By Rick Houston
Over the years, a handful of drivers have become synonymous with manufacturers.
Richard Petty and Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge.
Dale Earnhardt and Chevrolet.
Bill Elliott and Ford.
Elliott toiled as a struggling independent driver for several years at the beginning of his career, remaining loyal virtually the whole way to Ford. As he skyrocketed to fame in the mid-1980s, Elliott was still behind the wheel of a Ford.
It seemed unthinkable to his legions of fans that Elliott would ever drive anything else. There came a point, however, that his career became stagnant … stale … winless.
When Ray Evernham came calling with an offer to drive in 2001 for his brand-new team, the flagship operation for Dodge’s long-awaited return to the sport, Elliott all but accepted on the spot.
This is his story.
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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