JAYSKI's SILLY SEASON SITE

Retired Drivers Past News and Rumors
2007 News

  • Benny Parsons Health UPDATE 3: Benny Parsons is dealing with a complication stemming from his battle with cancer earlier this year. Parsons missed NASCAR’s postseason activities in New York after having breathing difficulty. His doctors performed a scan of Parson’s entire body and found no cancer. However, the original tumor found in his left lung was large and the radiation used to treat it was so extensive that the lung is now damaged and not functioning properly. Parsons’ right lung is healthy and strong, and doctors believe Parsons’ body will eventually adjust to having just one healthy lung. But until then, the former Winston Cup Series champion driver will need to use oxygen to assist his breathing.(Charlotte Observer)(12-15-2006)
    UPDATE: The lung specialist put Benny in CMC the day after Christmas with blood clots in the right lung and behind his right knee. They have Parsons on complete bed rest and will not allow him to get up at all and Parsons will be at CMC from 5 to 7 days. The doctor has started Parsons on blood thinners to dissolve the clots, which were caused from the aggressive radiation from treating the lung cancer [is still cancer free](12-30-2006)
    UPDATE 2: Benny Parsons is currently hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit of the Carolinas Medial Center in Charlotte, NC. Parsons, who became a popular television and radio personality after retiring from driving in 1988, entered the hospital Dec. 26 as the result of complications stemming from his battle with lung cancer. The cancer was diagnosed earlier this year and was recently reported to be in full remission. Parsons' family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from fans and the NASCAR community and they encourage everyone to keep Benny in their thoughts and prayers. Parsons is not allowed visitors at this time, but fans and associates can continue to send him messages, to email Benny, go to BennyParsons.com or goprn.com.(PRN PR)(1-5-2007)
    UPDATE 3: Benny Parsons remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit of Carolinas Medical Center, but his condition has not changed since the weekend, his family said on Tuesday. Parsons, 65, is listed as critical, but his condition has stabilized. He continues to fight complications brought on by treatments for lung cancer. Parsons is not allowed visitors at this time, but fans and associates can continue to send him messages at bp@goprn.com.(NASCAR.com)(1-10-2007)

    2006 News

  • Nashville Ballet's Nutcracker features Darrell Waltrip as "Mother Ginger": Darrell Waltrip is racing to Nashville Ballet's holiday favorite this year as "Mother Ginger" in Nutcracker. This scene-stealing role accelerates quickly and will leave folks begging for more! Darrell will don a LARGER-than-LIFE dress and prepare to maneuver across the stage at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center on Friday December 15, 2006 at 7:00 pm. Once onstage, eight children magically appear from his voluminous skirts, dancing for joy and "Mother Ginger" will move with speed of light to capture these children in less than 10 laps! Nashville Ballet invites you to enjoy the thrill of victory in this win-win production of ballet & driver. Nashville Ballet's 22 company dancers and apprentices will perform four series during the 21st Season. Still remaining are: Nutcracker, Dec. 15-17 and Dec. 22-23, 2006; Bluebird Café at the Ballet 2, Feb. 16 - 18, 2007; and Swan Lake, April 27 - 29, 2007. See more at FoxSports.com.(11-15-2006)

  • Trickle to Receive Bobby Isaac Memorial Award Prior LMS Busch Race: Short-track racing legend Dick Trickle will receive the Bobby Isaac Memorial Award during pre-race ceremonies for the Dollar General 300 NASCAR Busch Series race Friday night, Oct. 13, at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The Bobby Isaac Memorial Award is presented annually by Lowe’s Motor Speedway to an individual or group in recognition of outstanding contribution to short-track racing. Isaac, one of the sport’s outstanding racers, was well known for his short-track exploits and commitment, and it is in his honor the award is named. While detailed records were not kept, some estimates put Trickle’s career win total at nearly 1,200. The native of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., was a dominant force in late model stock car racing throughout the Midwest for decades. His amazing résumé also includes American Speed Association championships in 1984 and 1985, a period many consider to have been the most competitive in the touring late model series’ long history. After having made sporadic starts in the Nextel Cup Series beginning in 1970, Trickle became a series regular in 1989 and earned Rookie-of-the-Year honors at age 48. He continued to race in NASCAR’s premier division until 2002, recording 36 top-10 finishes in 303 races. Today, at age 65, Trickle still competes in an occasional short-track race and remains a fan favorite. Previous winners of the Bobby Isaac Memorial Award include journalists Chris Economaki and Tom Higgins; promoters Hugh Deery, Henry Furr and John Moose; drivers Jack Ingram and Harry Gant; motorsports equipment manufacturer Brian Butler; and American Sprint Car Series founder Emmett Hahn. Tickets for the Dollar General 300 NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday night, Oct. 13, start at just $17 and can be obtained online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS PR)(9-26-2006)

  • Cotton Owens honored: An estimated 1,500 fans attended "Cotton Owens Day" at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. "This is the largest honor I have ever had," said Everett "Cotton" Owens, who was named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998. "(All of these people) just show how many good friends that I do have. I feel real good knowing that I have all of these friends. I am very lucky." Gov. Mark Sanford attended the event and surprised Owens with The Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest award for service. "Cotton and other pioneers really got NASCAR started," said Sanford, who is seeking his second term in the November elections. "And NASCAR has had a remarkable amount of significance in the Carolinas. It's always a privilege to be in the company of a legend, and what we have here today is a legend that lives in our own midst." A friend and former driver for Owens, two-time Winston Cup champion David Pearson, was present to help celebrate the day. "It's real great that we can honor him, but it should have been done a long time ago," Pearson said. "We had a real good relationship (when we were working together) and it's still real good. In fact, we go out and eat together quite a bit on Sundays after church." While driving for Owens in 1966, Pearson won the NASCAR Grand National Championship (now known as the Nextel Cup). During their five seasons together Owens and Pearson combined for 27 wins in 170 races. "It's an honor to be here, and I appreciate them inviting me," said Ned Jarrett, another one of Nascar's 50 Greatest Drivers. "Cotton Owens is one of the pillars of NASCAR. He certainly deserves the honor that is being bestowed upon him." As a car owner and driver, Owens collected 41 wins and 38 poles in 487 races.(GoUpstate.com)(9-20-2006)

  • Rudd Rumors: Ricky Rudd may be waking up again from his semiretirement, or at least putting feelers out that he's getting restless sitting on the porch. Rudd hasn't been seen since he subbed for injured #20-Tony Stewart at Dover in June. But now he's lined up to test a Toyota car of tomorrow at Talladega on Oct. 9, during NASCAR's next planned test of the controversial new model. Rudd would be testing in a model for a Toyota Truck team that now fields Trucks for Jack Sprague. Rudd said he's been offered Toyota Cup rides next season, but hasn't said yes or no as of yet. And there is speculation that General Motors may want to make Rudd a Nextel Cup offer for next year, too. Already there is widespread speculation that Richard Childress may be ready to expand to a fourth Nextel Cup team. Rudd and Childress were once GM teammates.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-17-2006)

  • Rusty Wallace Involved in Auto Accident; Not Injured: Late Monday evening, former NASCAR champion and ESPN/ABC Sports lead auto racing analyst, Rusty Wallace and his wife, Patti, were involved in a major auto accident while returning from the weekend’s IndyCar Series event and a taping of the “NASCAR Angels” television show in California. The 2006 Dodge Durango Wallace was driving was hit directly in the driver’s door by another motorist who ran a stop sign. Miraculously, all parties involved survived unscathed and did not require medical treatment. When all was said and done, Wallace credited one thing with the ability of himself and his wife to survive: the safety of the 2006 Dodge Durango. Said Wallace, “You hear car companies talk about safety a lot, but I can tell you that Patti and I are both really thankful for the research and development that Dodge puts into the safety of their vehicles.” Wallace joked, “That felt like a crash at Talladega, but thankfully, everyone was able to walk away.”(RWI PR)(8-29-2006)

  • Rusty new spokesman for Earth Biofuels: Earth Biofuels announced that Rusty Wallace has joined the company's Advisory Board and will also act as a spokesperson for the company. Wallace joins fellow advisory board member Julia Roberts and Board of Directors members country music legend Willie Nelson and actor Morgan Freeman in promoting the use of renewable fuels such as Earth Biofuels’ biodiesel and ethanol.(RWI PR)(8-29-2006)

  • Bobby Allison and Shop Rat at MIS: not sure what this is about, but NASCAR Legend Bobby Allison is scheduled to appear at a press conference on Friday, August 18th at Michigan International Speedway "to talk about Shop Rat".(Shoprat.com), but the BobbyAllison.com site mentions it has something to do with charity.(8-11-2006)

  • Latest on Purvis: Jeff Purvis is now at his Clarksville, TN home to begin the recovery process after being seriously injured in a highway accident on Saturday near Cullman, AL. Purvis, who competes with the StormPay.com Dirt Late Model Series, was visited today by series Founder and Director Mike Vaughn. "Jeff is now at home, sitting up and in good spirits," Vaughn reported. "He has fractures of his C1, and C5 vertebra in his neck, compression fractures of the T2 and T6 vertebra in his back, a separated sternum, and he has a gash in his head that took 24 staples to close. He has seen pictures of the aftermath of the accident and he's very thankful that no one lost their life in the accident." Purvis, his wife Margo, his son Clay, crew chief Matt Angel, and crewmembers Rocky Angel and Ben Britt were traveling in his race team's transporter on Saturday from Clarksville to the StormPay.com Dirt Late Model event at Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, AL. The transporter blew a left-front tire while traveling southbound on I-65 near Cullman, AL at 3:15 p.m., swerved across the median into the northbound lane, struck another car, and then hit the guardrail before overturning in a ditch. The six occupants of the transporter vacated the vehicle just seconds before it caught fire, and became engulfed in flames. The transporter then burned to the ground, destroying everything inside, including the race car, and all of the parts and equipment. Purvis was airlifted to the local Cullman hospital where his injuries were diagnosed, and then he was airlifted Saturday evening to Vanderbilt University Hospital where he was seen by his doctor that treated him after life-threatening injuries suffered in a NASCAR Busch Grand National race in 2002 at Nazareth, PA. Other than Purvis, the rest of the people in the transporter, and the occupants of the other vehicle involved in the accident were treated and released at a Cullman, AL hospital with minor injures. "The doctors say he will now have a six to eight month healing process," Vaughn said. "Jeff did want me to relate how thankful he is for everyone's thoughts and prayers over the last few days. Jeff did ask me when the next race was, but it is very premature to give any thought to what lays ahead racing-wise for Jeff." Those desiring to send get well wishes to Jeff Purvis may do so by E-mail at www.stormpayracing.com, or by regular mail in care of StormPay Racing, 1690 Golf Club Lane, Clarksville, TN 37043. See more at stormpayracing.com.(8-9-2006)

  • Former NASCAR driver Purvis injured in wreck UPDATE: Retired NASCAR Busch Series driver Jeff Purvis was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Hospital Saturday night after sustaining injuries in a wreck, while en route to Talladega, Ala., to race in the StormPay.com dirt track series. Purvis, along with his wife, Margo, son Clay, crew chief Matt Angel, and another Clarksville resident were heading toward Talladega for the Saturday night race when the accident occurred. Margo, who was not injured, told The Leaf-Chronicle publisher Gene Washer, the hauler veered out of control after the blown tire, crossed the medium into traffic, hitting two cars, then hit some tree before coming to a stop. Margo told Washer everybody exited safely, only seconds before the hauler burst into flames. The hauler, dirt track cars and equipment were a total loss. Purvis had two fractures in his neck and back, and was airlifted to Vanderbilt at 7:50 p.m. Clay had sore ribs, and Angel was wearing a neck brace, Margo said. Margo told Washer that Jeff was talking when he was loaded onto the helicopter. Margo said Clay was sleeping in a bunk when the wreck occurred. Jeff jumped up to protect Clay, and was tossed around the living quarters inside the hauler. Purvis returned to dirt track racing last season, after a nearly 20-year career in the ARCA, Busch and NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. He was top-10 in the Crate Series points standings.(Leaf-Chronicle)(8-6-2006)
    UPDATE: Race driver Jeff Purvis was expected to be released from a Nashville hospital Sunday night and taken to his home in Clarksville for continued treatment of injuries sustained in a crash Saturday night on I-65 in Alabama. A Vanderbilt University Hospital spokeswoman said Purvis was listed as "a no-information" patient and could not give an update on his condition. Attempts to contact family members were unsuccessful.(Tennessean)(8-7-2006)

  • Rusty practices Busch car...not un-retiring: Rusty Wallace was back in a stock car Thursday for the first time since last year, but he won't be running Saturday's Goody's 250 Busch series race at Martinsville Speedway. Or any other NASCAR race. Wallace attended Thursday's test session to help son Steve, who has never competed at this track. Rusty Wallace drove some laps, which he said were his first in a stock car since last year's Nextel Cup season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Wallace also said that he's been contacted about returning to the Cup series next season. There will be at least seven new rides next season, creating questions on if there are enough talented and experienced drivers for all the available Cup rides. Bill Elliott, who last drove fulltime in 2003, could be headed to Team Red Bull. Ward Burton, who last raced full time in 2004, also is looking for a ride. So, why not Wallace? "There's a lot of offers for big money to come back," Wallace said. "I made my decision, and I'm sticking to it. My six-year contract with ABC Sports forbids me from driving."(Roanoke Times)(7-21-2006)

  • DW racing Busch Series at Martinsville: After last year's "One and Done" in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, former three-time Cup champion Darrell Waltrip will return for yet another comeback this weekend, as the current FOX commentator will drive for his brother Michael Waltrip's #99 Aaron's Dream team in the Busch Series race at Martinsville. Waltrip will begin testing this Tuesday at Caraway Speedway "from 10 a.m. until I get happy, which might be until 6 p.m. Friday," he quipped. After today's test, "we'll go back to the shop, tune on the car a little bit, put the race motor in and then be in Martinsville on Thursday for open practice." DW's biggest concern for his Busch comeback is the Martinsville heat, as temperatures have been scorching in the area this week.(Speed Channel)(7-18-2006)

  • Rudd to 4th Gibbs team? car owner Joe Gibbs is possibly interested in expanding to a fourth Nextel Cup team - with Ricky Rudd, if Rudd is amenable. Rudd drove Dover for Gibbs last month while #20-Tony Stewart was recuperating, and the Gibbs team was pleased with how easy Rudd was to work with, and with how competitive Rudd still is. Red Bull has also talked with Rudd about a ride next year.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-17-2006)

  • The New King of England: Richard Petty, driving his famous 1972 Dodge Charger, wowed the crowds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Held on the grounds of historic Goodwood House in West Sussex and hosted by the Earl of March, the Goodwood Festival of Speed celebration (July 7-9) brought together the greatest competition cars and drivers from all eras of motorsports. Petty drove his restored 1972 Dodge Charger in the Hillclimb competition on the 1.16-mile course, which is the principal attraction of the Festival of Speed.(Clear!Blue PR)(7-11-2006)

  • Rusty joins Reality Racing: Reality Racing, Inc. has announced that Rusty Wallace has joined its group of racing legends who will be participating in the Reality Racing, The Rookie Challenge television series. Wallace will serve as a consultant to the Reality Racing project. Racing legends Bobby and Donnie Allison, Cale Yarborough, Ned Jarrett, Buddy Baker, Junior Johnson and Geoff Bodine were recently announced as judges for the Series that will give everyday people who love stock car racing the opportunity to become a stock car driver. Information on Reality Racing: The Rookie Challenge can be obtained by visiting the Reality Racing web site at realityracingtv.com.(PR)(7-7-2006)

  • The King to run 1972 Charger at Goodwood Festival of Speed: Richard Petty, the winningest driver in the history of NASCAR’s premier series, will be reunited with his 1972 Dodge Charger race car next month in England in one of the largest and most diverse celebrations in motorsports – the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Held on the grounds of historic Goodwood House in West Sussex and hosted by the Earl of March, the Goodwood Festival of Speed celebration (July 7-9) brings together the greatest competition cars and drivers from all eras of motorsports. Petty will drive his restored 1972 Dodge Charger in the Hillclimb competition on the 1.16-mile course, which is the principal attraction of the Festival of Speed. It’s one of the ’72 Dodge Chargers from Petty Enterprises that carried Petty to his fourth of seven series championships. In 31 starts in the car, Petty had eight wins along with 25 top-five and 28 top-10 finishes. “It’s an honor to represent Dodge at the Goodwood Festival of Speed,” said Petty. “It’s such a prestigious event and one that is popular worldwide. The names that have been a part of this Festival throughout the years are true champions. It’s always special when you’re invited to be a part of something as big as this.” Spectators will not only get to see Petty and his 1972 Dodge Charger in action, but will also see former Formula One driver Jochen Mass pilot a NASCAR Nextel Cup 2006 Dodge Charger up the hill at Goodwood. Petty will be making exhibition runs in the ’72 Dodge Charger all three days during the Festival. For more information on the Goodwood Festival of Speed, visit www.goodwood.co.uk.(Clear!Blue PR)(6-28-2006)

  • Geoff Retired: on Sunday's [6/4] Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain [Speed Channel, Sunday's 9:00pm/et], Dave asked Todd Bodine what was up with his older brother Geoff, Todd said Geoff has retired from racing an is busy with the Bobsled Challenge and Olympic team.(6-5-2006)

  • Rudd unsure of future plans: Shortly before stepping into a Nextel Cup car for the first time since last November, veteran driver Ricky Rudd says he won't decide until late this season whether he wants to return to the sport next year, although he appears to be leaning against it. Rudd, who is filling in for the injured Tony Stewart [#20 Powerade/Home Depot Chevy] in practice and qualifying for the Neighborhood Excellence 400 at Dover International Speedway, told reporters today that he's in no hurray to make a decision. As to rumors that he's been courted by Toyota team owners, Rudd says that he has had calls - but not just from that manufacturer's teams. Rudd said that he's told all the callers that he doesn't want to hold their plans up and that he remains committed to spending a year away from NASCAR. Rushing his decision, or rushing a team's decision, wouldn't be fair to anyone, he says, nor would having someone wait for him to make the choice about whether or not his future includes racing. By the time he's ready to make that decision, possibly in September or October, Rudd says teams should have already locked up a driver and be getting prepared for 2007. "Right now, if you ask me am I going to come back and run a 100 percent schedule or will I be back next year, I don't think so," Rudd said. "I'm enjoying retirement right now, I'm enjoying my time off. Seems like the more time I have off, the more I'm enjoying it." In the past few months, Rudd has shifted comfortably into a life without racing. After competing for more than 30 years, he wondered how he would handle being away from the track. Turns out he hasn't really missed it that much. Rudd competed with Wood Brothers Racing through the end of last season, announcing late in the year that he planned to take a year off from full-time competition. He remains committed to that goal. "Really I'm just really sort of taking some time off to figure out, 'Can I handle this retirement situation?' I hated to use the word retirement and really never did, to see if I could settle into a routine after doing this for 30, 31 years," he said. Rudd says he has really enjoyed the break and having more time to spend with his 13-year-old son, Landon. "I've been out playing with my son just about every day. [I] sort of neglected him over the last several years just because of the nature of the sport, so we've been spending a lot of time together, ride a lot of dirt bikes, ride a lot of go-karts and stay really active," Rudd said. "I was telling somebody the other day, I race more now than I used to race, I just don't get paid to do it. So we've been out chasing each other around."(SceneDaily.com)(6-3-2006)

  • RustyWallace Kia now open: Although Rusty Wallace's legendary NASCAR driving career may be over, he is far from retired. Rusty's latest business venture has seen he and longtime business partner Ray Huffaker add a sixth automotive dealership to their collection. Rusty Wallace Kia, formerly known as Harry Lane Kia, is now open for business in Alcoa, TN, just five minutes south of Knoxville. "We've been looking at Kia for quite some time now. Ray and I have talked to many Kia dealers, all of whom say that Kia has been a very good partner for them," noted Wallace, "With Kia just announcing plans to build their first ever U.S. manufacturing plant and the all-new Kia Sedona earning a five-star crash rating from the U.S. Government, Ray and I felt that the time was right to make a move." Rusty Wallace Kia joins five other automotive dealerships throughout Eastern Tennessee in comprising the Rusty Wallace Family of Dealerships. Among those dealerships are Rusty Wallace Toyota and Rusty Wallace Honda. Wallace sees a strong parallel between Kia and those two brands. "Ray and I feel that Kia's product is a very good one. We've researched the brand very hard and feel that Kia's product is very comparable to that of Honda and Toyota, which have both been great makes for us. Kia has state of the art manufacturing facilities that produce high quality products. Their top of the line warranty, known as "The Kia Total Protection Package," shows that they're willing to stand behind their products. Kia's advertising talks about "The Power to Surprise" and so far, Kia has definitely surprised us in a positive way. We're proud to add the Kia brand to our family," said Wallace. Rusty Wallace Kia is located at 4612 Alcoa Highway, in Alcoa, TN, on the way to the Maryville/Alcoa Motor Mile. Look for an announcement concerning the dealership's grand opening soon. The grand opening is slated to feature a public autograph session with Wallace and fellow NASCAR great, Mark Martin. For more information, please stay tuned to the official Rusty Wallace, Incorporated website, www.rustywallace.com, or the dealership's temporary website, located at www.rustywallacekia.com.(6-1-2006)

  • Panch to be honored: Marvin Panch, the oldest living winner of the race now known as the Coca-Cola 600, will be recognized during the prerace ceremonies for Sunday's Nextel Cup event at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Panch, 79, will be honored as part of the race's festivities as he celebrates the 40th anniversary of his win in the race.(SceneDaily.com)(5-27-2006)

  • Rudd tests sports car at Mid-Ohio..could race: On the heels of this morning's announcement that Al Unser Jr. will co-drive the #8 GlycoMax Porsche Doran with brothers Burt and Brian Frisselle in next weekend's Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, NASCAR star Ricky Rudd turned laps in the Synergy Racing Daytona Prototype at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course today with an eye toward competing in future Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve events. On Wednesday, Rudd turned laps in the #8 GlycoMax Porsche Doran at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, which will host the Rolex Series next month, for the EMCO Gears Classic presented by Key Bank, on the weekend of June 23-25. No deal has been announced for Rudd to drive in any 2006 Rolex Series events. Rudd was joined at Mid-Ohio by 2005 EMCO Gears Classic winner Elliott Forbes-Robinson, who is an instructor at the course. "I love the track," said Rudd. "I've always enjoyed road courses and I really like the new surface at Mid Ohio, even though this is my first time here. I've always been fascinated with Grand-Am. Right now, I'm just trying to get rid of all of the habits I learned in NASCAR, because these cars are so different from stock cars. I am lucky that Elliott took me around the track today because there's really nobody better to learn this place from than him." The Virginia native is also no stranger to other Rolex Series circuits, as Rudd posted a season-best runner-up NEXTEL Cup finish at Infineon Raceway last year. The Infineon circuit was also the site of Rudd's last NASCAR victory, which came in 2002. The Sonoma, Calif. venue will host to the Rolex Series in 2006 for the season's penultimate race on the weekend of August 24-26.( grandamerican.com)(5-24-2006)

  • Donnie & Bobby Allison join TV Project: NASCAR driving legend Donnie Allison has joined his brother Bobby as a commentator on the new Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge network television series. The Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge combines two of the most prevalent on-air entertainment concepts - stock car racing and reality television - to create a unique, action-packed, 13-week series scheduled to air on a major network later this year. The Series will pit contestants with absolutely no racing backgrounds and from all walks of life against each other in a stock car racing competition format. Helping to judge the competitors will be a panel of select, former stock car racing stars headed by the Allisons. Additional information on Reality Racing, Inc. and the new series can be obtained at www.realityracingtv.com.(PR)(5-2-2006)

  • Toyota looking at Rudd? Ricky Rudd confirmed Wednesday that Toyota is courting him. He's honored, but to date has politely declined. This retirement thing ain't so bad. "I've had a few conversations with different folks, and that's one group," Rudd said. "It's a two-way conversation. I'm not ready to come back right now, but there has been conversation. They've got to move on with their program, and their timeline and mine are not the same. I wanted to take a year off." That's not to say he's ruled it out completely, however. Rudd has pinpointed a September commitment time regarding his racing future. Might he come back? "I enjoy race day a lot, but not the grind of the schedule," Rudd said. "I'm liable to get bored and restless, though, but haven't yet."(NASCAR.com)(4-27-2006)

  • Rusty teams up with Microsoft: Rusty Wallace and Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator are teaming up to help families embark on successful and stress-free road trips this spring and summer. While Wallace hung up his racing helmet at the end of the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season, he has hardly put it in park. After driving around in circles for over 20 years, Wallace is now helping travelers explore the open road with a wealth of road trip tips and tricks. From planning ahead with a trip-planning tool like Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator to taking the time to enjoy the interesting stops along the way, Wallace’s tips — available at www.microsoft.com/streets/rustywallace — will help ensure that everyone in the car enjoys the ride this travel season.(Wireless Dev Network)(3-31-2006)

  • Rudd named Virginian of the Year: Ricky Rudd, who retired from NASCAR racing in November after 31 years and a record 788 consecutive starts in stock car racing's premier series, was honored Friday as the Virginian of the Year by the Virginia Press Association. Rudd, a Chesapeake native, received the award during The Associated Press dinner at the VPA/AP Winter Conference, held this year at the Hotel Roanoke. Rudd, who lives near Charlotte, N.C., made his NASCAR debut in 1975 and completed his first full season two years later, winning NASCAR's 1977 rookie of the year.(Richmond Times Dispatch/AP)(3-26-2006)

  • Rusty Honored: Rusty Wallace's name is already written all over the Bristol Motor Speedway record books, and as of Thursday his name is now written on the side of the speedway grandstands. The tower, which tops the Kulwicki grandstand, was dedicated Thursday in honor of nine-time BMS Cup race winner Wallace, as well as a plaque on a pedestal in Legends Plaza in front of the Bruton Smith Building bearing an engraving of Wallace's likeness and a short narrative on Wallace's career. Joining Wallace for the ceremony was his family including wife Patty, son Steve, brother Kenny, and his parents Russ and Judy. Also in attendance were BMS President Jeff Byrd and Speedway Motorsports Inc. CEO Bruton Smith. Wallace's plaque and monument dedicated Thursday in Legends Plaza joins those of other racing legends honored at BMS in the past, including the Allison family, Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson, Alan Kulwicki, David Pearson, Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip. Wallace's nine wins at BMS are tied for second all time with Earnhardt and Yarborough. Waltrip has the most with 12.(Kingsport Times-News)(3-24-2006)

  • Parsons moving 'home', starting a winery..NOT retiring: Like most people who left Wilkes for auto factory jobs and other work in Detroit in the 1940s and 1950s, Benny Parsons has returned to his native county. The Motor Racing Sports Hall of Fame driver and 1973 Winston Cup champion still has homes in Concord and Florida, but he’s building a house overlooking the North Prong of Lewis Fork Creek Valley in Parsonsville [NC] and surrounding mountains. The hilltop house is on land that’s been in his family for generations. On 10 adjoining acres where his forebears had an orchard, Parsons is planting rows of Chardonnay Merlot and Syrah grapes for a vineyard and winery. Parsons, 64, married and with two grown sons, has been in Wilkes a lot lately due to his new house and vineyard near where he was raised in Parsonsville. The motorsports radio show host and NASCAR TV analyst drew a big crowd when he was volunteer guest speaker at the Wilkes United Way Campaign Finale on Feb. 28. Parsons’ two brothers, Phil Parsons and Steve Parsons were born in Detroit and stayed with their parents. Steve still lives there and Phil lives in Denver.(In part from the Wilkes Journal-Patriot), also Parsons and wife Terri are building a vineyard on his old home place where he was born in Wilkes County N.C. The name of the vineyard is Rendezvous Ridge. Parsons has no plans to retire from broadcasting and hopes to be part of the ESPN or/and TNT TV package in 2007, NBC is in the final year of their NASCAR TV deal. Plans are to bottle and sell the wines under the label Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge.(3-22-2006)

  • Darrell "D.W." Waltrip's Dream Comes True: Aaron Rents announced that for the first time ever, Darrell Waltrip will take the wheel from younger brother Michael Waltrip to race the #99 Aaron’s Dream Machine at the upcoming Busch Series race at Martinsville Speedway on the evening of July 22, 2006. NASCAR fans familiar with the Waltrip brothers and their long-standing relationship with Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership know that for years, Michael Waltrip has famously and repeatedly turned down older brother Darrell’s requests to drive the Aaron’s Dream Machine. However, in a surprise announcement made during the final moments of a Darrell Waltrip Roast benefiting the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Tennessee, Darrell’s wife Stevie dramatically handed the three-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Champion one of Michael’s racing helmets along with her permission to drive the #99 Aaron’s Dream Machine during the Martinsville race. Despite the fact that Darrell Waltrip completed what he called his “One and Done” race this past October in the #12 Toyota Tundra at Martinsville, the driver jumped to his feet to accept the helmet and express his thanks at the opportunity that had eluded him until this point. “I can’t believe it,” said Darrell Waltrip. “The Aaron’s ad campaign has been a lot of fun for me over the years, but I seriously thought I would never get to race that car. I really appreciate Michael and Aaron’s and, of course, my wonderful and supportive wife Stevie, for giving me this opportunity. Like they say, Dreams Come True at Aaron’s!” President of Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership Ken Butler stated, “When we let the fans vote on whether or not to let D.W. race the #99 Aaron’s Dream Machine, the response was definitely in favor of letting him drive it. Now we can bring this very successful campaign and very important partnership with the Waltrip family full circle for Aaron’s. I have a great respect for Darrell Waltrip and what he has accomplished in his career, including his 13 previous Busch series wins. We are honored to have him represent Aaron’s behind the wheel in Martinsville.”(more at michaelwaltrip.com)(3-15-2006)

  • Rusty Wallace Tests IndyCar UPDATE: To prepare for his role as an analyst for ABC Sports' and ESPN's coverage of the 2006 IRL IndyCar Series season, Rusty Wallace will drive an IndyCar Series car on Thursday, March 2 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Wallace won the 1989 NASCAR championship and scored 55 NASCAR Cup Series victories in his racing career. He retired after the 2005 season and drove the past 15 years for Roger Penske, the winningest car owner in Indianapolis 500 history. The Indy Racing League kicks off its Open Test at Homestead-Miami Speedway March 2-6. The IRL returns to the Sunshine State for the IndyCar Series' Toyota Indy 300 and Indy Pro Series' Miami 100 at the 1.5-mile oval, both on March 26.(Homestead-Miami Speedway)(3-2-2006)
    UPDATE: While Rusty Wallace retired from NASCAR competition following last year's Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, he decided a little "track time" will help him in his new role as commentator on ABC and ESPN's IRL IndyCar Series telecasts which will begin with the March 26 Toyota Indy 300. Thursday, Wallace slid behind the wheel of Sam Hornish's Penske Racing Honda Dallara, and ran eight laps around the 2.21-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway road circuit. "I feel like I'm going on my first roller coaster ride," Wallace said before firing up the car. Wallace said that Team Penske teammates Hornish and Helio Castroneves gave him all the information he needed. "Then Helio said, 'It's not a qualifying lap. Go out and have fun.'" Wallace did just that - although he failed to heed Castroneves' final word of advice - "Don't stall." Wallace ran a best unofficial time of 1:18 - an impressive seven seconds slower than Castroneves' best lap of the day of 1:11.01 "I'll tell you, I never could have reported on this sport the way it needs to be reported without getting to drive this car," Wallace said. "I was really impressed with the brakes - they could stop on a dime. The acceleration was incredible. But the biggest surprise to me was how you go out and get such great speed, and as you turn down off the back straightaway, I can't believe how hard the wheel gets going into turn 10. As you ark off into there, the steering wheel's locked up. It's amazing. That was the only place that was spooky. The slow corners were fun, the upshifts were fun. These are incredible hot rods. I'm glad I did it." Asked how long it would have taken him to get up to speed, Wallace said, "If I started off in the morning, I think by the end of the day I would have been within a second and a half. I knew in my mind where I gave up stuff. The biggest thing I needed was the car to fit me better, and getting more seat time to build confidence that this car will stick. I don't know the operational envelop of these cars and how far you can take them." It was Wallace's first time around the 2.21-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway road course. "I've been coming to Homestead forever and ever, always running the oval, and I've never seen the road course before today," Wallace said. "It's a great road course. I can't believe how beautiful it is, and I never saw it before. Every time we came here it was covered with motorhomes." While Wallace joked about talking team owner Roger Penske into running a third car for him in the Indianapolis 500, he was serious about getting more track time in an open-wheel car this year. "I'm going to do it all year long in the two-seater, run all the tracks and get a good idea of what's going on," Wallace said.(HMS PR)(3-3-2006)

  • Rudd to be honored in VA: Chesapeake, VA native and former NASCAR driver Ricky Rudd will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from Norfolk Sports Club at its 61st annual jamboree March 2, 2006 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.(Virginian Pilot Print Edition via Catchefence.com)(2-13-2006)

  • Rusty to be named “Missouri Sports Legend”: Rusty Wallace will be named “Missouri Sports Legend” during the February 12th Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s annual Enshrinement Banquet and Ceremonies in Springfield, MO. Over 1,600 people are scheduled to attend the event, which is the largest annual sports banquet held in the state of Missouri. Inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1998, Wallace will be receiving the highest level of recognition that the Hall of Fame bestows upon select members. Since the establishment of this award, the following individuals have been recognized: Stan Musial, Len Dawson, Payne Stewart, Jack Buck, Norm Stewart, Bob Broeg, Don Faurot, John Q. Hammons, Buck O’Neil, George Brett, Hank Stram, Lamar Hunt, and Red Schoendienst. Wallace will be the 14th Missouri Sports Legend. In addition, the Hall of Fame will induct 14 individuals from diverse sports backgrounds, including: St. Louis Cardinals manager, Tony La Russa, Kansas City Royals’ all-time saves leader, Jeff Montgomery and Bob Chandler, the creator of “BIGFOOT – The original Monster Truck”, to name a few.(RWI Racing PR)(2-10-2006)

  • Geoff Bodine honored, coins to help: On Saturday, 19 Cup race winner, Geoff Bodine was inducted into the New York State Stock Car Association Hall of a Fame during its annual awards banquet in Albany, NY. The NYSSCA has a Hall of Fame display in the Saratoga Automobile Museum. More info and images of the event at geoffbodinefanclub.com
    AND The medals that were awarded to the 10 NASCAR drivers competing in the Chevrolet Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge earlier this month were collectible coins that are now on sale to the public. Proceeds will go to the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project. Boris Said and Kevin Lepage were the winners of the Bobsled Challenge at Lake Placid on Jan. 7. The event will be televised on ESPN2 with a one-hour show at 11:00am/et Sunday [Jan 29] and on Speed Channel with a two-hour special at 2:00pm/et, Saturday, Feb. 4. The Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project was started by Bodine to design and build Made in America bobsleds for the USA Bobsled Team.(Elmira Star Gazette)
    More info on the coins on my Racing Charities page.(1-26-2006)

  • Rusty auditions for ABC/ESPN IRL gig UPDATE: Don’t look now, but the IRL’s television broadcast team is about to get a new face. Actually, it figures to be an old one. Auditioning as Autoweek went to press was retiring NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace, who appears to be prepping for a switch to the Nextel Cup announcers booth when ABC and ESPN get back in the game in 2007. Hiring Wallace, an avid Indy car fan, figures to be a win-win for all parties, including the IRL, which is in desperate need of a ratings jolt. The IRL’s play-by-play voice figures to be Brian Kenny, host of Friday Night Fights on ESPN2, with former driver Scott Goodyear joining Wallace in the booth. Jerry Punch, Jack Arute and Jamie Little will be the pit reporters.(Autoweek)(1-20-2006)
    UPDATE: ESPN and ABC Sports says retired NASCAR champion driver Rusty Wallace will cover NASCAR racing for the networks. Wallace's first ESPN assignment will be covering 2006 Nextel Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500 for "SportsCenter." He will report from at least 20 races this year for the sports news show. Wallace will also serve as an analyst for ESPN2's upcoming daily motorsports series. In addition, Wallace will be ABC and ESPN's lead analyst for Nextel Cup and Busch series races when the networks resume NASCAR race coverage in 2007. Wallace earlier announced he will be an analyst for the Indy Racing League's 2006 season.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(1-25-2006)

  • Rusty and Danica teammates: Danica Patrick, who finished fourth as a rookie in last year's Indianapolis 500, is teaming up with stock-car legend Rusty Wallace in one of racing's most storied events. They'll be partnered with Allan McNish and Boris Said in the 24 Hours of Daytona, Jan. 28-29 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace, who retired from NASCAR last year, said Patrick, a Scottsdale resident,was impressive behind the wheel of the Howard-Boss Motorsports Pontiac Crawford. "She got in the car and was all business," Wallace said. "My fastest lap was 1:47 flat (on the 3.56-mile road course), and Danica ran a 146.60. She outran me. I said, 'Guys, she's not hurting my feelings.' I was relieved she was able to get up to speed and run good."(Arizona Republic)(1-11-2006)

  • Rusty to be inducted into Missouri HOF: Rusty Wallace, who just retired from drivng the #2 Miller Lite Dodge in the Nextel Cup Series, will be named a Missouri Sports Legend during the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies Feb. 12. Becoming the 14th Hall of Fame member to receive the Missouri Sports Legend award, Wallace will attend the enshrinement reception and bronze bust unveiling ceremony at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame from 12noon-2pm on Feb. 12. He also will be recognized that evening during the enshrinement banquet. Among the Hall inductees is St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa.(Cup Scene Daily)(1-3-2006)

    2005 News

  • Bobby Allison Official Spokesperson for NASCAR Game: NASCAR Legend Bobby Allison, has reached an agreement to become the official spokesperson for the new NASCAR DVD Board Game, from Specialty Board Games. Set to hit shelves this fall, the NASCAR DVD Board Game incorporates the excitement of racing while testing the players' knowledge of one of the world's most favorite sports. Featuring a short and long track on a double-sided board, actual NASCAR footage, 5.0 surround-sound, and interactive DVD technology, the game provides the fans with a realistic experience that brings the excitement of NASCAR into the homes of fans, the object of the game being the first to complete a lap around either a Short Track or Superspeedway and enter Victory Lane. Allison will be making appearances this fall at NASCAR tracks and events, as well as in-store visits and appearances at consumer events and press interviews. In addition, Allison will be partaking in a tour of the markets in which upcoming NASCAR races will be taking place including the following locations: Talladega, Atlanta, Texas, Phoenix and Miami. More info at bobbyallison.com.(9-27-2005)

  • Bobby Allison looking to start a NASCAR Pension: Bobby Allison wants to start a pension fund for retired NASCAR drivers. At 67, he should be the poster boy. There is no greater driver in greater need. Just this spring, he paid off the last of the medical bills from his career-ending injuries of 1988. His only guaranteed income is his Social Security check. "That certainly is a very welcome help, but it doesn't match the need at the moment," he said Sunday, standing inside Michigan International Speedway, virtually unnoticed by current-generation drivers, crewmen, officials, corporate CEOs and fans. "At the moment" was a phrase he added out of pride. Bobby Allison has been broke for 17 years. See the full article by Ed Hinton at the Orlando Sentinel.
    AND there will be a Bobby Allison book signing at the Rusty Wallace trailer on Saturday, starting at 3:00pm/et at Bristol Motor Speedway, more info on Allison's book at Amazon.com: Bobby Allison: A Racer's Racer.(8-25-2005)

  • DW Inducted into Hall of Fame: Darrell Waltrip was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame last night — the highest honor for any race driver — and he credited his success to ''all the people around me. Other people are responsible for what I've been able to accomplish,'' he said, ''starting with my parents. My mom and dad were hard-working people. We had a lot of hard times, but we didn't cry much. We laughed a lot.'' Waltrip, 58, said his wife Stevie, ''the first person who believed in me,'' was ''responsible for a lot of my success.'' Team owner Junior Johnson was ''in the right place at the right time'' to help guide him to three points titles. ''Our sport's not about cars,'' Waltrip said. ''It's about people, and I've been blessed to be surrounded by great people all of my life.'' Waltrip, who moved to Franklin from Owensboro, Ky., in the late 1960s to pursue his racing career, won 84 races, tied with Bobby Allison for third all-time. He retired from full-time driving after the 2000 season and became a racing commentator for Fox Sports. Waltrip will be calling this weekend's races at Talladega Superspeedway.
    Waltrip was introduced last night by his younger brother Michael, who said, ''He's a wonderful person, a great role model on and off the track. He broke the mold on what a race driver was supposed to be about.'' Last night's other inductees were legendary Formula One driver Nigel Mansell; Bob Glidden, the National Hot Road Association's winningest driver and 10-time champion; Joe Amato, the NHRA's all-time Top Fuel winner; and Chris Hanauer, considered the all-time greatest hydroplane racer.(Tennessean)(4-29-2005)

  • DW May Race Again..... Darrell Waltrip won't be closing out his competitive racing career today at Martinsville Speedway. The three-time Cup champion and current TV analyst failed to qualify for today's Kroger 250, missing by less than a hundredth of a second and leaving the door open for one more race in his Toyota Tundra. "It can't be your last race if you didn't race," he said. "That's the way I look at it."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-9-2005)

  • Irvan at the Track: during the rain delay at Martinsville Speedway qualifying, Speed Channel amd MRN Radio interviewed for Nextel Cup driver, Ernie Irvan, who is at the track promoting Race 2 Safety, which deals with trying to decrease the number of head injuries. For more info, check out the site race2safety.com.(4-8-2005)

  • DW's last Truck Race at Martinsville: Preparing for his last race in the #11 Toyota Tundra at Martinsville Speedway, Darrell Waltrip reflects his most memorable moments at the famed oval where he's won 11 times. In 16 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts, Waltrip's best career finish is fifth at Martinsville (09/21/96). Waltrip may not race again, but the three-time Nextel Cup champion professes he's not out of the game. "I'm not going to race competitively again," said Waltrip, who finished 24th at the .526-mile oval last spring. "People need to realize something, I retired in 2000. Ever since then, everything I've done is for fun. It would be no different if you were a professional baseball player or a golfer and you still like to play the game. I still like to the play game. It's like going to Martinsville a few weeks ago and testing with David and Robert. I still want to do that. It's not that I'm not never going to get in a car or truck again. Until I don't think I'm physically capable of driving a car or truck around the racetrack, I'll probably hop in there every now and then just for fun." Dabbling in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since 1995, Waltrip has collected one top-five and eight top-10 finishes. Continuing his racing career, Waltrip's primary focus is his commitment to Toyota. "This is the best thing I've ever done," said Waltrip. "When I talk about desire, commitment and purpose, Toyota has the same goals I have. That's why I love working with them. I want to do whatever Toyota wants me to do, whether it's being a truck owner for the rest of my racing career or expanding into Busch or Cup."(DW Motorsports PR), click here to see am image of DW's ride for Martinsville, and yep, it has flames.(4-5-2005)

  • What is up with Irvan? asked of Jeff Hammond at FoxSports.com: "As far as Ernie Irvan is concerned, we do see him at the track from time to time. He tries to help out several drivers in the ARCA Series. He's tried to put some deals together for them and make things happen. Kevin Conway has been one of the drivers that he's taken under his wing. Conway shows up from time to time for Busch [#03 Team] and Craftsman Truck races. Ernie's doing well. He still loves racing and wishes he could be more involved. It's good to see him still hanging around the sport.(FoxSports), Irvan has also started an organization, Race2Safety, working head protection equipment. Irvan is also appearing at the Motorsports Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds this Friday, more info on my Ernie Irvan site.(3-9-2005)

  • Darrell Waltrip, Junior Johnson To Tell Tales: Darrell Waltrip and Junior Johnson invite you to join them for supper, sit a spell afterward and listen as they tell some tales of their championship racing seasons. Waltrip and Johnson, who teamed for three NASCAR Winston Cup Championships in the 1981, ’82, and ‘85, will spin some yarns of those days on Thursday, March 31, at a Bristol Motor Speedway benefit dinner for the International Storytelling Center. The International Storytelling Center attracts thousands of people to Jonesborough, Tenn., to celebrate the ancient storytelling traditions so popular in the Appalachian region and beyond. The town about 20 miles from Bristol Motor Speedway holds the distinction as the birthplace of a storytelling renaissance, which took place 30 years ago at the first National Storytelling Festival. The event now draws more than 10,000 each October to Jonesborough. More at the Bristol Motor Speedway site.(3-3-2005)

  • NC Bill Introduced: A joint resolution filed by Rep. Karen Ray, R-Iredell, honors North Carolina's "great NASCAR legends," including Dale Earnhardt, Ralph Earnhardt, Lee Petty, Fireball Roberts and Wendell Scott. The resolution notes that the majority of current NASCAR teams are headquartered in North Carolina.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-24-2005)

  • DW at the Super Bowl: DW will be attending Super Bowl 39 in Jacksonville between New England and the EAGLES. DW and MLB on FOX analyst Tim McCarver will be hosting a charity golf event which will be part of FOX's pre-game coverage. Also, DW will be on the set of the NFL on FOX Post Game show as FOX begins the transitition from NFL on FOX to NASCAR on FOX.(2-1-2005)

  • DW and Pringles: Pringles kicked off a National Promotion with Daytona International Speedway and utilized 3x NASCAR champ Darrell Waltrip as its spokesman. This campaign kicks off today with National TV spots featuring DW promoting a chance to win a trip to the 2006 Daytona 500 and hang out with DW.(2-1-2005)

  • DW plans at least one more Truck race in 2005...then retire?: Darrell Waltrip plans to run the Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway in the spring. That's a make-up race. Qualifying got rained out in October, and DW didn't get to race at Martinsville. DW has a brand new truck. The Toyota Racing Development crew took it home, covered it up the one DW was to run at the Oct Martinsville race [qual rained out] and will bring it back out in April. DW says that more than likely, it will be his last race. So DW will probably run that Martinsville spring race and unless he happens to win that race, that will probably be his last one.(paraphased from FoxSports)(1-1-2005)

    2004 News

  • DW to be honored: Darrell Waltrip will be honored at the 16th annual MS Dinner of Champions on Sept. 28 at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel [TN]. The Mid South Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society chose Waltrip to receive the MS Hope Award ''for his outstanding civic and community dedication.'' The retired three-time NASCAR champion is active in a number of Middle Tennessee charities.(Tennessean)(9-2-2004)

  • So..what is up with Dick Trickle? After a racing career that has spanned more than 40 years, you'll pardon Dick Trickle [www.dicktricklefanclub.com] if he wants to back off a bit. But the 62-year-old Wisconsin Rapids native has developed quite a fan following, and area fans got the chance Tuesday night to catch the stock-car racing legend in a rare competitive moment. Trickle drove to a ninth-place finish in the 150-lap Miller Lite Classic at Madison International Speedway, where West Salem's Steve Carlson triumphed to take home the $12,000 top prize. Trickle now resides on an eight-acre spread in North Carolina, surrounded by his family, which includes his wife, Darlene, three children and three grandchildren. But when he is contacted to race and do an occasional promotional event in the Midwest, he usually answers the call. Trickle, who was the 1989 NASCAR Cup rookie of the year at age 48 and still does testing for the International Race of Champions series.(see full story at the Capital Times)(8-12-2004)

  • Waltrip, Wheeler among hall finalists: Three-time Cup champion Darrell Waltrip, Lowe's Motor Speedway president H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler and Harry Gant are among 20 finalists to be part of the 2005 class for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega. Waltrip led first-round balloting and was among seven to make the finals for the first time. The other first-time finalists are drag racers Joe Amato and Bob Glidden, Grand Prix champions Rene Dreyfuss and Nigel Mansell, powerboat racer Chip Hanauer and Indianapolis 500 winner Tommy Milton. Wheeler and Gant have made the final round before. They're joined on this year's list by Red Byron, the first champion in what is now NASCAR's Nextel Cup series, 1960 NASCAR champion Rex White, six-time modified champion Jerry Cook, modified and sportsman series champion Ray Hendrick, five-time late-model series champion Jack Ingram, stock-car driver and champion Cotton Owens and Ralph Seagraves, who was instrumental in setting up R.J. Reynolds Tobacco's involvement in NASCAR. The other finalists are American Auto Association champion Pete DePaolo, pioneer female driver Janet Guthrie, motorcycle champion Wayne Rainey and sprint-car legend Jan Opperman. The 2005 class will be announced this fall. Induction is set for April 28, 2005.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-24-2004)

  • So..what's up with Hut Stricklin? Stricklin Auto & Truck Parts is Owned and Operated by Hut Stricklin, former NASCAR Nextel cup driver (previously Winston Cup). This is one of the premier auto and truck salvage yards across the country. Growing up in his family's salvage yard for 22 years, Hut has a knack for treating all his customers special. With a fully computerized network and parts locating service, Nationwide shipping, as well as delivery service within 75 miles to most businesses, let Hut and his staff be your source for all your car and truck part needs. See more at hutstricklinusedparts.com. Wonder how much he'll give me for my old Tbird?(7-19-2004)

  • Waltrip Racing Experience Announced: Three-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion and FOX Sports Analyst Darrell Waltrip announced plans for a $5 million, 30,000 square-foot motor racing-themed attraction to be opened in this resort community in spring 2005, sited at the multi-purpose Belle Island Village development in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tenn. “Darrell Waltrip’s Racing Experience” is the second major attraction to be announced at Belle Island Village, located in an East Tennessee community that attracts more than 11 million visitors a year as a gateway to America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The venue will include such components as an interactive theatre, competition radio-controlled cars, a racing car simulator, pit crew area, an arcade, and both permanent and rotating exhibits ranging from 15-25 actual stock cars that have won a variety of racing events.(Bristol Herald Courier)(6-17-2004)

  • Johnson has highway named after him: Former NASCAR driver and car owner Junior Johnson can add something else to his list of his accomplishments. He has a highway named after him. Gov. Mike Easley and the Department of Transportation renamed Highway 421 from the Yadkin-Wilkes County line to the Windy Gap Exit in Wilkes County at "Junior Johnson Highway."
    "It's one of the top things that's ever happened to me in my whole life. I can't talk about it because of the emotions and I'm not an emotional person, so you can tell it means a lot to me," said Johnson. Darryl Waltrip also spoke at the ceremony. He is one of Johnson's former drivers.(WXII12.com)(5-27-2004)


    Junior Johnson and NC Gov. Mike Easley
    image by Kyle McCurry/Juniorjohnson.org
    (click on image to see larger)

  • DW Honored: Darrell Waltrip was presented the Community Leadership Award at Williamson Christian College's annual fund-raiser this week. Waltrip has supported the college, located in Cool Springs, TN, by donating racing memorabilia for a silent auction.(Tennessean)(5-20-2004)

  • Junior Johnson Honored: Fifty years ago, Junior Johnson regularly hurtled along U.S. 421, hauling illegal moonshine whiskey from stills in Wilkes County to bootleggers in Charlotte and elsewhere across the Carolinas. Monday [May 24th], a section of the route, rebuilt to interstate standards, will be dedicated as "Junior Johnson Highway." The stretch runs about 10 miles from the Wilkes-Yadkin county line, near Johnson's home, to the Windy Gap Road exit.(see the full Tom Higgin's article at ThatsRacin.com)(5-19-2004)
    AND Darrell Waltrip and Jeff Hammond will be there to honor Junior at the dedication.(5-20-2004)

  • DW Comments on the Stewart Flap: Darrell Waltrip responded yesterday to a series of personal sideswipes by Tony Stewart by saying, ''I don't like it when it turns ugly. 'At first I thought he was just messing around with me, doing a little pre-race sparring, which is OK,'' Waltrip, a Fox Sports announcer, said from his home in Franklin. ''But then he just kept on and on, and I began to realize he wasn't joking around. 'I find it odd that he singled me out as his biggest critic. It's unfortunate.'' Stewart directed sharp remarks toward Waltrip before and after Saturday's race in Richmond. Stewart was upset by Waltrip's comments the week before that perhaps NASCAR should suspend him for one race for rough driving. Several drivers have complained about Stewart's over-aggressiveness in recent weeks. After the race Stewart, who had made slight contact with Jeff Gordon, said in a live, nationally televised interview: ''Darrell and those guys are up there in the booth now, lobbying to get me suspended for life.'' He continued to make pointed comments toward Waltrip. In reference to contact that was made among several drivers Stewart said, ''If Darrell had his way, we'd have only about 18 cars racing next week.''
    Yesterday Waltrip was asked if he was peeved, hurt or amused by Stewart's personal attacks. ''I don't really have a reaction,'' said Waltrip, a three-time champion whose 84 wins tie for third all-time. ''He drives his car and we talk about it. That's our jobs.'' Waltrip said he has always liked Stewart and has repeatedly praised his driving talent. ''I don't have anything against Tony,'' Waltrip said. ''What I said was not meant to be personal. Part of my job is to comment about situations on the track, and you can't ignore Tony's situation. This is reality TV. We don't make it up.'' Waltrip said he has had no contact with Stewart since last Saturday night's outburst. ''I kept thinking maybe he'll call me up and tell me he was only kidding around,'' he said. ''But so far I haven't heard from him.''(see full article at the Tennessean)
    The columns at FoxSports would be:
    Not the first to be singled out, Stewart doesn't deserve to be parked and
    Parking Stewart would teach him self-control.(5-18-2004)

  • DR. Boogity? NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip will deliver the commencement address to the 137th graduating class of Kentucky Wesleyan College in his hometown of Owensboro, Ky. on Saturday, May 8 at 10am/ct in KWC's Hocker-Hall Grove. The three-time NASCAR Champion will be presented KWC's highest honor, the degree Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, (LL.D.) following his address to the graduating class. "Not only has Darrell Waltrip reached the pinnacle of the motorsports world, but he had also conceived and founded a ministry to racing families," said KWC President Dr. Wesley H. Poling. His commitment to his sport and to the personal faith of his fellow sportsmen is exemplary, and we are proud to recognize his achievements." Waltrip currently serves as the Lead Analyst for the NASCAR on FOX TV race broadcasts. He retired from NASCAR Cup racing in 2000, and he now competes occasionally in the Craftsman Truck Series. Waltrip is tied for third on NASCAR's all-time victory list with 84. In 2000, Waltrip garnered the ultimate award in his career when he received the Bill France Award of Excellence from NASCAR. He also twice received NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award in 1989 and 1990 and was a three-time American Driver of the Year award recipient in 1977, 1981 and 1982. He was selected as NASCAR's Driver of the Decade 1980s. The state of Tennessee also honored Waltrip with their Professional Athlete of the Year award in 1979. In 1988, he founded Motor Racing Outreach, a ministry for NASCAR families across America who have no worship opportunities at racetracks on Sunday mornings. Waltrip's driving career began at the age of 12 when he raced go-karts and entered his first stock car race four years later. After one dirt track race Waltrip soon found his niche on the pavement. After success as one of the nation's top short-track drivers, Waltrip decided in 1975 to become a full-time NASCAR competitor. And the rest is history. Kentucky Wesleyan College is a four-year, United Methodist Church affiliated, co-educational institution offering a wide range of majors in the liberal arts, as well as specialized programs in communication arts and criminal justice.(PR)(5-4-2004)

  • Congrats to DW: Before the race at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, NASCAR Legend and Fox Broadcaster Darrell Waltrip [DW] was presented the H. Clay Earles Award for outstanding dedication to auto racing by speedway president Clay Campbell.(4-19-2004)

  • Bobby Allison returns to The Glen: Bobby Allison, 1983 NASCAR Champion and 1980 IROC Champion, will make a special appearance at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, June 5, during the Chemung Canal Trust Historic Races weekend, track President Craig Rust announced today. Allison, a five-time International Race of Champions (IROC) competitor, will greet fans throughout the day during an event that celebrates IROC with a reunion of three decades of cars. Allison, a resident of Moorseville, NC, has many prestigious accomplishments to back up his legendary stature. A seven-time most popular driver, his 84 NASCAR victories, including three Daytona 500 wins, ties him for third on the All-Time Win list. Allison is a member of the International Motorsports, National and Eastern Motorsports Press Associations and North Carolina Auto Racing Halls of Fame. He made two starts at Watkins Glen International, with a best finish of 9th in 1987, contributing to his overall career winnings of more than $7.7 million. "I only raced at Watkins Glen twice, but had a lot of good times racing and being part of the races as an owner and I look forward to coming back to Upstate New York on a weekend that celebrates the history of IROC," Allison said. Allison recently released a new book titled "The Racer's Racer", a collection of his favorite stories and happenings that occurred during his illustrious career, told in his own words. The book, out since September of last year, comes with an audio CD containing stories told by Allison and is already in its third printing. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the International Race of Champions (IROC) all-star series featuring the original 1974 Porsche class during the Chemung Canal Trust Historic Races, June 4-6. It's a weekend steeped in historic sports car racing, so come out and catch a modern-day glimpse of the cars that were once made famous at The Glen. Tickets start at only $19 and are now on sale, with advance prices available through May 2nd.(Watkins Glen Site) and for info on Allison's book see Bobby Allison: A Racer's Racer by Bobby Allison, Tim Packman.(4-8-2004)

  • New Junior Johnson Web Site: Junior Johnson, the legendary NASCAR driver/owner launched his Official web site: www.juniorjohnson.org [the site works fine for me]. The site features biographical information, an art gallery, photo gallery, and products Junior Johnson endorses. The web site is hosted by PC Source of Wilkesboro, NC.(Insider Racing News)(3-18-2004)

  • DW's Book Released: Darrell Waltrip's autobiography, "DW: A Lifetime Going Around in Circles," will be available across North America Monday, Feb. 9th. In conjunction with the release of the book (published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.), Waltrip, a three-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Champion and current analyst for FOX Sports, will make a series of media and public appearances this week. Here is a partial list of Darrell's calendar for the week:
    Monday through Friday night: Darrell will be co-host of "TRACKSIDE LIVE," shown each evening on the Speed Channel direct from the Daytona International Speedway.
    Tuesday, February 10:
    9:10am: The Bob and Tom Show/ syndicated radio show
    11:30 am Fan Forum appearance at Daytona USA with David Reutimann, driver of the No. 17 NTN/Darrell Waltrip Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
    6:50pm Live with George Michael to Washington D.C. area and syndicated "George Michael's Sports Machine"
    9:00pm Hannity & Colmes / FOX News Channel / "The Presidential Election and NASCAR Dads"
    Wednesday, February 11:
    6:00 - 9:00am Satellite feed with Duncan-Hines / morning television shows across the United States
    Thursday, February 12:
    9:10am: The Bob and Tom Show/ syndicated radio show
    6:30 - 8:30pm: Autograph Session: Waldenbooks, Volusia Mall / 1700 Speedway Boulevard, across from the Daytona International Speedway.(fingerprint inc. PR), the book is also available at DWStore.com, where rumor has it that Jayski Tshirts will be available there within the next few weeks.(2-10-2004)

  • Former driver/owner injured in plane crash UPDATE: former NASCAR driver and owner Dick Brooks was piloting a plane on his private airstrip in Woodruff, SC. The plane never left the ground, but went off the runway, hit a bump and overturned. Brooks is in the intensive care unit at Spartanburg Regional. The NTSB will be investigating. Brooks was badly hurt in a motorcycle crash back in 1999.(paraphrased from the www.newschannel7online.com site), Brooks won one race in Winston Cup, at Talladega in 1973, also owned a team back in the early 1990's.
    ALSO more at the Greenville News: Brooks, the 1969 NASCAR rookie of the year, was cleaning out a hangar for a New Year's Eve party when he decided to run one of his antique planes, according to Flash Millwood, a member of Brooks' pit crew and a friend for 35 years. Brooks wasn't planning on flying and didn't have his seat belt on, Millwood said. He was being treated at Spartanburg Regional Hospital, a spokeswoman said. Brooks, who owns several automobile dealerships in the Carolinas and Florida, started racing NASCAR in 1969, driving in the first race he ever saw: a road-course event at Riverside, Calif. He won his only Winston Cup race at Talladega, Ala., in 1973. Brooks hung up his racing gear in 1985 then worked as a pit reporter for Motor Racing Network. It's not the first time his passion for fast cars, motorcycles and airplanes has put Brooks in the hospital. He suffered severe injuries in July 1999 after he wrecked his motorcycle in a field near his home. Brooks has been involved in the fund-raising for the Motorsports Museum of the South, which is scheduled to be finished in Spartanburg next year.(12-30-2003)
    UPDATE: Former NASCAR Rookie of the Year Dick Brooks has been hurt in a plane crash near his farm, authorities say. Brooks, 61, was taxiing his favorite plane down his personal runway Sunday afternoon when a wheel got caught in the grass and turned the plane over, longtime friend Joe Whisenant said. Brooks was taken to the intensive care unit of the Spartanburg Regional Medical Center after the crash, but his daughter Stacy Jackson said doctors expect him to recover. "They are wanting to keep him here a couple of days for observation," Jackson said.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(12-31-2003)
    UPDATE 2: Racing veteran and car dealer Dick Brooks continues to recover in a local hospital from injuries he received during a plane accident Sunday. Brooks, 61, remained in serious condition at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, according to a spokeswoman. Witnesses said Sunday's accident happened after Brooks got into his favorite plane and taxied along an asphalt runway on his Woodruff property. The plane was going about 10 mph, they said, and as he made his way back toward the hangar on the grass runway, the plane got caught and tipped over. Brooks was thrown out of the pilot's seat.(GoUpstate)(1-3-2004)

    2003 News

  • Get well DW: Get well wishes to three time Winston Cup champion and NASCAR on FOX analyst Darrell Waltrip who had successful rotator cuff surgery last week. The procedure was on DW's right shoulder. He had the same surgery on his left shoulder in 1997.(12-23-2003)

  • Oldest Living NASCAR driver to participate in pre-race: Buddy Helms, the oldest living driver to run in a sanctioned NASCAR event, will participate in pre-race ceremonies driving his 1946 Hudson Super Six. Helms, 87, and a resident of Davie, Florida, drove his Super Six in the first NASCAR Grand National race in Charlotte, NC, in June of 1949. Later that year, he competed in races in Atlanta, Hillsboro, Martinsville, and North Wilkesboro. He was the head mechanic for Buddy Shuman in the early 1950's where Shuman captured victories in Detroit and Niagara Falls. Helms won the Darlington Southern 500 as a chief mechanic for Buck Baker in 1956 and Speedy Thompson in 1957. He is the oldest living driver that raced on Daytona Beach.(HMS PR)(11-13-2003)

  • DW Grand Marshal at the Toyota All-Star Showdown: Darrell Waltrip, three-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion, Fox Sports NASCAR analyst and occasional NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitor, will officially start things off at the Toyota All-Star Showdown. Toyota named Waltrip as the event’s Grand Marshall and the popular NASCAR driver/TV analyst will give the command for the drivers to start their engines on Saturday night at Irwindale. "Toyota is delighted to have an icon of the sport as our Grand Marshall at the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown," said Les Unger, National Motorsports Manager for Toyota Motor Sales USA. "We are working diligently with NASCAR and the staff of Irwindale Speedway to make sure this inaugural event is remembered for years to come." The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway will be held Nov. 6-8, 2003 and televised on Speed Channel on Nov 7th at 11:00pm/et and on Nov 8th at 8:00pm/et. More info at www.nascartouring.com/toyota.(NASCAR PR)(10-31-2003)

  • Allison Book Annoucement: Soon to be released, Bobby Allison: A Racer's Racer by Bobby Allison with Tim Packman; Forward by Rusty Wallace. Now, for the first time ever, Allison reveals the stories that used to be reserved for those fortunate enough to attend racing banquets in Bobby Allison: A Racer's Racer. This new book is a collection of Allison's favorite stories and funny happenings throughout his career on and off the track, told in his own words. More information at Bobby Allison site.(9-18-2003)

  • Owens and Pearson racing again: David Pearson and Cotton Owens, once teammates at the highest levels of NASCAR Winston Cup racing, are scheduled to recreate a slice of motorsports history Saturday night at Riverside Speedway [in Travelers Rest, SC]. This time, however, they will be on opposite sides of the competition fence. Pearson and Owens, who teamed to win the Winston Cup championship in Dodges in 1966, will race in a 10-lap shootout in vintage race cars as part of Riverside's Saturday [9-20-2003] night program. Other vintage-car racing also is scheduled on the 7:30 p.m. program, and other former drivers, including Jeff Hawkins, Rex White and Roger Mandeville, are expected to attend. The vintage-car racing will be in addition to Riverside's usual weekly schedule. A portion of the night's proceeds will be donated to the planned motorsports museum in Spartanburg, SC. Owens, 79, drove Modified and Winston Cup cars before becoming a successful NASCAR team owner in the 1960s. Pearson, 69, won three Winston Cup titles and 105 races before retiring in 1986. Owens will drive a restored 1937 Ford owned by Freddy Brookshire. Pearson will race a vintage car he restored. Owens, who calls Pearson the greatest stock car driver ever, said he was able to teach him a thing or two when they campaigned Dodges in NASCAR racing. In 1964, Owens' last year as a driver, he entered a second car (Pearson drove the team's No. 1 car) in a race at Richmond, Va. and outran Pearson.(Greenville News)(9-19-2003)

  • Speaking of Bush, President Bush's comment about DW: Remarks by the President at Bush-Cheney 2004 Reception at Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel in Nashville, TN, where Darrell Waltrip was a guest at the Reception: "There's less road-rage at NASCAR now because Darrel Waltrip is retired, but I'm still glad to call him -- (applause) -- I'm glad he's here. But most of all, I really want to thank you all for being here, it means an awful lot."(Whitehouse.gov)(9-9-2003)

  • Benny to take a lap: Former NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Benny Parsons unveiled a specially painted #72 "Victory Lap" Chevy to be driven during pre-race activities at North Carolina Speedway [Rockingham]. As part of the "Victory Lap" tribute program for long-time series sponsor R.J. Reynolds' Winston brand, Parsons #72 car will lead the field during pre-race festivities prior to the November 9 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 at North Carolina Speedway. The "Victory Lap" tribute will honor NASCAR Winston Cup Series champions during R.J. Reynolds' 33-year tenure in the sport at various tracks through the end of the season. The 2003 NASCAR season is the final for Winston's title sponsorship of NASCAR's top division, which they have held since 1971. The No. 72 Chevrolet unveiled by Parsons and Chris Browning, North Carolina Speedway's Executive Vice-President & General Manager, features Winston's signature red and silver paint scheme with "Victory Lap" logos commemorating the tribute to Winston. Parsons clinched the 1973 Winston Cup championship at "The Rock" in a car owned by then track President, L.G. DeWitt, during the annual fall event. He has scored five top-5's and eleven top-10's in 30 starts at North Carolina Speedway. "L.G. DeWitt loved the Sandhills of North Carolina and wanted that area represented in NASCAR," Parsons said. "We never won there, and that will go down as one of my biggest disappointments in Winston Cup; not pulling off a win at Rockingham, because we wanted it so bad." Bobby Labonte, the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Champion will represent "active" NASCAR Winston Cup champions in the "Victory Lap" tribute at North Carolina Speedway. Labonte will drive a specially painted #18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet alongside the #72 Chevrolet during a pre-race parade lap.(NCS Site)
    see past press releases/news and images of the cars on my Victory Lap page.(8-20-2003)

  • DW, Mikey and the Stooges PLUS: Michael Waltrip, Inc. (MWI) announced today that Darrell Waltrip (D.W.) will compete for his third NASCAR Craftsmen Truck Series race this year at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday, October 18. Darrell will be behind the wheel of his younger brother's #17 Aaron's/Three Stooges Chevrolet race truck, the latest addition to The Three Stooges 75th Anniversary racing program that has the vaudevillian troupe climbing aboard several race cars in the National Hot Rod Association and NASCAR circuits. Action Performance Companies Inc., C3 Entertainment Inc. and Global Icons came up with the idea of bringing the Three Stooges to the races. In addition to The Three Stooges truck, Michael Waltrip's #99 Aaron's Dream Machine, NASCAR Busch Series entry will also promote the Three Stooges 75th anniversary. See the press releasse on my Truck Series site AND see an image of the truck on my 2003 Truck Schemes page.(8-8-2003)

  • Bud Moore back: Racing fans can be excused for checking their calendars when they attend the 30th annual Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, Aug. 15-17, at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca. They might think it's 1970 all over again, or 1967, as the Bud Moore Trans-Am teams reunite for the first time in more than 30 years. Reunited 1967 Mercury and 1970 Ford Championship Trans-Am Teams Bud Moore, Parnelli Jones, George Follmer, Dan Gurney, Ed Leslie and David Pearson meet fans at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca Bud Moore Trans-Am Cougar and three Boss 302 Mustangs will race again. Memories will surely come flooding back with the presence of three of the team's famous Mustangs in the reunion. George Follmer's stunning red, black and white Boss 302 Mustang owned by Vic Edelbrock of Torrance, California will represent the 1969 season, and two of the famous "school bus yellow" Boss Mustangs will recall the 1970 season. They are George Follmer's No. 16 car also owned by Ross Myers, and Parnelli Jones' No. 15 car owned by Harry Lipetz of Vancouver, British Columbia. All of these cars and the 1967 Cougar will be racing at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, in "The Historic Trans-Am" race that features 1966-1972 cars. More information at the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Site.(8-6-2003)

  • Nice Gesture by DW: Darrell Waltrip earlier this week donated 30 children's car seats to the Martha O'Bryan Center. The seats went to children of needy families who live in the James A. Cayce Homes.(Tennessean)(7-17-2003)

  • DW and the Stooges: Darrell Waltrip will run the #17-Aaron’s Rent/"3 Stooges" Chevy Truck on October 18th at Martinsville Speedway. This program is a joint venture between Michael and Darrell due to sponsorship.(7-9-2003)

  • Bethea Remembered: In 1973, Randy Bethea, a black race driver from Newport, Tenn., rolled into Fairgrounds Speedway for a NASCAR race and bumped hometown hotshot Darrell Waltrip off the pole. Bethea, now 55 and still racing periodically, is one of a few — perhaps only four — black drivers who have competed at the 45-year-old track. Joe Henderson III, an 18-year-old Franklin High senior, was the latest, running a Late Model Stock Car feature earlier this month. A story in The Tennessean about Henderson's race drew widespread response from fans who recalled Bethea's Late Model Sportsman race with the present Late Model Stock Car division. The Late Model Sportsman division in which Bethea competed was a national touring series that eventually evolved into the NASCAR Busch Series. Ralph Earnhardt, father of the late Dale Earnhardt, won a Late Model Sportsman championship. The Henderson story inspired debate about who was the first black driver at the track and drew attention to how few black drivers have raced there over the years.(see full story at the Tennessean)(6-26-2003)

  • Allison, Miller High Life and Blount at Milwaukee: Miller Brewing Company announced that it will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of its High Life brand by bringing together High Life Racing's past and present to sponsor a stock car in the upcoming Busch Series race at the Milwaukee Mile, June 29. High Life was a prominent backer of all forms of auto racing for two decades beginning in the 1970s and sponsored the High Life stock car in which Bobby Allison captured the 1983 NASCAR Winston Cup championship. Now, High Life is returning to the track with the Jesel Racing team and the #66 High Life Dodge, which will be driven by rookie Chad Blount. The car will feature a paint scheme to honor High Life's 100th Anniversary and a design that resembles Allison's championship-winning High Life car. This sponsorship commemorating the 100th Anniversary will make High Life the primary sponsor of Blount and the Jesel Racing team at the Milwaukee Mile, June 28-29. Extensive visibility for High Life on the team's car and crew uniforms, as well as on the driver's suit, is included in the deal. A 23-year-old driver who has participated in 11 Busch Series race, Blount will be making his first-ever start at Milwaukee's one-mile oval in the GNC Live Well 250. This season, Blount has recorded one top-five finish (Texas Motor Speedway, March 29) in the series. In 2002, Blount competed in the ARCA Re/Max series and finished second in the championship point standings. Blount, a Walkerton, Indiana native, recorded four ARCA wins, five pole positions and 11 top-five finishes, en route to earning series Rookie-of-the-Year honors. The car driven by Blount will resemble Bobby Allison's familiar High Life stock car in which he won his 1983 NASCAR Winston Cup championship.(Tom Roberts PR), past rumors/news about this on my Busch Series page - nothing to do with Rusty Wallace or Ryan Newman as rumored.(6-20-2003)

  • Ned Jarrett Honored: Ned Jarrett was honored Friday night with the Spirit of Ford Award as part of the Ford Centennial Celebration in Dearborn, MI. "When they told me a couple of years ago that I had won more races in a Ford than anybody else, I was extremely proud," Jarrett said. "We ran a lot more races back then, but I've always valued my relationship with Ford, and I'm honored to receive this award during such a special time in Ford's history." The Spirit of Ford Award is the highest honor in Ford Racing and goes to a person who has made significant contributions on and off the track to the sport of auto racing. Edsel Ford, along with Dale and Jason Jarrett, presented Ned Jarrett with the award during a reception at the Henry Ford Museum.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-14-2003)

  • Good to see Mast: Speed Channel reporter Rick Mast, whose NASCAR racing career was ended last year by carbon monoxide poisoning, believes the new catalytic converters recently made available to drivers should be mandatory. The devices, which NASCAR says reduces carbon monoxide inhaled by drivers by 75%, are optional. ''Believe me,'' Mast said, ''most drivers will be using them.'' Mast, who reported from the pits during last night's Chrome 300, still experiences problems from the poisoning. ''I can't be in the garage when the motors are running,'' he said. ''Even out in the open I have to be careful. I can tell if I'm getting too much exposure.'' Mast, noted for his sense of humor during his racing days, won the inaugural Brickyard 400 pole at Indianapolis. He began joking with the media about trading a milk cow for his first race car, ''and that story has kept growing and growing. Everywhere I go somebody asks me about it.''(Tennessean)(6-8-2003)

  • New Handicapped Racing League Formed - Bobby Allison To Be Spokesperson: George White, long time crew member for Bobby Allison and President of Speedway Safety Equipment and High Tech Mobility has announced the formation of a racing league geared entirely for the handicapped racers. "This is a civil liberties issue," stated White. "Several drivers have shown a great deal of interest in this venture and with diversity in racing being such a hot topic, we feel the time is right to give these racers a chance at enhancing their skills and providing them with the chance to realize their dreams." The International Handicapped Racer's League, or IHRL, is in it's early stages of development and has hopes of initially obtain four to five older NASCAR Busch or Winston Cup cars to rebuild and equip each with the hand controls needed. The idea is to outfit the cars with the needed controls while allowing for each team to build and maintain the engines. The IHRL will address all safety issues dealing with their cars and will have it's own safety committee to coordinate those specific safety issues. Speedway Safety Equipment has personally designed specially adapted head and neck restraints and specially designed body restraints in combination with seats designed by NASCAR legend Brian Butler. It is note worthy that Jerry Nadeau's car was fitted with Butler seats which aided Nadeau in surviving one of the most violent side impacts ever recorded in NASCAR's history. Legendary racer Bobby Allison, who personally understands devastating crash injuries, has agreed to be IHRL's national spokesperson. Exhibition style races, 25 laps or so, is the current planned format much like IROC races. This will not only provide exciting competition for the drivers and fans alike, but, will assist as a stepping stone for these drivers to move into other racing series. Ray Paprotta, a paraplegic driver from Alabama, will be a one of the drivers in the IHRL. Ray has competed in two Goody's Dash events this season as a teammate to Danny Bagwell. Goody's Dash fans have welcomed Paprotta with open arms, giving him standing ovations at driver introductions. Paprotta has plans to compete in at least two additional Dash events this season. More info and contact info - email/phone at Catchfence.(5-24-2003)

  • Pearson Wins: A wet track proved no match for the three-time NASCAR champion David Pearson as the "Silver Fox" outclassed the field in the Legends II rematch in Spartanburg SC on Saturday. The Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds played host to the 15 lap feature in which Pearson displayed the reasons why he is the holder of 105 Winston Cup victories. Pearson won the feature event in the from the pole position. When asked about his 1937 Ford Coach replica Pearson replied, "Yeah, it's a little bit different from the car I ran in last year.” Running a car which was reportedly down on power in 2002, Pearson was determined to set the record straight in the legends II rematch of 2003. "I had so much fun at last year's race, I decided to build me one. So I just got an old body and started working on it. It was a humpback. I cut the back end off and made a straight back out of it.” Local NASCAR racing legend Cotton Owens was lapped near the end of the event as the hard charging Pearson put the whipping stick on all comers. "We won the Grand National championship in 1966 when he (Pearson) drove for me,” said Owens, "He was driving the No. 6 car then, red and white, just like the car here.”(Insider Racing News)(5-19-2003)

  • Legends II: David Pearson, Cotton Owens and several other retired drivers are scheduled to compete in the second NASCAR Legends race at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds track in Spartanburg, SC on Saturday, May 17th. The race, held in conjunction with the Foothills BBQ Festival, is a fund-raiser for the proposed Motor Racing Museum of the South, planned for a Pine Street location in Spartanburg. The track, closed for many years, was graded and renovated last year for the inaugural race. Pearson, who built his reputation on the dirt tracks of the Carolinas before embarking on a successful Winston Cup career, has restored a 1937 Ford coupe for the race. The program is scheduled to begin at 1:00pm/et.(Greenville News)(5-15-2003)

  • Buck Baker to be inducted: NASCAR great, Buck Baker will be honored as eight athletes are inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame on May 29 in Columbia, SC. The inductees are NBA star Xavier McDaniel; NFL players Kevin Long, J.R. Wilburn and Perry Tuttle; Clemson basketball star Randy Mahaffey; Clemson track athlete Tina Krebs; NASCAR great Buck Baker; and Marion duPont Scott, who is credited with saving the Carolina Cup from extinction in the 1970s and South Carolina track coach Curtis Frye will be given a special achievement award.(Charleston Post and Courier)(4-29-2003)

  • DW to test Wednesday: The weather in the Carolinas has postponed and moved Darrell Waltrip's truck test from Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC on Tuesday to Hickory Speedway [NC] on Wednesday.(Fox Sports)(4-8-2003)

  • Mikey gets a TV gig and DW miked: Michael Waltrip will join Rick Allen, Dorsey Schroeder and Barry Dodson in the booth for this weekend's Craftsman Truck Series event in Martinsville. Waltrip has a vested interest in the race, as older brother Darrell - a three-time Winston Cup champion - will be racing a DEI-powered truck owned by Michael and crewed by Michael's NASCAR Busch Series crew. SPEED Channel will bring race fans a unique view to DW's return, as the truck will be equipped with in-car cameras and the racing legend will be wired for sound for the entire race. In addition, fellow FOX broadcasters Larry McReynolds and Jeff Hammond also will be a part of the SPEED broadcast, with McReynolds acting as Waltrip's spotter and Hammond observing from the pits.(Speed Channel PR) see more about DW's truck deal on my Truck Series site (have a image of the the truck there)(4-8-2003)

  • Some DW news UPDATE: The Martinsville race on April 12 will be the first of two Craftsman Truck Series appearances by Fox TV analyst Darrell Waltrip as a driver. Broadcast partner Larry McReynolds will be Waltrip’s spotter, and Jeff Hammond, who turned the wrenches during part of Waltrip’s Cup career, will be the crew chief. … Fox’s frequent assertion that Hammond was Waltrip’s crew chief for three championships is incorrect, by the way. In 1981, Tim Brewer was Waltrip’s crew chief. In 1982, the duties were shared among Brewer, Hammond and Mike Hill. Hammond was the crew chief for Waltrip’s third title in 1985. You can look it up, as they say.(Gaston Gazette)
    UPDATE: Tim Brewer was no longer with the team in 1982 and Jeff Hammond was the crew chief. Also on the truck, Hammond is NOT the Crew Chief, Bobby Kennedy is the Crew Chief, Hammond is the "Interperator".(4-4-2003)

  • Hank Hill and DW in a commercial: Autolite and Fox Licensing & Merchandising are teaming up to bring the world's most famous propane salesman - Hank - and his zany companions from the hit animated series King of the Hill (Sundays, 8:30-9:00pm/et on FOX - and a Jayski Fave) to the airwaves in a unique advertising campaign promoting Autolite Double Platinum Spark Plugs. Two brand new television ads will creatively focus on the hit Fox television show, one of which will feature a special guest appearance by retired NASCAR champion Darrell Waltrip. The ads are part of an all-new multimillion-dollar campaign from the Honeywell Consumer Products Group's Autolite unit. Both 30-second spots - created by ad agency McCann-Erickson Detroit - will utilize the King of the Hill characters Cotton, Bobby, Hank, Luanne and the rest of the gang to showcase Autolite as the Official Spark Plug of NASCAR among its core do-it-yourself audience. Featuring Autolite Double Platinum Spark Plugs and the tagline, "Autolite: It's Time to Change Your Plugs," the ads will appear during two prime-time selling windows throughout the year on select pre- and post- NASCAR programs on Fox as well as on additional lifestyle/outdoor cable networks, including Speed Channel, Fox Sports Net, FX, Sci-Fi, Comedy Central, CMT, TNN and OLN.
    The spots are expected to kick off on April 6 on Fox to coincide with the NASCAR race, The Aaron's 499 from Talladega Superspeedway. Retired champion driver Darrell Waltrip appears in a spot tagged "NASCAR," where Cotton, Bobby and Hank are walking in the pit area before a big race, only to discover that the mechanic working on a car they pass by is Waltrip. A three-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion, Waltrip is a fan favorite, winning the Most Popular Driver Award in 1989 and 1990. He has garnered 84 Winston Cup wins; including the 1989 Daytona 500. "This has been a great experience. It's very exciting seeing my alter ego as a cartoon character in Autolite's new campaign," said Waltrip. "I am a firm believer in the brand's products because they are designed for people like me, who appreciate their vehicles and are interested in higher performance." The second spot, tagged "Texan," borrows nicely from reality television, where Bobby wanders around with a video camera in an attempt to make his own show called 'Who Wants to Marry a Texan.' (PR)(4-3-2003)

  • DW testing too UPDATE: Three-time Winston Cup champ Darrell Waltrip will be testing at Martinsville Wednesday in an Andy Petree Winston Cup car to prepare for his run in the Truck Series at Martinsville.
    UPDATE: Waltrip tested in a Petree Busch Series car and the #45 Petty Enterprises Dodge at Martinsville today.(FSN's Totally NASCAR Show see a picture at Allwaltrip.com)(4-2-2003)

  • DW on Weaties Box UPDATE: Three-time NASCAR champion Darrell Waltrip of Franklin will be featured on an upcoming Wheaties box as part of General Mills' Legends of Racing Series.(Tennessean)(3-20-2003)
    UPDATE: Wheaties announced today the release of a new special-edition package honoring auto racing legend Darrell Waltrip. One of the most dominant drivers of his time -- he was named NASCAR's Driver of the Decade for his dominance in the 1980s -- this racing champion with 84 Winston Cup victories will now be featured on The Breakfast of Champions.(full story at Allwaltrip.com)(3-22-2003)



  • DW vs Jeff Burton? Apparently there’s a bit of ill-will between TV’s Boogety, Boogety, Boogety-man, Darrell Waltrip, and Winston Cup driver Jeff Burton. Waltrip’s ire stems from comments made by Burton during Darlington rain delay coverage. Burton, who is among the best analysts in the sport, commented that driving these cars now takes everything that a driver can muster; and that drivers are up on the wheel for every foot of every race. Waltrip, at the time of Burton’s comment, fired back that modern day cars have power steering and air conditioning. Waltrip’s day, which was quite a while before he retired in 1999, saw him drive real cars, with manual steering and no spoilers. Apparently, Waltrip talked about Burton’s comments all week with anyone who would listen. The disagreement appears to be on par with countless other generation gap issues, when the old guard reminds the youngsters, how hard things were in the past.(Ford Racing Correspondent)(3-22-2003)

  • So...what is up with Lake Speed? Five years after injuries forced him to retire from Winston Cup, Lake Speed is enjoying a second life in auto racing, thanks to the recent Vintage Car trend. Speed was the guest speaker Wednesday night for the Emmanuel Baptist Church Outreach Ministry at the Elizabethton Boys and Girls Club. His appearance was part of the I-40 program, which is based on the biblical book of Isaiah 40, verses 30-31. Now retired and living in Kannapolis, N.C., where he operates a real estate business, Speed, 55, talked of returning to the sport he loves to compete in road races for older Winston Cup cars.(Elizabethton Star)(3-20-2003)

  • Mast on Totally NASCAR: On Thursday's [Mar 6th] Totally NASCAR, Krista Voda and producer Alan Dietz sit down with Rick Mast to talk about his sudden retirement and the dangers of carbon monoxide at the racetrack. There is a phantom menace that silently drifts in and out of our lives on a daily basis. It cannot be seen, smelled, or detected before it has already done damage to its victim. See the show on Thursday, March 6th at 6:00pm/local on Fox Sports Net and at 6:30pm/et on Speed Channel.(read more at FoxSports)(3-5-2003)

  • DW, Mikey, Tide and a few truck races - Boogity! Boogity! Boogity!: Darrell Waltrip will drive the Micahel Waltrip owned #17 Tide Chevy truck at Martinsville in April and at IRP in August in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Jeff Hammond is the "Interperator"; Bobby Kennedy the crew chief; Larry McReynoldsis the spotter. Martinsville will be Tide with Bleach paint scheme, IRP race will feature the "Give Kids The World Village" paint scheme. Speed Channel is going to mike up DW, Larry and Jeff
    AND Three-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Darrell Waltrip is strapping in for two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events in 2003 and SPEED Channel is taking viewers along for the ride. Waltrip, a regular on SPEED Channel’s Trackside program, will be wired for sound and his #17 Chevrolet, sponsored by Tide, will be equipped with extra cameras. FOX broadcast partners Larry McReynolds and Jeff Hammond will get in on the act, with Larry serving as DW’s spotter and Hammond taking position on the pit box. Both will have live mics as part of the SPEED Channel broadcasts from the spring race at Martinsville and the August NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Indianapolis Raceway Park. “It doesn’t get any better than this,” said Rick Miner, SPEED Channel Sr. VP/Executive Producer. “DW behind the wheel, Larry Mac as our eye in the sky and Hollywood Hammond interpreting it all on the pit box. With Darrell using kid brother Michael’s truck as well as his NASCAR Busch Series pit crew, these will certainly be great events for SPEED Channel and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.”(Allwaltip.com)(2-14-2003)

  • Waltrip, Kenyon among the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America: Three-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Darrell Waltrip, sports car driver and teacher Bob Bondurant, midget car veteran Mel Kenyon, motorcycle ace Gary Nixon and driver safety pioneer Bill Simpson head a class of eight racing legends who will inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America on June 12, the organization announced today. Posthumous induction honors will go to drag racing engine builder Ed Donovan, hydroplane racer and designer Ted Jones and dirt track sprint car king Tommy Hinnershitz. The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is located in the Novi Expo Center in the Detroit suburb of Novi.(Indianapolis Star)(2-6-2003)

  • DW looking to run two CTS races: from a Darrell Waltrip chat on FoxSports: Waltrip is going to be running a couple of truck races, probably the same two he ran last year, Martinsville and Indianapolis. In a Chevy [#17?] the name of the team? W2 Racing Team, with brother Michael. Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds will be involved like they were last year at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Tide may be the sponsor for one or both races.(1-31-2003)

  • Rick Mast Retires: After suffering from acute and chronic exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning, veteran driver Rick Mast is retiring from Winston Cup racing, NASCAR Winston Cup Scene reports this week. Mast told reporter Rea White that he cannot risk further exposure to carbon monoxide. Mast, who was to announce his retirement at a news conference today, plans to work with NASCAR to help other drivers avoid suffering long-term effects from exposure to the invisible gas. Mast, a 45-year-old Virginian who began competing in the Winston Cup Series on a part-time basis in 1988 and a full-time basis in 1991, ran in nine races last year before being sidelined by the illness.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter and ThatsRacin.com), see Mast's stats at MotorsportsOne.(1-22-2003)

  • Stewart, Donlavey and Gant among those honored: Tony Stewart and Brett Hearn earned Driver of the Year honors at the 33rd annual Eastern Motorsport Press Association Convention but it was Junie Donlavey, the veteran Winston Cup car owner, who got the standing ovation. Stewart earned the Al Holbert Memorial EMPA Driver of the Year award while Brett Hearn took the Richie Evans Northeast Driver of the Year award. Both drivers won their awards for the second time. Stewart earned his award for his 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup title. Hearn was voted his award based on his stellar efforts in DIRT modified stock car racing throughout the season. However Junie Donlavey, involved in the sport for more than 50 years, had an award named after him and was presented the very first Junie Donlavey Spirit of the Sport Award. The award, in the future, will go to individuals who best represent the independent spirit of the sport and do so much behind the scenes to make the sport better.The presentation was made by Dr. Joe Mattioli, Pocono Raceway. Close to 150 media, sponsors, personalities, racers and other industry figures were in the audience for the annual R.J.Reynolds Hall of Fame Dinner held at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Trevose, PA (just north of Philadelphia). During the evening, kicked off with the SpeedChannel cocktail reception, the late Kenny Weld, an outstanding modified and sprint racer, was inducted into the EMPA Hall of Fame along with former NASCAR Winston Cup racer Harry Gant, five time United Racing Club sprint car champion Dave Kelly and "the dean of motorsports journalism" Chris Economaki.(Open Wheel Racing)(1-20-2003)

  • Petty Chairman: Richard Petty, the driver with the most wins in NASCAR history, will serve as chairman of the newly formed N.C. Motorsports Association. The association, which is based in Clemmons, was created last summer to promote the economic impact of the motorsports industry on the N.C. economy. "At a time when North Carolina is losing jobs in the manufacturing, agricultural and textile industries, the motorsports industry is creating hundreds of new jobs," Petty says. Other association directors include Doug Stafford of Lowe's Motor Speedway and Chris Browning with N.C. Speedway.(Charlotte Business Journal)(1-16-2003)

  • NASCAR in Philly UPDATE: Look for three time Winston Cup champion and FOX NASCAR analyst Darrell Waltrip, along with newly crowned Cup champ Tony Stewart and his car owner, Joe Gibbs to appear on FOX Sport's Saturday night prime special on January 18th at 9:00pm/et. The trio will be there to promote the upcoming NASCAR on FOX season as well as the season opening Daytona 500 which is on FOX [Feb 16th]. DW and Tony will also take part in the NFC Championship Post Game show in Philly [where Jayski will be attending the Eagles game] on Sunday, Jan 19th. The game [3:00pm/et on Fox] features the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs the Philadelphia Eagles[Go Eagles!](1-13-2003)
    UPDATE: been told that there will be NO Saturday show appearance, but DW, Stewart and Gibbs will appear on the Sunday Pre-Game Show and that DW and Stewart will appear on the Sunday Post-Game Show.(1-14-2003)

  • DW's Truck plans include 'family'?...Mikey? will Darrell Waltrip run any CTS races in 2003? "I don't think Jim Harris, who we [with Stacy Compton] both drove for this past year, is coming back this season. I drove the Duckhead Dodge at Martinsville and the Tide Dodge at Indianapolis Raceway Park for Jim, and he was tied with Melling Racing, which has closed its doors. That's where Jim kept the trucks. I think he and Melling had an agreement of some nature so Jim called and said he probably wasn't going to race any in 2003. It looks like we're going to be able to put something together for a couple of races this year, and I think we'll have an announcement very soon about what we're planning on doing. We're going to try to keep it in the family -- just a little clue for you."(FoxSports)(1-14-2003)

  • New Series Planned: Don Nugent has a new racing series in mind. It's called the Stock Car Challenge Series and Nugent plans to have it on track for six races this year. Two races are planned for paved short-track ovals - tracks like ones in Concord and Asheboro, N.C., or Myrtle Beach, S.C. Two races are planned for dirt tracks and two others will be on road courses - such as Virginia International Raceway. Cars will be 2000 or older NASCAR-approved chassis with 1999 to 2002 bodies. Sealed General Motors-built engines will be sold by the series for around $12,500. Races will be short enough to be completed on just one fuel stop and no more than two tires can be changed in any one stop and four tires in any race. "There are a lot of people who want to get involved in racing if they can do it in a relatively inexpensive way," Nugent says. "We want to give them that opportunity." Nugent plans to schedule his races to allow drivers competing in such series as the USAR Hooters Pro Cup series to compete. Each oval-track race would be a one-day Saturday show and all would be located with a four-hour drive of the Charlotte area. Nugent also believes there are a lot of people like himself, people who've been around auto racing for many years who are willing to share their knowledge and experience if given the opportunity. "I'm tired of seeing racing series throw its veterans away," Nugent says. "There's so much talent and wisdom out there." Anyone interested in the series can contact Nugent at (704) 533-1184.(ThatsRacin.com)(1-5-2003)

    2002 News

  • Nice Way to Celebrate: On Wednesday, Jan 1st, Marvin and Bettie Panch will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary the only way a real race car driver can -- at Daytona International Speedway with a stock car and a decent-sized crowd. About 250 folks have been invited to the ceremony scheduled for Daytona's Victory Lane. The Rev. Hal Marchman, who has been Speedway chaplain since 1960, will run the show. Joining Marvin and the former Bettie Gong in the Winner's Circle will be the #20 Pontiac that Panch wheeled to victory in the 1961 Daytona 500. The car will be on display outside Daytona USA from 2:30 to 6:00pm on Wednesday. The bride and groom will have an autograph session, open to the public and free of charge, from 5:00 to 6:00pm next to the car.(full story at Daytona Beach News Journal)(12-29-2002)

  • Some news on NASCAR Legend David Pearson: Retired NASCAR driver David Pearson was the grand marshal of the Spartanburg [SC] Christmas parade, and he remains one of the most visible figures in the push to establish an auto racing museum in his hometown. A year ago, Pearson underwent open-heart surgery, an operation from which he recovered quickly. Late autumn finds the three-time Winston Cup champion, the second-winningest driver in the history of NASCAR's top series, busy in his shop on the outskirts of Spartanburg, grinding and hammering on, of all things, a dirt race car like those that launched his Driver of the Century career in the 1950s. Energized by the Legends Rematch race held at the old Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds dirt track in Spartanburg as a museum fund-raiser in October, Pearson bought a battered, rusty hulk of a 1937 Ford coupe and is restoring it to something similar to its original state with plans to race the car next spring. The Motor Racing Museum of the South may hold another fund-raising race at the Spartanburg track next year. Even if the fairgrounds track doesn't host another event, it's likely that Pearson will find somewhere to drive his restored car. Pearson won three national championships and ended his career in 1986 with 105 victories, second only to Richard Petty's 200.(read full story at the Greenville News)(12-5-2002)

  • DW to the White House At the personal invitation of President Bush, Darrell and Stevie Waltrip will attend a Christmas reception Thursday evening [Dec 5th] at the White House with the President and First Lady.(12-5-2002)

  • DW and Mikey: Heard that Michael Waltrip and Darrell Waltrip are filming another series of Aaron's Rents commercials today in Charlotte. No word if Michael will finally let his big brother drive the #99 Dream Machine.(11-20-2002)

  • A Wild UPS Commercial? Hearing that Darrell Waltrip, Larry McReynolds and Mike Joy recently filmed a new UPS commercial in Charlotte.. No word on when it will air.(11-19-2002)

  • DW hosts Tennessee rally with President Bush: At the request of the White House, three time Winston Cup champion Darrell Waltrip hosted a political rally Saturday Nov. 2 at the Tri Cities Airport in Bristol TN. Waltrip hosted the rally for Van Hilleary, the Tennessee Republican candidate for Governor and Tennessee Republican U.S. Senate candidate Lamar Alexander. Making a stop at the rally was President George W. Bush who spoke to the audience of over 10,000 people.(see more at whitehouse.gov(11-3-2002)

  • Lake Speed at Daytona UPDATE and wins: Located in the infield near Turn 4 at Daytona International Speedway, guests at the Brumos Continental Historics will find NASCAR Winston Cup Series veteran Lake Speed tooling around with his #83 Ford Thunderbird. Speed, who last competed in a Winston Cup car back in 1998, is visiting the "World of Center of Racing" this weekend to compete in a pair of Historic Stock Car Feature races. The 54-year-old Speed, a native of Jackson, Miss., who now resides in North Carolina, is retired from racing, but remains very active by spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He's also involved in the real estate business and is currently the chairman of the board for Motor Racing Outreach. But Speed still misses the feeling of driving a race car. "Full-time basis now with 38 weekends, I don't miss that part, but I really miss driving a car," said Speed, who made 402 Winston Cup starts. "It's been really hard. I started racing when I was 12 years old. I raced non-stop every season until halfway through 1998 when I got hurt. I haven't been able to race since and that was tough. It was a big life change." Earlier this year, one of Speed's friends twisted his arm and convinced him to compete in one of the Historic Stock Car Racing Association events. That was the first time Speed has gotten behind the wheel since he drove his last Winston Cup race at Loudon, N.H., in 1998. Speed had so much fun that he decided to knock the dust off one of the stock cars he still owns and come to Daytona. He visited some Winston Cup auctions to pick up some equipment and another friend built him a motor. This weekend at Daytona, Speed won't be competing on just the 2.5-mile tri-oval like he did during his Winston Cup career as the Historic Stock Car Feature races utilize the 3.56-mile road course. The Brumos Continental Historics continues this weekend. Tickets are available by calling the Speedway ticket office at (386) 253-7223.(DIS PR)(11-2-2002)
    UPDATE: Lake Speed, retired from NASCAR Winston Cup Series competition since 1998, drove into Victory Lane on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway as a winner in the Historic Stock Car Feature Race during the Brumos Continental Historics. Speed, driving the No. 83 Ford Thunderbird that he built, owned and raced in the early 1990s, couldn't help but think about all the other victories that have escaped him at the "World Center of Racing" as he drove into Victory Lane after pulling off the dominating win. "This place has been really avoiding me for a long time," said an emotional Speed holding back the tears. "There have been so many near-misses here where we thought we're going to win races." Speed, who finished second in the 1985 Daytona 500, had a little problem with the start of the eight-lap race, but then cruised to victory. Speed, who will get a chance on Sunday at 3:05 p.m. to sweep both Historic Stock Car Racing Association races at Daytona, says he might continue to compete in the series next season.(DIS PR)(11-3-2002)

  • Boogity boosts Pop Warner team to playoffs Thanks to offensive line coach Andy Cospito's friendship with NASCAR on FOX analyst and three-time Winston Cup champion Darrell Waltrip, players on the Ormond Beach (Fla.) Panther Pop Warner Junior Midgets football team have taken their DW devotion to a new level. Check out photos of the team: The offensive linemen -- seventh and eighth graders at Ormond Beach Middle School -- wear "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity" t-shirts under their pads on game days and have rallied around Waltrip's trademark phrase to a playoff berth. Cospito has been DW's bodyguard at the Daytona International Speedway in nearby Daytona Beach, Fla. for several years, and he and his players watch NASCAR on FOX races, chanting along with Waltrip at the start of the races. The linemen took the chant from green-flag racing to the gridiron, protecting quarterback Troy Danhower as Cospito protects DW. The Panthers, led by head coach Gibb Danhower, were 9-0 through October 29, the opening day of the playoffs. All the members of the team are big FOX and Hollywood Hotel fans, always asking questions about NASCAR on FOX race analysts Jeff Hammond, Larry McReynolds and, of course, DW. As the joke goes and the kids say, Cospito is one of DW's BIGGEST fans.(All Waltrip.com)(10-29-2002)

  • NASCAR Legend Junior Johnson To Appear In Dawsonville, Ga: The most famous moonshiner of them all plans for the first time to take part in a reunion of his liquor-hauling peers. NASCAR racing legend Junior Johnson will serve as Grand Marshal Saturday, Oct 26th during the 35th Annual Moonshine Festival at Dawsonville, Ga. At age 14 Johnson could drive a car so fast and well that he was transporting illegal moonshine whiskey from his father's stills in the mountains of Wilkes County, N.C.,to thirsty customers celebrating the recent end of World War II. This talent for speed made Johnson a natural to join the colorful cast of competitors when stock car racing was born in North Carolina in the late 1940s. For most of the next half-century Johnson was a central character as NASCAR progressed from .jalopies and dusty short tracks to become the most popular form of motorsports in the world. .First as a driver rated by Sports Illustrated as the greatest ever, then as one of the top team owners of all time, Johnson maintained the fullbore philosophy that prevented him from ever being outrun on a highway by the revenuers. Johnson won 50 races at NASCAR's major level as a driver, including the Daytona 500 in 1960. However, Junior made his greatest mark as a team owner, scoring 140 victories, including six when Dawsonville hero Bill Elliott drove for him during the1992-94 seasons. Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip won three Winston Cup championships each while driving for Johnson. Elliott finished second in the '92 title chase to the late Alan Kulwicki, losing by only 10 points, the smallest margin in history. Johnson will be Grand Marshal of the Moonshine Festival's parade at 10 a.m. .Activities are scheduled 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and feature antique cars, racing displays and vendors in the city streets, at the square and at the Thunder Road Museum. From noon- 2 p.m. Johnson will autograph copies of his authorized biography, "Junior Johnson: Brave In Life," which will be for sale in a booth at the square. Junior will be joined in Dawsonvile for the signing by co-authors Tom Higgins and Steve Waid, who also will autograph the books. Now in a fifth printing, the