Nascar Cia Photo
Thursday, September 1st, 2011Nascar Cia Photo
Historic NASCAR Drivers of The Past
Several NASCAR race fans don’t have a clue in regards to the history of NASCAR racing, mostly because it’s popularity was geographraphically located in the southern states. Most of the recent fans know Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty and Junior Johnsson, but are not as familiar with a few of the pioneers drivers who helped make the current NASCAR a success. Nascar Tickets are almost sold out for every race this year.
Bill France Sr. created NASCAR in 1948 on February 21st. France chose Erwin Baker aka “Cannonball” as the first commissioner of NASCAR. Baker was already a legend, having raced previously at Indianapolis and set over 100 land speed records. There is a transcontinental race named after Baker.
Junior Johnson was for sure on of NASCAR’s first stars, winning 6 championshipsand more than 50 overall races. Junior had a colorful past, as he had made quite a name for himself delivering moonshine. After retiring from racing in 1966 he went on to become a race team owner.
Ned Jarret the father of Dale Jarret was another early racing star. His nickname was “Gentleman Jim”, Jarret was famous for selling one of his cars to Wendell Scott, the first Black NASCAR participant. Jarret won two NASCAR Championships and 50 plus races. He then went into the booth to become an announcer, and his son Dale followed shortly in his footsteps and became a driver.
Past great The son of Lee Petty followed his dad into racing, and Richard Petty became the most recognized star Nascar Sprint Cup has ever seen. Lee was no slouch though, winning 3 race championships and the very first Daytona 500. The first Daytona 500 was so close; it took 3 days before Petty was declared the winner. Lee Petty started racing late, he had a late start getting his NASCAR career, as he did not start driving until he was 35. It did not take long before he was a favorite amongst fans. When he retired, he founded Petty Enterprises, one of the more successful race teams. Richard Petty is NASCAR’s all time winningest driver.
Wendell “Wildman” Scott is a historic driver, he is the only black racer to ever win a NASCAR race. Wendell was a daredevil at the beginning, racing the (white|neighborhood} kids on his bike. After serving in World War II, Scott, like Junior Johnson, began transporting moonshine. He would attend races, and got his shot when a race promoter needed something to promote like a gimmick to fill stadium seats, thought he stir the pot somewhat by putting African Americam in the race. Scott had to deal with reacial aspect and white drivers attempting to wreck him. He succeeded, and won the only race negro driver has ever won in NASCAR in 1961. Wendell forged ahead and continued to race until injuries forced him to retire in 1973.
If cupied had a heart