Historic NASCAR Drivers of Yesteryear
Most NASCAR race fans have no idea about early NASCAR history, as it’s popularity was geographraphically located in the southern states. Most of the recent fans have heard of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, but have never heard of some of the earliest stars who made the current NASCAR a possibility. Nascar Tickets are almost sold out for every race this season.
Bill France Sr. founded NASCAR on February 21st, 1948. France selected Erwin “Cannonball” Baker as the very first NASCAR Commissioner. Baker had become very well known, having raced previously at Indianapolis and set over a hundred speed records on land. There is a transcontinental race named after Baker.
Junior Johnson was for sure on of NASCAR’s first stars, winning six racing championshipsand more than fifty races. Junior had a colorful past, he was notorious for transporting moonshine. After retiring from racing in 1966 he went on to be a race team owner.
Ned Jarret was another early racing star. His nickname was “Gentleman Jim”, Jarret was well known for selling one of his race cars to Wendell Scott, the infamous first Black NASCAR participant. Jarret won 2 NASCAR Championships and 50 plus races. He then became an announcer, and his son Dale followed shortly in his footsteps and became a driver.
Former star The son of Lee Petty followed his father into racing, and Richard Petty became the biggest star Nascar Sprint Cup has ever seen. Lee was also a great driver, winning three race championships and the first running of the Daytona 500. The first Daytona 500 was so close; it took three days before Petty was declared the winner. Lee Petty started racing late, he had a late start getting his NASCAR career, as he didn’t start racing until he was 35 years old. It didn’t take long before he was a fan favorite. When he retired from racing, he founded Petty Enterprises, one of the most successful racing teams. The number 43, Richard Petty is NASCAR’s has won mor races than anyone in history of racing.
Wendell Scott is a true pioneer, as he is the only black racer to ever win a NASCAR race. Wendell was a daredevil from an early stage, racing the (white|neighborhood} kids on his bike. After participating for his country in World War II, Scott, Like Junior Johnson and Ned Jarrett, began running moonshine. He would attend races, and got his shot when a promoter, desperate for a quick success to fill stadium seats, thought he stir the pot somewhat by putting African Americam in the race. Scott had to deal with reacial aspect and white drivers trying to crash him. He succeeded, and won the only race negro driver has ever won in NASCAR in 1961. Wendell continued to compete until he was forced to retire in 1973.
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