “Man, we just smoked ‘dem guys that was on ‘dem old tires!” Man, it still doesn’t look right seeing him in anything but a red Budweiser Chevrolet.
by Vito Pugliese
Robby and Mikey in Loudon ... Again
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You’d find few people that don’t have something nice to say about Michael Waltrip. Sure, Clint Bowyer may have deemed his current car owner the “worst driver in NASCAR” a couple of years ago, but at least he didn’t cuss him out on TV. Although it’s been a few years since Bill Webber has called a NASCAR race, he still leads the league in apologizing for language during a live racing broadcast.
by Vito Pugliese
Earnhardt's "Purple Shirt" Interview
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How many times over the years have we seen footage of that black No. 3 car turning people at short tracks or executing the bump and run? It helped sell a lot of t-shirts and created a persona that earned him far more than any of his seven championships. However, when the favor was returned, “The Intimidator” became “The Irritated-or.” Exhibit A: This interview with Dr. Dick Berggren. Thankfully, Bob Jenkins’ winning call was made prior to flat screen HDTVs, otherwise many would have shattered during the live broadcast.
by Vito Pugliese
DW wins his 500
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Never a man at a loss for words, Darrell Waltrip’s victory in The Great American Race in 1989 is one of the most iconic interviews in the sport. After 17 years of trying, driving car No. 17, in pit stall No. 17, on February, 17th, it must have been a complete coincidence … correct? Sorry, no cussing or going off here.
by Vito Pugliese
The Greatest Invocation in History
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Joel Osteen, take lesson! Looking for a seasonally appropriate pre-Thanksgiving Day prayer this week in the wake of the NASCAR season wrapping up? Look no further than the invocation at the Nashville Superspeedway Nationwide race in 2011. Pastor Joe Nelms, a good ol' Tennessee boy, should be invited to every major sporting event to deliver equally inspiring words.
by Vito Pugliese
Yeah, It's All the Media's Fault
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What compilation of videos of guys going off would be complete without a few words from Kurt Busch? These were at New Hampshire in 2009, after a botched pit stop and contact with the No. 6 car of David Ragan. Might want to fire up the ear buds for this one, folks. Especially if you’re sitting in the cubicle. The only question: Which is better, the random screaming or the Einstein line?
by Vito Pugliese
Bad (Mouth) Brad
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Looks like a little of Kurt Busch must’ve rubbed off on BK during their tenure together at Penske Racing. Following Halloween Havoc at Phoenix a couple of weeks ago, Brad Keselowski went off regarding some of the comments made about him by his fellow drivers for refusing to lose the championship and racing hard against Jimmie Johnson the week before in Texas. What a coincidence, as “Refuse To Lose” was the motto of Jeff Gordon’s Ray Evernham-led championship teams of the mid- to late ‘90s. Normally as cool as Brad normally appears to be, this session was evidence that the pressure was starting to build a little — and was perhaps the vent session he needed.
by Vito Pugliese
Kimi Raikkonnen: Cold Blooded
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Kimi Raikkonnen made a start in the Camping World Truck Series in 2011, so I guess this counts. They don’t call him the Ice Man for nothing. He a stone cold killa. Say what you want about Kurt Busch … at least he doesn’t go Terry Tate on the smallest of fans.
by Vito Pugliese
They Weren't always quasi-teammates
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Smoke and Three-Time (at the time) get into it after a first-lap incident at Watkins Glen, when Tony Stewart put Jeff Gordon into the Armco barriers through the esses. A grainy video, but note one of Gordon’s crewmen is Steve Letarte. Also audible is Stewart’s suggestion that if he would “speed up, you wouldn’t have that problem.” Classic Smoke.
by Vito Pugliese
Denny vs. Brad, 2009
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When Brad Keselowski first came on the scene, he ruffled some feathers. A few drivers accused him of racing and “trying” too hard. When your family has faced losing everything, that tends to make you a little more aggressive and try harder than some might normally. Note the prophetic words from Dennis at 3:05. Guessing this is probably crocheted on a pillow somewhere in the No. 2 hauler.
by Vito Pugliese
Meanwhile, Back in the Booth...
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Sometimes, it's not the drivers that make for the most entertaining soundbites. Here's a short selection of your favorite television personalities having a hard day — highlighted by a hilarious outtake of @MartySmithESPN. We love ya, Marty.
It was a rough and tumble few weeks for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, what with the fisticuffs in Phoenix and Brad Keselowski pounding beers on Sportscenter. Some say that racing has turned into wrestling … to which I say, thank GOD. After Clint Bowyer went Ultimate Warrior and rushed to the aid of his team, Keselowski did his best Stone Cold Steve Austin impression with a massive glass of Miller Lite. These recent actions brought to mind some of the best interviews, insults, invocations and other dust-ups in NASCAR’s colorful history.
Phoenix isn’t the first time Jeff Gordon’s found trouble. There was the infamous pit-road shove of Matt Kenseth in 2006; then, a few years later he and Jimmie Johnson butted heads at Texas. But this incident, in the fall of 2010 at that same Texas racetrack is the one most people remember. Gordon and Jeff Burton made contact as the caution came out and, regardless of who’s story you chose to believe, all hell broke loose. The end result was two totaled racecars and a Rainbow Warrior more than ready to throw down. Both had been through frustrating seasons, going winless, and each had already been “Chased” out of championship contention; but who would have expected the forty-somethings to start throwing punches? “I knew he was going to be mad,” said Burton… but that mad? Both drivers raced the next week, but NASCAR punished them in its own way: they had to ride to the infield care center in the same ambulance.
by Tom Bowles
9. Mr. Excitement punches Mr. Busch
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Before the Jerry Punch incident, getting “inside Jimmie Johnson’s head,” the monkey-have-a-relationship-with-a-football comment, or even Maricopa County law enforcement finding out “who he was,” Kurt Busch had one main enemy: Jimmy Spencer. The two had gone back and forth for well over a year by the middle of 2003, ever since Busch roughed up Spencer to earn his first Cup Series victory at Bristol. But after they had wrecked each other multiple times at multiple tracks, what happened at Michigan was too much for the “Mr. Excitement.” Spencer, after hearing Busch had spent several portions of the day trying to cut down his tire, went right up to the No. 97 car after the race. On the in-car audio, you could hear Busch provoke and what followed was the punch heard ‘round NASCAR Nation. What was tough for Spencer was “Boys, Have At It” era this was not; he was parked a race for inappropriate behavior.
by Tom Bowles
8. 5-Hour Fisticuffs
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Michael Waltrip may be a mild-mannered, sponsor-shrilling owner now but back in his driving days, he had his moments. Take this incident at Michigan, where he and Lake Speed battled for position in a last-lap scrape where Waltrip got the short end of the stick. It was Speed 11th, Waltrip 12th at the checkered flag, but Waltrip was determined to get the last word. Parking in front of the No. 9 car on pit road, he walked over, pulled down Speed’s window net and threw two punches to show how much he cared for their on-track contact. Both drivers would race the following week, although the incident did muddy Waltrip’s “peace and love” reputation among the fanbase.
by Tom Bowles
7. "Biffle's an Idiot."
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It may have been the Nationwide (then Busch) Series, but that didn’t make the race win matter any less to Kevin Harvick. He and Greg Biffle were fighting for position when Harvick was spun. None too happy about it, Harvick patiently waited atop the pit wall for the race to be over, and as soon as Biffle exited the car the sophomore Cup driver was waiting to deliver the message that type of contact wouldn’t be tolerated. Biffle held his ground, as shaky as it was, but despite no major punishments for either side, he ended up the big winner over the long-term. A few weeks later, Harvick endured the heavy hand of NASCAR, being suspended for a race after some hard, inappropriate contact with other drivers in the Truck Series.
by Tom Bowles
6. Open Season on Open Wheelers
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This clip goes to show that sometimes, the drivers aren’t the only ones who get to throw punches. After Kasey Kahne and Tony Stewart tangled on this restart in Chicagoland, the anger from the incident landed smack dab in the middle of pit road. Kahne’s crew, unable to control themselves after being spun out of first place, went right down into the Home Depot pit stall to show their displeasure. Chaos ensued, in a brawl that needed multiple NASCAR officials to untangle even though the drivers themselves didn’t seem as angry. Yes, everyone raced the next week but poor Kahne would have to wait nearly a year, until Richmond in 2005, to score his first Cup victory.
by Tom Bowles
5. Grandstanding at the Glen
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How can you make a list like this one without including NASCAR’s Colombian temper tantrum? Montoya has had plenty of feuds over the years, including absorbing a punch from Ryan Newman behind closed doors, but this wreck seems to be his most infamous NASCAR incident. Ironically, it was Martin Truex Jr., not Montoya, who caused this multi-car crash entering Turn 1 at the Glen. Kevin Harvick (common thread?) being none too happy and under the impression that JPM was at fault, went up to the No. 42 and blamed him for causing it all. The helmet-grabbing and patty-cakes that ensued entertained the crowd — in part because it proved neither actually wanted to throw down — but over the long-term meant far more for Montoya than the oft-aggressive Harvick. From that point on in stock car racing it cemented the then-rookie’s reputation that he wouldn’t back down on the racetrack, under any circumstances. That’s a driving style that’s earned him few friends in the garage area.
by Tom Bowles
4. The Further Misadventures of Happy Harvick
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Happy Harvick was a little bit of a misnomer in the closing laps of this short-track shootout. Fighting for second with Ricky Rudd, his No. 29 car got spun out in one of those “racin’ deals” down the stretch. While Rudd went on to a top-5 finish, Harvick’s goals were realigned quickly: park next to that No. 21 car on pit road and let him have it. Jumping on, then over, Rudd’s Ford, Harvick didn’t stop until both crews were involved in a little melee. Who came out the big winner? Well, Harvick in the long run: he kept on contending for a championship while Rudd, despite coming close never won a race in three years driving for the Wood Brothers.
by Tom Bowles
3. The '89 Winston: DW vs. Rusty
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For years, Darrell Waltrip was the bad guy, unable to do anything right in the eyes of the fans. That ended in an instant at age 38 near the end of the 1989 All-Star Race. Rusty Wallace, while battling for the lead off Turn 4, spun Waltrip’s No. 17 in what many considered to be a dirty move. While Rusty went on to take the checkers, the crews went at it on pit road while Waltrip was “robbed” of what could have been a $200,000-plus payday. More importantly, from that moment on there appeared to be a paradigm shift; suddenly, Waltrip was the popular elder statesman while Wallace became the fast-talking, aggressive heel.
by Tom Bowles
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If you think Jeff Gordon ruined Clint Bowyer’s title chances (as remote as they may have been) you’ll be beside yourself after seeing this video. Dale Earnhardt, fighting for the win with Ricky Rudd had Rusty Wallace far behind him at the back half of the top 10 and poised to open up a big lead in the championship over his rival. But Rudd was looking for a victory and dove underneath the No. 3 car hard entering the final lap. As the cars hung tight into Turn 1, the brakes started squealing, Bob Jenkins’ voice started cracking and suddenly, both cars were heading towards the wall. While Geoff Bodine went on to win, some say the points lost that day cost Earnhardt the title. No wonder why the crews went at it after the race. In the end, more verbal assaults were thrown than physicalities, but the damage would define the 1989 championship race. Earnhardt, who had some colorful language on-air, wanted Rudd suspended for the year but NASCAR, especially back in the ‘80s, would have none of it. Both raced (cleanly) the next time out.
by Tom Bowles
1. "The Fight"
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NASCAR fans debate a lot of things, from fuel mileage finishes to mystery debris cautions, but this brawl is pretty much a unanimous No. 1 on any list. Let’s set the scene for you: Last lap. Daytona 500. Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison banging sheet metal down the backstretch for the win. Wreck. As Richard Petty streaks by to take the checkers, both drivers have to sit and deal with what could have been. As brother Bobby Allison comes to check on Donnie, emotions have a chance to boil over ... and punches follow. As Ken Squier so eloquently put it: “They’re angry. They know they have lost.” But you know who won? The sport of NASCAR. With record ratings due to a blizzard along the East Coast, its first flag-to-flag telecast was a roaring success that produced a generation of racing fans that would remain loyal for decades.
Jimmie Johnson’s fourth straight championship was arguably his most dominant performance; with three races left, he had a seemingly insurmountable 184-point edge over teammate Mark Martin under the old point system. But as Denny Hamlin should remember, entering this coming weekend after Martinsville’s mechanical monster, anything can and will happen. Johnson and Sam Hornish Jr. and got into it on lap 8, a three-wide choice turned into catastrophe when Johnson lost control, then spun off Turn 2. The man then known as “Three-Time” would run 38th, see Martin cut the deficit to 73 points and spend his post-race disgusted over what could have been the first opportunity ever to clinch the title pre-Homestead under the Chase format. What’s worse for the No. 48 group? Hornish never apologized, leaving hurt feelings that lasted months afterwards— even though J.J. still cruised to the title.
by Tom Bowles
9. Fall 2005: Edwards vs. Martin
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Texas hasn’t been a track where late-race passes for the lead are the norm. But Carl Edwards, one of five Roush drivers in contention for the 2005 season title, made this fall edition one to remember. Leading 82 laps, Edwards jumped out in front until one last caution, for debris, sent him scurrying to pit road. That left Martin out front, but with new tires Cousin Carl was able to race down the No. 6, then blow by him on the top side to secure an easy victory and pull within 77 points of Tony Stewart for the championship. As for Mark? It was his last, best chance to secure a victory in the No. 6 Roush car; he would never win again in Cup driving the famed Ford he put on the map.
by Tom Bowles
8. 1997: Lap 1 … And Done
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Turns out everything’s bigger in Texas—even the wrecks. The start of the first ever Cup race at the 1.5-mile oval, the first in the Lone Star State since 1981, didn’t even make it half-a-lap before nearly half the field was all torn up. With the new track basically a one-groove speedway, everyone was desperate to cut to the inside, including Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip, who thought his No. 17 was clear of Johnny Benson’s No. 30. The second their sheet metal tangled, Waltrip went spinning in an incident that left him knocked out of the race in dead last. In all, 13 cars were involved, though most made it back on track. Only Dale Earnhardt (from a lap back to sixth) was able to work his way back into contention. And for DW, it would be a “double whammy.” One year later, he’d be a centerpiece of another major multi-car wreck to start the 1998 event. In two races, he’d struggle to complete more than two laps as the first key to this racetrack was “survival.”
by Tom Bowles
7. 1997: Throwing Caution To The Wind
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We all know the only real way to listen to a race is in Dutch. That said, you want to know why NASCAR doesn’t race back to the caution? Because there’s a risk of incidents like this one. After a multi-car crash off Turn 4, cars were racing back to the line with one particular problem: Greg Sacks’ hobbled No. 20 was slowing considerably, anticipating the dangerous incident that had happened on the tri-oval ahead. In the meantime, Ernie Irvan was focused on passing leader Terry Labonte to get a lap back instead of the mess of shattered sheet metal ahead. He didn’t see Sacks slowing until it was far too late, slamming into the No. 20 like a speeding car plowing into a safety vehicle on the highway in a wreck that left the stands eerily quiet. Until 2003, when a similar near-disaster with Dale Jarrett occurred at New Hampshire, this incident became the poster child in trying to get the rules changed. Luckily both drivers were unhurt, although each was obviously done for the day.
by Tom Bowles
6. 1997: Burton Gets First Win
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20:00 mark
Hard to believe it has been 15-plus years since Jeff Burton, now 45, etched his name in the NASCAR record books. During a Demolition Derby of an inaugural edition, the No. 99 team and crew chief Buddy Parrott hit on the setup down the stretch. Pushing their way to the front, they avoided a late-race incident when Todd Bodine spun in front, pulled away from the homestate Labonte brothers, then outlasted Dale Jarrett to win his first Cup race by 4.067 seconds. Added bonus in this video: Kim Burton debuts on the NASCAR scene as “That NASCAR wife,” capping her emotional speech with the words “this is all he’s ever wanted his whole life.” What a nice reminder that back in the day, winning Cup Series races for the first time actually meant something more than a nice paycheck and an extra Monday appearance for your sponsor.
by Tom Bowles
5. Fall 2010: The Jeffs Play Pattycakes
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Who says old dogs can’t learn new tricks—or throw good uppercuts? Respected veterans Jeff Burton and Jeff Gordon got into it when the two were involved a vicious wreck exiting Turn 2. Each man had his version of the incident to tell, but with Burton at full speed, the drivers connected and Gordon took a vicious hit into the outside wall. It was surprising enough that these two wrecked, but what people didn’t expect was the duo—known more for their intellectual pursuits—trying to solve this puzzling incident with punches. The funniest part of the whole thing? NASCAR still made both men ride inside the same ambulance (of note: the two haven’t wrecked each other on the racetrack since).
by Tom Bowles
4. 2000: The Son Rises
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Way, way back, before the Most Popular Driver Awards, the concussions and the “overrated” comments, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was just a wide-eyed, introverted 25-year-old who loved computers, had a famous dad and was simply trying to make it in the wild world of the Cup Series. Big things were expected of the rookie, and some wondered if he could excel with a new team run by dad Dale Earnhardt Sr. But in just his 12th race at NASCAR’s highest level, Junior cashed in, leading a race-high 106 laps and virtually coasting to the checkers by 5.9 seconds in a performance that impressed everyone—even the old man. The tender moments between them, replayed all over the country, showcased how their relationship had progressed, back to an unbreakable bond after the elder Earnhardt was MIA at times during Junior’s childhood. Also not to be missed: a loving hug from Teresa Earnhardt, a sign of her love that’s eerie considering how badly their relationship would deteriorate in the coming years, following Senior’s death in 2001.
by Tom Bowles
3. Fall 2010: Knaus’ Switch-eroo
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At the time, it was a move that reeked of something unusual out of the 48 camp: Desperation. After several slow stops with crew consistently losing time to the No. 11 team and Denny Hamlin, crew chief Chad Knaus pulled something virtually unprecedented—he called in reinforcements. A team that, in some cases, had taken the car to four straight championships on the back of its tire-changing, fuel-pumping and chassis-adjusting knowledge was suddenly on the bench. In its place, at least for the rest of this race, was Jeff Gordon’s crew, which had been pulling off faster stops in the 24’s pit box, but in the end could never really do enough to put Johnson up front to catch Hamlin. The challenger went on to a dominating win in what seemed at the time a nail in Johnson’s coffin. Of course, Johnson, Knaus and the boys took advantage of the No. 11 team’s choke job one week later and sailed to Title No. 5.
by Tom Bowles
2. 2008: McBarrell Rolls
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In six years of covering races live, there have been only two instances where I thought a driver was dead. One was during an ARCA Daytona event, when a stopped Patrick Sheltra was broadsided at full speed. This one was the other. The full clip shows you how normal a qualifying run can be, a driver progressing through his normal rhythm before a split-second mistake, as simple as one bad deceleration point, which can turn things into a possible tragedy. End over end, flip over flip, a succession of barrel rolls. Miraculously, Michael McDowell walked away, surviving in part through NASCAR’s substantial safety innovations. But his experience, limited that year in his progression through to the Cup level, was questioned for months afterward. The danger, perhaps, of what can happen as a rookie at the sport’s top level.
by Tom Bowles
1. 2004: Sadler Sneaks One In
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Kasey Kahne’s rookie season was defined by two words: “near miss.” So many times, he had the No. 9 car in position to win only to be denied, sometimes by inches in the final laps. Texas was yet another example, as Jeff Gordon’s motor problem left Kahne in position to challenge Elliott Sadler for the victory. Sadler himself had not won since Bristol in 2001, and was desperate to score another for new employer Yates Racing. The problem? Kahne was clearly the faster car. Using the high line, he came off Turn 2 like a bullet, then appeared ready to jettison by through Turns 3 and 4 as Sadler was a sitting duck. But the lapped car of Johnny Sauter, which initially looked like it would hurt Sadler by not pulling out of the way, actually cost Kahne a shot. His insistence on running full speed, keeping the inside line, forced Sadler up and Kahne was unwilling to wreck either driver, unsure what to do and slowing up just enough he didn’t have enough momentum to make the pass down the tri-oval. Either way, it was the best Texas race for the victory we’ve seen. And based on NASCAR’s current intermediate package, not one we’ll get again anytime soon.
by Tom Bowles
BONUS 2011: Kyle’s “No No”
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This list is based on Cup, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t at least mention the one-year anniversary of the wreck that changed the career of Kyle Busch. After a three-wide incident put both he and Ron Hornaday in the wall, Busch’s anger got the best of him as the caution waved. While others slowed down, the No. 18 sped up, slammimg into the back of the No. 33 of Hornaday—a title contender in the Truck Series— and wrecked both in a move that conceivably cost his rival the big trophy while putting his own professionalism, and aggression, under the microscope. NASCAR’s response was swift and severe, parking Busch for the rest of the Texas weekend while sponsor M&M’s pulled out for the final three races of 2011. A tamer Kyle Busch has been seen ever since … and for good reason.
10. Richard Petty – 1964 Plymouth Belvedere
Back when stockcars essentially were stock cars, Petty’s ’64 Plymouth was significant for a number of reasons. First of all, look at it: clean and simple lines, looks as right dominating Daytona as it would Pomona … or Ponderosa — a perfect combination of accidental aerodynamics and the debut of Pachyderm Power under the bonnet. The 426 Hemi debuted at the 1964 Daytona 500, and when placed in the pointy Plymouth, it was game over, lights out, thanks for playing, as Petty drove to a one-lap victory over Paul Goldsmith in a Hemi Plymouth Belvedere. Note those 405 horsepower stickers on the hood. Yeah. Right. 405. At what, 3,500 rpm? Child please.
by Vito Pugliese
50 Shades of Gray
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9. Buddy Baker – 1977-1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
The late 1970s and early ’80s were sad times for the auto industry on a number of levels. Smog-controlled engines, the advent of catalytic converters and poor quality control, as well as something known as “velour.” Such were the designs of these machines. There were a few notable exceptions: Smokey & The Bandit Trans Ams, Dodge’s Little Red Express Truck and this beast, Buddy Baker’s No. 28 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Nicknamed the Gray Ghost by its ability to stealthily blend into the racing surface due to its color scheme and the glare produced by the sun-lit overcast conditions. Baker dominated Speedweeks in 1980, including taking the pole at 194.009 mph. What about this car screams mid-190s? Well, it still owns the record for the fastest Daytona 500, and therefore deserves some love here.
by Vito Pugliese
It’s NOT The Catalina Wine Mixer!
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8. Fireball Roberts – 1962 Pontiac Catalina
In the early 1960s, NASCAR was coming of age. Moving from bullrings and dirt tracks to full-fledged, high-banked superspeedways used as the model for the majority of the tracks on the circuit today, the cars and safety equipment were not quite keeping up with the technology and horsepower. Banjo Matthews’ 1962 Pontiacs prepared by the legendary Smokey Yunick were among the best of that early breed, replete with his trademark black and gold paint scheme. Fireball Roberts swept both Daytona races that season, wearing a t-shirt and a polo helmet. Roberts' nickname was the result of his being able to throw a baseball, but would tragically come to fruition in 1964, after a horrific fiery wreck resulting from a split gas tank at Charlotte. He would succumb to his injuries six weeks later in July 1964 before the Daytona Firecracker race he won just two years prior.
by Vito Pugliese
Silver Fox Box
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7. David Pearson – 1976 Mercury Montego
Some cars look fast standing still, some are fast at speed, and some look like there’s no way it could be fast, — yet is very, very fast. David Pearson’s 1976 Mercury Montego, with its flat front end, was the cousin to Starsky and Hutch’s iconic sled, with which he drove to a 10-win season in 30 stars. He won the Daytona 500 after getting together with Richard Petty on the final lap, and limping across the finish line because he kept his engine running, while Petty stalled his. Of note: That Daytona 500 was Pearson’s only superspeedway win that year; Buddy Baker, Cale Yarborough and Dave Marcis won the remaining events at Daytona and Talladega.
by Vito Pugliese
Give Me A Dew!
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6. Darrell Waltrip – 1981-82 Buick Regal
1981 was the first year for the downsized cars, running on a 110” wheelbase. After a decade of running at 115” in big slabs of blubber, the new cars were trim, lean, mean and almost exclusively Buicks due to its more aerodynamic nose (compared to the squared off Grand Prix and Ford Thunderbird). Dodge was an afterthought with the Mirada by this time, so it was up to Darrell Waltrip to establish the new era with the assistance of team owner Junior Johnson in their Mountain Dew machine. And that they did. Waltrip won 12 of 31 races that year= en route to his first championship. He’d win 12 races again a year later in the same car, forever banishing the myth of green racecars being bad luck.
by Vito Pugliese
Awesome Bill from Dawsonville
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5. Bill Elliott – 1983-86 Ford Thunderbird
At the dawn of the small-car era of the early 1980s, Ford was all but absent from circle track competition. Actually, outside of Bob Chandler’s “Big Foot” running amok in stadiums, Ford was all but absent from the motorsports map. When the new swoopy Thunderbird debuted in ’83 that all changed. Its debut didn’t go so hot, as it flew wildly threw the air at Daytona, nearly killing Ricky Rudd in the process. However, as Bill and Ernie Elliott began showing up with their Melling Racing Thunderbirds, the aero-wars began anew. Elliott’s ’85 T-bird was especially dominate, winning the Daytona 500, the first offering of the Winston Million and making up two laps to win at Talladega under green. That’s two laps. At Talladega. Under green flag competition. No Lucky Dog, no waive-around. Every fast car has its secret and theirs was no different; it was actually 9/10 scale in size, so it literally was cheating the wind. Elliott will likely forever hold the fastest lap in competition setting the record with a 212.809 mph.
by Vito Pugliese
The King’s Chariot
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4. Richard Petty – 1972-74 Dodge Charger
Every driver has a car that defines him (or her) and his (or her) career. For Richard Petty and his 200 wins and seven titles, there are two cars: his ’67 Plymouth and the ’74 Dodge Charger pictured here. 31 wins and two titles (including two runner-up championship runs). How does that math work? It used to be you could run a model for four years in NASCAR, and with the garbage rolling out of Detroit back then (particularly for the post-musclecar era for mother Mopar), the best bet was sticking with a proven bullet. The third generation Charger would rule the roost in NASCAR until the 1977 season; in 1978, Petty’s Dodge Mangum produced the King’s first winless season. Petty often mentions the ’73 Charger as is favorite and most memorable car, but the ’74 is essentially the same car. Plus he had that awesome Fu Man Chu.
by Vito Pugliese
From Daytona to Bonneville
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3. Bobby Isaac – 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
Everybody loves the winged warriors, and Bobby Isaac’s No. 71 K&K Insurance 1969 Dodge Daytona is probably the most successful of the bunch. The Daytona was Dodge’s answer to the Ford Torino Talladega and Mercury Comet Cyclone. The standard Dodge Charger, while looking fast, was a turbulent turd at the big tracks, and the Charger 500 was a Band-Aid fix until the big guns arrived. Isaac won 11 races and the championship during the 1970 season, running the winged ’69 on the high banks and a regular ’70 Charger on the shorts. He would later take it to the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1971 to set several land speed records. The Daytona was also the reason Richard Petty defected to Ford (Chrysler wouldn’t let him drive one – he was a Plymouth man), and why Plymouth would later release the Superbird, to bring him back into the fold. A far cry from today, where they can’t even find an engine supplier to recruit a team they desperately needed. Ah, the good old days …
by Vito Pugliese
Always Bet on Black
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2. Dale Earnhardt – 2000-01 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By the time the late 1990s rolled around, downforce was the name of the game and Chevrolet was a little late to the part. While Jeff Gordon’s Monte Carlo was about the only Chevy to get a whiff of the ovid-shaped Taurus and its crushing downforce numbers, the design was getting a bit long in the tooth. And the General’s other soldier, the Pontiac Grand Prix, was starting to steal a bit of Chevy’s limelight on the intermediate tracks. Enter the Y2K MC SS. As Todd tells Jeremy upon unveiling his disturbing painting in “The Wedding Crashers,” “It’s both sexual and violent!” You may remember this iteration of the Intimidator’s chariot inching out a win over Bobby Labonte in an Atlanta photo finish, or slicing through the field at Talladega from 18th to the lead in the final four laps for what would be his final – and arguably greatest — win.
by Vito Pugliese
Thunderstruck
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1. Mark Martin – 1992-95 Ford Thunderbird
The early 1990s will be remembered as the Golden Era of the Modern Era. During this period of the sport’s history, NASCAR managed to catch lightning in a bottle with the perfect balance of aerodynamics, horsepower, tires and innovation allowed within – or just outside — of the rules. The cars looked reasonably close to their production counterparts, and actually had to have the hood, rear deck lid and rearview mirror of their showroom cousins. Martin’s No. 6 Valvoline Roush Ford Thunderbird was probably the best looking racecar and paint scheme of this (or any) era. Try to freehand draw that No. 6 and not screw it up or have it look goofy. Ford dominated the first half of the 1992 season, while Alan Kulwicki and Bill Elliott battled down to the last lap to determine the championship in Atlanta. It was suddenly cool to run a Ford in Cup in the early to mid-’90s, even as Earnhardt and Gordon continued to compile wins and Cups. At least Ford had the good sense to not name the mythical winged creature after a dust-buster-ized minivan.
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