By Steve Waid
During his career, Lake Speed was considered one of the nicest guys in NASCAR, in the garage and on the track. Many thought he was among the least likely to get into an altercation.
But that was exactly what happened at the 1995 Miller Genuine Draft 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
Any Michigan race is always considered important, simply because it is the home track for the auto manufacturers, several sponsors and owners – among them Harry Melling, for whom Lake drove.
Like other drivers, Lake was determined to do well. And he did, quickly running among the leaders early in the race.
But a poor pit stop dropped him back in the field. Lake’s determination took over and he began passing cars quickly, moving his way to the front.
But then he encountered Michael Waltrip. Seems he didn’t appreciate Lake’s progress and began to block Lake – more than once, In fact.
As you might expect of any competitor, Lake got fed up. So he moved underneath Michael and ran him up the track as he made the pass. “I didn’t hit his rear or turn him around, I just moved him up into the marbles,” Lake said.
After the race, Lake was going down pit road when Michael cut him off. Before Lake knew it, Michael had pulled down his window net and angrily threw two quick punches.
Now, Lake wasn’t hurt – he had his helmet on, after all – but he was angry.
He heard a voice: “Run over him!”
To Lake, it was the voice of Satan. But another voice said: “Don’t you dare!”
Lake paid attention to the second voice. “So I just drove on by Michael and went into the garage.”
For more than 32 years, Grand National/Winston Cup/NASCAR Scene writers and photographers were there to record NASCAR history as it was being made. Join hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid each week on The Scene Vault Podcast Presented by Q Ware as they take a look back at the extraordinary people, places and events woven into the rich tapestry that is our sport.
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