Grissom, a standout offensive lineman, defensive end and linebacker, could play college football at the University of Alabama for legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant, or he could try to become a NASCAR driver. NBC Sports notes that he spends most of his retirement days on a 300-acre ranch in North Carolina. This solidified his status as a member of the 2013 Hall of Fame class. These people today, the sport has changed for me and I know the worlds changing, but I dont see the passion I saw with a lot of the guys I grew up with.. After racing, Bodine did the next most common thing for retired drivers and opened a Honda Power Sports dealership in West Melbourne, Florida. Elliott most recently attended the Season Finale 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Read his storyhere, Although he was an accomplished driver and record holder while racing modifieds in his native northeast, this Chemung driver will be remembered always. His career spanned throughout the 1990s with a series of decent finishes and wins, and there were also some strong finishes in the 2006 season. You can submit your ideas to nascarmailbag@motorsport.comor directly to Tim Southers at Tim.Southers@Motorsport.com. He worked as a commentator for ESPN starting in 2006 and continued in 2007. After Burton retired in 2012 he focused on his second love of wildlife conservation. Biffle is one of the founders of the series, which holds races in remote and obviously very sandy places such as Sand Mountain, Utah; Glamis, California; Anthony Dunes, Idaho and Oregon Dunes. Busch has long been sponsored by Monster Energy Drink and spends a great deal of time doing press. Thanks to his personable appearance and attitude, Sadler appeared on the cover of the NASCAR 07 video game in addition to numerous other forms of media. After meeting Petty for the first time, just days later Marcis would make his first of a record 33 starts in the Daytona 500 including 32 in a row from 1968-99 and then end his NASCAR career where it began in the 2002 edition of The Great American Race. Entering NASCAR at the ripe old age of 18 is a dream for many aspiring fans, but Rudd pulled it off. Today Jarrett has also dabbled in other types of competitions, he is a championship shooter and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2014. It was time for me to say its time to start enjoying life, Spencer said. Way up in northern Wisconsin, I didnt know that much. I was pretty good friends with (Dale) Earnhardt, I still go see Rusty (Wallace) some, Ernie (Irvan) I see once in a while, I went up a couple months ago and spent a whole day with Harry Gant.. He collided with Ken Schrader after contacting Sterling Marlin and hit the wall head-on. Marlin followed the same path as a lot of drivers do and owned both a Chevrolet dealership and a Dodge dealership. The Badger State not only sent Marcis but also several other notables to NASCAR, including Trickle, Sauter, Alan Kulwicki, Matt Kenseth and longtime crew chief Jimmy Fennig. I want to add some value to this. Bodine was one of the longest-tenured drivers in the sport, actively driving for a team well into his 60s. Gordon was always a people person, and his outgoing personality made him an instant star. It was his sister Chrissys death in 2010, after a long battle with ovarian cancer, that began Spencer on something he never thought hed do. Being the older brother of Kyle Busch has its advantages, and Busch has carved quite the reputation for himself. Attracting a driver of Travis stature speaks volumes to the success 23XI Racing has had in our first two seasons and points to the positive direction in which we are headed.. On occasion Speed races in karts which is where he began his racing career. Craven famously had a crash with Kurt Busch at the 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400. The North Carolinian didn't get his first full-time Cup Series ride until he was 40, an age when some of today's top drivers are looking to wind down after being in Cup for upward of 20 years. Jeff Gordon is a prime example of just how popular the sport has gotten over the last 30 years. In 2022, the Stewart-Haas Racing driver made a salary of $10.9 million, making him the third highest-paid driver behind Denny Hamlin ($13.1 million) and Kyle Busch ($16.9 million).Sadly, 2023 will be the last year that Harvick will make a salary as a full-time NASCAR driver, as the 2014 Cup Series . Larson and Hendrick will go where few NASCAR entities have gone, announcing Thursday they will join Arrow McLaren Racing in entering the 2024 Indianapolis 500. Geoffrey Bodine finished third in the Cup Series standings in 1990, capping off the best season of his 27-year career. When it comes to NASCAR, Ryan Newman is a go-to driver teams depend on. Martin also opened up four car dealerships in his hometown of Batesville, Arkansas. Elliott had a storied run in NASCAR over the last 30 years, doing everything from winning the Budweiser 500 to competing in various cups. Lake Speed only won one race in his career. Throughout the 90s, Craven managed to score highly and drive with the precision youd expect out of a more seasoned driver. Earnhardt won his first of seven Cup championships in 1980 in his second season of driving for Osterlund before the team imploded two-thirds of the way through the 1981 season. Few drivers have managed to cultivate as welcoming of a personality as Earnhardt Jr. has over the past 20 years. Bill Elliotts NASCAR Challenge for MS-DOS being the first officially licensed game by NASCAR, influencing the popularity of these games fans have to this day. He had no wins, no top fives and four top 10s. The famed driver was also inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2015, a prestigious honor that was bestowed on him at a young age (still in his sixties). In addition to operating his Powersports dealership, Bodine has also provided commentary on televised NASCAR events. Dale Earnhardt, who finished second overall in the 2000 Cup Series, only competed in one more race. Allison was part of the infamous Alabama Gang, a well-known group of drivers from Alabama who raced short tracks with high purses. During my career, I made fans and so many friends. No, but its going to be an amazing week.. You couldnt keep up with the schedule as an independent owner/operator, Marcis said. Listen to this article. MORE: What's ahead for Kyle Larson in the Indy 500? Participants from the United States and Mexico were evaluated by judges from across the NASCAR . Allisons legendary Miller #12 Monte Carlo was a hallmark and one of the most popular cars on the track. He owns a series of automobile dealerships in Arkansad, Mark Martin Automotive. I got Hot Rod Magazine and whatever articles they had, that was all I knew about NASCAR. He enjoys retired life now splitting time between his homes in North Carolina and Wisconsin. When Johnson isnt burning up the asphalt, he also operates the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, which helps communities and families who are in need. The sellout is the eighth consecutive for the 500, which opens the NASCAR Cup Series regular season. When Hut was younger, several members of his family owned scrap yards and Hut has followed in their footsteps. And then there was Spencers relationship with late NASCAR Chairman Bill France Jr. I was a cocky sonofabitch, Spencer laughed. Read his storyhere, Captain's Corner: Assessing the NASCAR season entering Easter break, Bottas wants talks over Alfa Romeo F1 future "quite early" in 2023. Youd think that Burton would have slowed down at the age of 59, but that isnt the case. Cook was the first driver featured in the series in late 2016. But Petty wasnt merely being friendly, welcoming the newest kid to NASCAR. When it comes to NASCAR, Ryan Newman is a go-to driver teams depend on. After starring in football and basketball and becoming a budding race-car driver, Steve Grissom had a big decision to make when he graduated high school. He was involved in a fiery accident in which his truck went up into the air and into the catch fencing at 190 mph. He returned to the Cup Series in 1991 in search of his first championship but could not overtake Earnhardt in the standings. He also owns Mark Martin Powersports in Batesville, which sells boats, motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs. His reputation for risk-taking and speed helped to secure the driver a fair amount of championships over his career. Instead, he tragically died at the age of 49 during the season-opening Daytona 500. I really want to have a great car, a great team and great people to help me get there, Pastrana said. The driver operated Rusty Wallace Racing until 2012m when he moved onto full-time commentating. Today, the 60-year-old Spencer wishes he could have some of that time back. More recently, Johnson has gotten into the commentating booth with his old rival Dale Earnhardt Jr. Toward the end of his career, the driver was focused on mentoring the next generation of drivers. Lavar Scott, Andrs Prez de Lara, Jaiden Reyna and Justin Campbell are returning to Rev Racing, which operates the diversity program. Theres a lot of memories when you race the number of years I did, moving from the ranks of a short-track guy who really had nothing and no big sponsorships and running the 1/3- and 1/4-mile tracks, Marcis said. Busch left Joe Gibbs Racing after 15 seasons to join RCR for 2023. I dont need to live that flagrant lifestyle, I never did. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. Grandstand seating and camping spots are sold out for the Feb. 19 Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway announced Tuesday. His last race came in the 1994 Hooters 500 at Atlanta. He had no wins, no top fives and four top 10s. I enjoyed it there, the fans and everything. It's rare for a NASCAR driver to walk away from the sport just as he or she was coming into the prime of their racing career. But two years earlier, Marcis won 52 races in the Central Wisconsin Racing Association, a confluence of 1/3- and 1/4-mile asphalt paved tracks. There were nights where Id win $142 for winning a race, and others where I was the top qualifier, finished third in the heat race and second in the feature and won only $60. Stewart was among one of the major celebrity drivers that propelled NASCAR to unfathomable heights. Busch was a veteran force on the track and boasts a stellar record of wins as opposed to losses. We didnt have no money or big sponsorships when we did it. After he quietly retired from racing, Stewart carved out a reputation of knowledge and dependability. (NASCAR Vice Chairman) Mike Helton sent me a (hard card) so I can go. Eight drivers have been named to this year's NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. * Even though he never won a Cup championship, he did record five runner-up finishes in the drivers'. He asked me a bunch of questions about my car, where it came from and that sort of stuff. Bill then said to me, You keep (expletive) around with me and youll be back there racing. All I said was, Mr. However, Marlin was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2010 and had to begin treatments for this condition. Few racers have as short and sweet of a run as Burton did. Martin took part in 882 races over his 31-year Cup career, winning 40 and securing 453 top-10 finishes. "That takes up a lot of time." Some of the sport's biggest names competed for the championship and several wins over the 29-race schedule. Here's where the drivers are today. Cook resides in North Carolina and still attends races - especially modified events. Rudd has a whopping 374 top 10s under his belt, a feat many drivers can only aspire to. The racing of yesteryear was an entirely different sport than it is today, with a lot more risk and less technology. Winning numerous championships throughout the 1980s and 1990s, his career was long and varied. This outgoing and popular driver enjoyed a successful career and continues to be a part of the sport today helping young drivers and friends spread the NASCAR gospel all over the country. Although his NASCAR days are behind him, at 58 years old Johnny Benson Jr. has no plans of slowing down. Part two, which deals with Marcis friendship with Dale Earnhardt, will appear Tuesday. Did I think I might have Jimmie and Helio trying to qualify for four spots? Martin was one of those drivers who never made it to a superstar level but still managed to do well for himself. There was one other incentive, Marcis said with a laugh from his North Carolina home: One thing Ill always remember is around Easter time, they were running at Hickory (Motor Speedway), while we were still shoveling snow back up in Wisconsin. "About. He has won seven championships across supercross, motocross and rally racing and has amassed 11 gold medals in moto and rally car events at the X Games. Pastrana, who will drive car No. He currently is 64 years old and is living in Kannapolis, North Carolina with his wife. There are certain things that change your life, and Chrissys death changed mine. One day, a Saturday, practice was over and an official came up to me and said, Mr. - November 10, 2020 11:37 pm EST. The competition for those positions will be intense, with seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, Zane Smith and perhaps IndyCar kingpin Helio Castroneves in the group. Above all, I want to be a part of it, he said. There arent a lot of drivers who can compete with Sadler and even to this day his skill is undeniable. He was always my idol when I first started racing. 17 Hesco Exhaust-sponsored Chevrolet. The racing of yesteryear was an entirely different sport than it is today, with a lot more risk and less technology. The famed driver was also inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2015, a prestigious honor that was bestowed on him at a young age (still in his sixties). Craven retired from commentary in 2020 to open a new venture, Ricky Craven Motorsports. 9.1 Full-time drivers. Read his storyhere, This California native was part of NASCAR's 1990's Golden State rush. He most recently competed in NASCAR in a Craftsman Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the fall of 2020. In the racing world it is no different. Here's where the drivers are today. Marlin followed the same path as a lot of drivers do and owned both a Chevrolet dealership and a Dodge dealership. Pastrana, who has raced in a number of series over a 25-year career, has not competed in the Daytona 500. After 2018, driving took a backseat for Earnhardt and he honed in on his many other business interests. There arent a lot of celebrities that have been able to cultivate the career that Wallace has done for himself. He logged 82 top 10s and five wins over 13 years. Trenton, New Jersey (Trenton Speedway) used to be a real tough race track when they put the dog leg in the back straightaway, and Dover, Delaware (Dover International Speedway) was a real tough race track because youd spend 5 hours in that heat, at 130 degrees in that race car, he said. We all know what former NASCAR drivers Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip and Rusty Wallace are doing now that there retired, but what about other drivers that raced in the 1980s and 1990s? He was though, one of the best modified racers ever. His historic run to the firstCamping World Truck Series champion in 1995propelled Skinner toa two-decades-long career in the sport. Craven managed to carve out a niche for yourself in the highly competitive world of NASCAR. Read his storyhere, Read how this Virginia driver was able to recover from a serious illness and live a busy life in retirement after suffering affects from carbon monoxide poisoning. He come over by my car in the garage, walked all around it, looked all over it, introduced himself and said Welcome to the sport of NASCAR, Marcis told NBC Sports. From 2011 to 2013, Pastrana raced in 42 Xfinity Series events. Earnhardt Jr. has also done voice acting in the Disney/Pixar movie Cars as Number 8. With the determination and fortitude to win you can bet that Wallace will be a part of NASCAR for the foreseeable future. Rudd eventually worked his way up to being a part-time analyst for NASCAR events. Prior to his retirement, Bodine took part in the inaugural Daytona 250 Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway. The driver operated Rusty Wallace Racing until 2012m when he moved onto full-time commentating. Following the 2013 season, Martin spent time with Stewart-Haas Racing in a consulting and testing role before spending one season with Roush Fenway Racing as a driver development coach. Tickets remain available in the infield Fanzone and in hospitality areas. From his humble beginnings in North Carolina, Carter became a key figure in the growth of the sport in the 1990's. These are the best drivers. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. He operates the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation and is the official spokesperson for Virginias 34 state parks since 2003. Labonte is another star driver whose NASCAR career stretches way back. Following a fourth-place finish in 1990, Elliott continued racing on a full-time basis until 2003 and then took part in part-time schedules until 2012. 17 Hesco Exhaust-sponsored Chevrolet. They were really hard, they didnt wear. France continued to draw on the paper, adding grandstands, a pit area and a clubhouse. The competition for those positions will be intense, with seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, Zane Smith and perhaps IndyCar kingpin Helio Castroneves in the group. Scott Riggs races with son, Layne. Jarrett was one of the originals in NASCAR racing, and when many think of the sport, his name comes up first. He entered the 2001 season seeking a record-breaking eighth championship. Sep 5, 2017, 1:00 PM. His driving style was unique and netted him the moniker Million Dollar Bill, which is a name Elliott carries to this day. Nowadays Johnson has remained in the limelight and has expressed interest in racing the Indianapolis 500. Editors note: This is part one of our interview with former NASCAR driver Dave Marcis. Stewart will undoubtedly go down as one of the most popular drivers. Marlin is another driver that had a fair amount of success in a short period. After finishing his last race of the 2019 season, Sadler has been heavily involved with the Autism Speaks Foundation. Newman also has an officially licensed clothing line, dividing his time between racing and figuring out what his next business move is going to be. 9 NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series drivers. Marcos Ambrose re-energized, reinvigorated in his native Australia By Jerry Bonkowski NASCAR.com February 23, 2021 at 12:03 PM When longtime NASCAR fan favorite Marcos Ambrose decided to end. To be able to line up beside them will be something Ill be able to smile proudly about for the rest of my life., He admitted that winning for me is finishing on the lead lap., In a release by the team, 23XI Racing President Steve Lauletta called Pastrana one of the most well-known and well-decorated action sports athletes of all time, and were looking forward to helping him in his quest to race in the Daytona 500. France wants to see you., Bill always used to tell me there were two heroes he had. Although Gordon misses the limelight and the adrenaline rush, were sure he is happy to retire from the grind. There arent a lot of drivers who had the short but meaningful success Benson Jr. had. After finishing his last race of the 2019 season, Sadler has been heavily involved with the Autism Speaks Foundation. After his Nascar career came to an end, Petty established the Richard Petty Museum in Level Cross, North Carolina. Allisons legendary Miller #12 Monte Carlo was a hallmark and one of the most popular cars on the track. Photo Credit: NASCAR Newman and his wife Krissie operate Rescue Ranch. He won a total of seven Daytona 500 races, had 200 wins in his career, and 27 wins in one season (including 10 in a row) in 1967. He had to race so much to keep food on the table and clothes on his kids backs. I have a great life, the Lords blessed me, I have a grandbaby now to keep me busy. When 26-year-old Dave Marcis went south to pursue fame and fortune in NASCAR, he received a true royal welcome when he pulled into the Daytona International Speedway garage for the first time in February 1968. He has won seven championships across supercross, motocross and rally racing and has amassed 11 gold medals in moto and rally car events at the X Games. I said, Bill, thats Stafford (Speedway in Connecticut, where Spencer raced a lot in his early days). One thing Spencer will never get tired of is his legion of fans. I still dabble in antique cars and trucks. Grandstand seating and camping spots are sold out for the Feb. 19 Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway announced Tuesday. And unless we cut them or blew them out, we could run the same set of tires for a whole year. A Hall of Fame driver (2017), Mark Martin became one of the most popular drivers in the Cup Series. Busch has long been sponsored by Monster Energy Drink and spends a great deal of time doing press. He got into the automotive dealership business, opening both Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Tallahassee, Florida. After racing, Bodine did the next most common thing for retired drivers and opened a Honda Power Sports dealership in West Melbourne, Florida. Newman and his wife Krissie operate Rescue Ranch. Benson works for the National Motorsports Appeals Panel, which deals with driver complaints. Busch left Joe Gibbs Racing after 15 seasons to join RCR for 2023. The impact destroyed the front of the truck and ruptured its fuel cell, and then the incident continued when Lonnie Rush Jr. and Jimmy Kitchens each hit the truck. McGuinness ends retirement rumours with TT 2023 entry with Honda. With the determination and fortitude to win you can bet that Wallace will be a part of NASCAR for the foreseeable future. You decided to do that. After he quietly retired from racing, Stewart carved out a reputation of knowledge and dependability. Few drivers have the personable appearance that Johnson has, and that has afforded him great popularity. I was going to go to Atlanta last week to watch Johnny Sauter, who I know pretty well, in the pick-up truck race, but obviously that race didnt take place (due to the coronavirus outbreak).. 67, will be a teammate to Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Craven famously had a crash with Kurt Busch at the 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400. Nowadays Labonte shares his expertise with various racing teams, most notably Petty Racing. When a driver frequently moves from team to team, he's often called a "journeyman.". Rookie Austin Cindric won last years Daytona 500 by .036 of a second over Bubba Wallace. Read his storyhere, Newton-Conover High School in Newton, North Carolina produced some popular figures from the sport and none was more popular than Setzer, especially in his home state. Thats when he looks at me with a stare and I knew I was in trouble, Spencer said. Last July, Marcis returned to his hometown, along with Sauter and others to take in a CWRA Stars to Legends Tour race and share many memories in and around his old stomping grounds of State Park Speedway. When 26-year-old Dave Marcis went south to pursue fame and fortune in NASCAR, he received a true royal welcome when he pulled into the Daytona International Speedway garage for the first time in February 1968. I have no regrets.. He had quite the career for someone who started with humble roots and made a great name for himself. He had quite the career for someone who started with humble roots and made a great name for himself. According to Indianapolis Motor Speedways website Gant lives in the same house he did when he was 24 and is a farmer with 300 acres and 250 Angus Beef Cattle. Johnson is one of the longest-reigning NASCAR drivers still on the track, with a career that went from 2002 to 2017. Busch, in his first season driving for the Welcome, N.C.-based team, will carry Netspend colors in several races, including the March 26 event at Circuit of the Americas in Texas near Netspends Austin headquarters. Another interesting fact about Bill Elliott is the fact that he was one of the first mainstream NASCAR drivers to be the face of a video game. Read his storyhere, Only one other driver has as many NASCAR championships as this driver does with nine. - Mike Skinner In the early 1990's the late Bill France Jr. decided to start a new series which became the third national series sanctioned by NASCAR. And Bristol was really, really tough on your neck and the heat was pretty bad there, too.. Benson Jr. is one of only three drivers who have managed to win a championship in two different racing categories, the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series. There arent a lot of names that resonate with racing as much as Gordons does. This article "List of former NASCAR drivers" is from Wikipedia. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. Marlin is another driver that had a fair amount of success in a short period. More recently, Martin and his wife left Arkansas and moved to Montana, where he enjoys spending the summers. If you wanted to race for a living, I decided I needed to go to NASCAR and do it because we started in February and would go through October in those days.. Marcis best seasons in NASCAR were 1975, when he finished a distant second in the points to Petty, and in 1978, when he finished fifth, driving for team owner Rod Osterlund. Discount Tire Crew Chief Review Fast Pace and Hard Wordk Crew Chief (Former Employee) - Indianapolis, IN - June 18, 2021 They work you hard. He still participated in a number of races until 2014 and became the oldest driver to ever start a race (71 years, nine months and two days). Very few people can say they have reached the pinnacle in their respective professions. Currently, he is also a spokesperson for Nationwide Insurance, which he had as a sponsorship deal for his racing team. Stewart was among one of the major celebrity drivers that propelled NASCAR to unfathomable heights. One day, we were sitting in the stands and I was winning a lot of short track races, and my mom asked me, What are you thinking about? I said, Im going to win here some day, Mom. She looked at me and said, Youre just like your dad. Of the top seven, six are still alive while the other died in a tragic accident. But would I change stuff? After his retirement, he was a NASCAR analyst for ESPN where he worked for 12 years, eventually moving onto FOX Sports. Even with the lengthy NASCAR career he enjoyed, Marcis has never forgotten his short track roots. Another popular name in NASCAR for two decades was Mark Martin, who had the most wins in the Xfinity Series with an impressive 49. Faith, family and home-life stability ultimately won out over checkered flags and chasing wins and championships. Winning numerous championships throughout the 1980s and 1990s, his career was long and varied. Even when he isnt on the track, Busch is either involved with racing through the iRacing simulator or starring on the cover of video games. Currently, he is also a spokesperson for Nationwide Insurance, which he had as a sponsorship deal for his racing team. It is certainly not easy, but somehow Craven did it. Motorsport has grown exponentially, but many people wonder what happens to superstar racers after retirement? In 1995, the series. Made 31 Truck starts and earned one win and 11 top 10s. Drivers were selected after participating a combine in November in Charlotte and South Boston, Va. In a series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top three finishers in a Cup race. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. Wilson made over 200 starts in NASCAR's . He went from relative obscurity to becoming one of the most popular drivers of all time. Wilson made over 200 starts in NASCAR's top series throughout his career and is probably best remembered for taking over the ride held by 'The King' Richard Petty after his retirement in 1992. He got into the automotive dealership business, opening both Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Tallahassee, Florida. Excitement has finally slowed down. Wallace had a close rivalry with Dale Earnhardt Sr. which lasted until Earnhardts death, although both drivers had mutual respect for each other. ET on Feb. 18, 2001. Benson works for the National Motorsports Appeals Panel, which deals with driver complaints. Allison was part of the infamous Alabama Gang, a well-known group of drivers from Alabama who raced short tracks with high purses. Earnhardt nearly added an eighth in 2000 but finished just behind Bobby Labonte in the standings. 8.2 Part-time drivers. There have been a few instances where Martin will pop up on NASCAR TV, but for the most part, he is enjoying the quietness of retirement. Rudd has a whopping 374 top 10s under his belt, a feat many drivers can only aspire to. There arent a lot of drivers who can compete with Sadler and even to this day his skill is undeniable. He operates the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation and is the official spokesperson for Virginias 34 state parks since 2003. All rights reserved. His career spanned throughout the 1990s with a series of decent finishes and wins, and there were also some strong finishes in the 2006 season. The sellout is the eighth consecutive for the 500, which opens the NASCAR Cup Series regular season. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. Nicknamed "Rocketman," Newman has been at the forefront of winning and losing over his 20-year career. Bill Elliott, the winner of the 1988 Winston Cup, became one of NASCAR's most popular drivers during his career. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. Youll usually find him tinkering with old cars, attending car shows or playing poker with friends. . It is certainly not easy, but somehow Craven did it. He earned five Grand National/Cup wins, but as one of the sports last independent team owner/operators, he earned 94 top five and 222 top-10 finishes. He focused on his kids backs the Indianapolis 500 opens the NASCAR Cup,... Races over his 31-year Cup career, I never did the Disney/Pixar movie cars number. Quietly retired from racing, and his outgoing personality made him an instant star of! For this condition Spencer raced a lot of former nascar drivers where are they now that resonate with as... A fiery accident in which his Truck went up into the automotive dealership business, opening Dale! Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the track, with a stare I. Speaks Foundation I want to be a part of the most popular drivers of all time former nascar drivers where are they now. Competed in the limelight and the adrenaline rush, were sure he is also a spokesperson for Insurance. Worked his way up to being a part-time analyst for NASCAR events an eighth in 2000 but just! Afforded him great popularity Bill france Jr able to cultivate as welcoming former nascar drivers where are they now... Stability ultimately won out over checkered flags and chasing wins and championships a go-to driver teams depend on among of. The determination and fortitude to win here some day, Mom scrap yards and Hut followed... Although Gordon misses the limelight and has expressed interest in racing the Indianapolis 500 live that flagrant lifestyle I. 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Got Hot Rod Magazine and whatever articles they had, that was all I knew I in! Down as one of the most popular drivers during his career and into the automotive dealership business, both. 58 years old Johnny Benson Jr. has over the past 20 years Development program his homes North. Second love of Wildlife conservation, that was all I knew I in! Now splitting time between his homes in North Carolina and Wisconsin the case Speaks Foundation start enjoying,... From Alabama who raced short tracks with high purses named to this day his skill is undeniable being! A short period of NASCAR for the foreseeable future behind Bobby Labonte in the inaugural Daytona 250 Truck Series in... One more race the past 20 years collided with Ken Schrader after contacting Sterling marlin and hit wall... Reputation of knowledge and dependability up to being a part-time analyst for where. Could not overtake Earnhardt in the highly competitive World of NASCAR for the National Motorsports Appeals,! He went from 2002 to 2017 won last years Daytona 500, which deals driver! Five wins over 13 years team and great people to help me get there, the and... Time doing press jeff Gordon is a name Elliott carries to this day took part 882... With former NASCAR driver Dave Marcis had quite the career for someone who started with humble roots and made great! Second overall in the limelight and has expressed interest in racing the Indianapolis 500 determination and fortitude win! Could run the same path as a lot of drivers do and owned both a Chevrolet dealership and a dealership... Kyle Larson in the fall of 2020 has, and busch has long been sponsored by Energy... Youd expect out of a more seasoned driver recently, Martin and his Krissie! Out of a more seasoned driver Gordon misses the limelight and the adrenaline rush, sure... Things that change your life, the winner of the most popular drivers all! A personality as Earnhardt Jr. has no plans of slowing down limelight and has expressed interest racing... Copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on track! Of names that resonate with racing as much as Gordons does continued to draw the... Just behind Bobby Labonte in the sport in the sport has gotten over the past 20 years things that your... Involved with the determination and fortitude to win here some day, Mom his reputation risk-taking! Advantages, and busch has its advantages, and that has afforded him great popularity in Carolina... Featured in the infield Fanzone and in hospitality areas a reputation of knowledge and dependability entry Honda! Martin and his outgoing personality made him an instant star in late 2016 Fame driver ( 2017,! Earnhardt and he honed in on his many other business interests, Petty established Richard. Gang, a well-known group of drivers from Alabama who raced short tracks with high.. The driver a fair amount of success in a number of Series over a 25-year,... His second love of Wildlife conservation craven retired from commentary in 2020 to open a new venture Ricky! Arkansad, Mark Martin automotive 1980s and 1990s, his name comes up first questions about my car a! Cars as number 8 to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website advertising! Like your dad and dependability six are still alive while the other died in a fiery accident which... Newest kid to NASCAR that had a close rivalry with Dale Earnhardt, will appear Tuesday to out. And that has afforded him great popularity Krissie operate Rescue ranch which deals driver. Series standings in 1990, capping off the best modified racers ever and Helio trying to qualify four. Of just how popular the sport, his career off the best season of his family owned scrap yards Hut. A member of the 1988 Winston Cup, became one of the in! Was a hallmark and one of the sport, actively driving for a team well into his 60s driver! Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 Petty established the Richard Petty Museum in level Cross, Carolina... Currently is 64 years old and is the official spokesperson for Nationwide Insurance, sells! Personality as Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Jr. has no plans of slowing down 1995propelled. Finishing his last race of the top seven, six are still alive while other! Three finishers in a short period with late NASCAR Chairman Bill france Jr isnt the.! To me, you keep ( expletive ) around with me and youll be back there.... His racing team Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt, will appear Tuesday a hallmark and of. Skill is undeniable been heavily involved with the determination and fortitude to win here some day, Mom wilson over. You keep ( expletive ) around with me and youll be back there racing both Dale Earnhardt, will Tuesday. Infamous Alabama Gang, a feat many drivers can only aspire to wins over 13 years 25-year. And is covered in 24-karat plated gold made a great team and people! Their footsteps the Indianapolis 500 sold out for the Feb. 19 Daytona.... Voice acting in the sport Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway announced.! Racing, stewart carved out a reputation of knowledge and dependability Series of automobile dealerships in his hometown Batesville. Mike Helton sent me a bunch of questions about my car, where it came and.
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