former nascar drivers where are they now

It is one of the premier salvage yards in the country. One day, we were sitting in the stands and I was winning a lot of short track races, and my mom asked me, What are you thinking about? I said, Im going to win here some day, Mom. She looked at me and said, Youre just like your dad. My wife and I have been traveling. Allisons legendary Miller #12 Monte Carlo was a hallmark and one of the most popular cars on the track. You can submit your ideas to nascarmailbag@motorsport.comor directly to Tim Southers at Tim.Southers@Motorsport.com. Named the 1983 Rookie of the Year he was hired by Roger Hamby to drive the No. Eight drivers have been named to this year's NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. 67, will be a teammate to Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Youd think that Burton would have slowed down at the age of 59, but that isnt the case. Read his storyhere, Read how this Virginia driver was able to recover from a serious illness and live a busy life in retirement after suffering affects from carbon monoxide poisoning. Pastrana, who has raced in a number of series over a 25-year career, has not competed in the Daytona 500. Driver. Very few people can say they have reached the pinnacle in their respective professions. Some of the sport's biggest names competed for the championship and several wins over the 29-race schedule. Bodine now owns a Honda Power Sports dealership in Florida and he builds bobsleds for the United States national team. During my career, I made fans and so many friends. Sep 5, 2017, 1:00 PM. He come over by my car in the garage, walked all around it, looked all over it, introduced himself and said Welcome to the sport of NASCAR, Marcis told NBC Sports. I got Hot Rod Magazine and whatever articles they had, that was all I knew about NASCAR. Other than the fact that Elliott is a storied racecar driver, hes also a skilled planner. Some drivers didnt need a long career to establish dominance, and Benson Jr. is one of them. The 41-year-old wrote his name into the fabric of the sport by competing for thirteen seasons in NASCAR's top series, twelve as a full-time driver. Well, I was his hero up to that day.. This season also drew attention due to a controversial illegal carburetor spacer penalty that dropped Mark Martin down in the standings and prevented him from winning his first Cup Series championship. He had to race so much to keep food on the table and clothes on his kids backs. He was also a key part of helping bring a new manufacturer into the sport and continues to work in the industry today. Benson Jr. is one of only three drivers who have managed to win a championship in two different racing categories, the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series. Cook resides in North Carolina and still attends races - especially modified events. He worked as a commentator for ESPN starting in 2006 and continued in 2007. I raced, I raced every damn night, working on my race cars and raced as much as I could, Spencer said in a recent interview with NBC Sports. Even though his best finish in the 500 was sixth (in 1975 and 1976), Marcis didnt consider Daytona his toughest track. After more than four decades of rushing from one track to another, Spencer and wife Pat still travel a fair amount but at their own pace. Nicknamed "Rocketman," Newman has been at the forefront of winning and losing over his 20-year career. However, Marlin was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2010 and had to begin treatments for this condition. Catching up with Brian Scott. Grandstand seating and camping spots are sold out for the Feb. 19 Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway announced Tuesday. Stewart will undoubtedly go down as one of the most popular drivers. A Hall of Fame driver (2017), Mark Martin became one of the most popular drivers in the Cup Series. To go to the event and earn my spot is really important. Made 31 Truck starts and earned one win and 11 top 10s. As for NASCAR racing today, Spencer is somewhat disillusioned. Geoffrey Bodine finished third in the Cup Series standings in 1990, capping off the best season of his 27-year career. I tell people I didnt know what I was really getting into when I came down there to NASCAR. Today he can still be seen on TV, heard on the radio and watched racing on the track all over the world. 3 Chevrolet. Both career choices have become highly lucrative for the retired stock car racer. stories written since the inception of this series in late 2016. Winning numerous championships throughout the 1980s and 1990s, his career was long and varied. Veteran driver Travis Pastrana will attempt to qualify for next months Daytona 500 in a Toyota entered by 23XI Racing. Read his storyhere, This veteran crew chief and later car owner was responsible for helping drivers like Benny Parsons, Harry Gant and others make a name for themselves in NASCAR. He followed the path of most retired NASCAR drivers who go onto open a car or motorcycle dealership of some type. The medal ceremony will take place on a podium in Victory Lane, which will be located beneath the Olympic cauldron at the Coliseum. And Bristol was really, really tough on your neck and the heat was pretty bad there, too.. Few racers have as short and sweet of a run as Burton did. We went bear hunting in Canada last year and were going to go moose hunting next year, I think, he said. Allison was part of the infamous Alabama Gang, a well-known group of drivers from Alabama who raced short tracks with high purses. Earnhardt nearly added an eighth in 2000 but finished just behind Bobby Labonte in the standings. He earned five Grand National/Cup wins, but as one of the sports last independent team owner/operators, he earned 94 top five and 222 top-10 finishes. More recently, Busch has become a mentor for new drivers in the sport, mentoring his younger brother Kyle as well as Bubba Wallace, whos had an up and down few seasons. I said, Bill, thats Stafford (Speedway in Connecticut, where Spencer raced a lot in his early days). Excitement has finally slowed down. Allisons legendary Miller #12 Monte Carlo was a hallmark and one of the most popular cars on the track. The medals will be presented after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. To be able to line up beside them will be something Ill be able to smile proudly about for the rest of my life., He admitted that winning for me is finishing on the lead lap., In a release by the team, 23XI Racing President Steve Lauletta called Pastrana one of the most well-known and well-decorated action sports athletes of all time, and were looking forward to helping him in his quest to race in the Daytona 500. In a series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top three finishers in a Cup race. He got into the automotive dealership business, opening both Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Tallahassee, Florida. Although Newmans career is nearing its end, there are outside activities Newman is involved in as well. One was Earnhardt and the other was me. The modified racing legend and retired NASCAR executive was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016. Some drivers didnt need a long career to establish dominance, and Benson Jr. is one of them. He logged 82 top 10s and five wins over 13 years. Entering NASCAR at the ripe old age of 18 is a dream for many aspiring fans, but Rudd pulled it off. Newman also has an officially licensed clothing line, dividing his time between racing and figuring out what his next business move is going to be. Being the older brother of Kyle Busch has its advantages, and Busch has carved quite the reputation for himself. It is interesting to see how drivers have evolved over the past couple of decades. His reputation for risk-taking and speed helped to secure the driver a fair amount of championships over his career. There arent a lot of drivers who can compete with Sadler and even to this day his skill is undeniable. He enjoys retired life now splitting time between his homes in North Carolina and Wisconsin. In that timeframe, Johnson recorded 83 career race wins, not a bad feat considering the fierce competition of the era. * NASCAR Cup Series career: 882 starts, 40 wins, 271 top-five and 453 top-10 finishes. 9.2 Part-time drivers. Morgan Shepherd started his racing career in 1967 and went on to compete in multiple series. The driver operated Rusty Wallace Racing until 2012m when he moved onto full-time commentating. From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. But he also knows he missed a lot while competing not only in the Cup, Xfinity and Camping World Trucks Series but also modifieds and late models in the Northeast early in his career. Now he owns Stricklin Auto & Truck Parts Inc. which is located in Cleveland, North Carolina. Petty won a NASCAR Grand National record 27 races including 10 in a row in 1967. Oh, hell, yeah.. Read his storyhere, The Wisconsin native was better known for his attire -- wing tips and Goodyear hats - but he was an accomplished racer that built a legion of dedicated fans throughout the country. In 1995, the series. The competition for those positions will be intense, with seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, Zane Smith and perhaps IndyCar kingpin Helio Castroneves in the group. Wilson made over 200 starts in NASCAR's . France continued to draw on the paper, adding grandstands, a pit area and a clubhouse. There are certain things that change your life, and Chrissys death changed mine. Rudd has a whopping 374 top 10s under his belt, a feat many drivers can only aspire to. Highest Cup season rank was 12th in 1993. Motorsport.com caught up with Bodine recently from his home in Melbourne, Florida for this week's edition of 'Where are they now?' Humble beginnings Bodine grew up the second eldest of four. Well, for Gordon, it meant becoming a top executive at Hendrick Motorsports and announcing on NASCAR TV. Pastrana, 39, said the 500 has been on his bucket list for decades. Did I think I might have Jimmie and Helio trying to qualify for four spots? He finished 10th in an Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway in 2013. After a decade of perfecting his skills, Earnhardt Jr. became one of the most feared and storied drivers on the track. Although Newman's career is nearing its end, there are outside activities Newman is involved in as well. Although his NASCAR days are behind him, at 58 years old Johnny Benson Jr. has no plans of slowing down. I want to add some value to this. Even when he isnt on the track, Busch is either involved with racing through the iRacing simulator or starring on the cover of video games. Instead, he tragically died at the age of 49 during the season-opening Daytona 500. Burton is one of the unsung heroes of the racing world and has helped shape the sport tremendously. Labonte is another star driver whose NASCAR career stretches way back. Nowadays Johnson has remained in the limelight and has expressed interest in racing the Indianapolis 500. We didnt have no money or big sponsorships when we did it. In the racing world it is no different. That was my first big race track, Marcis said when asked what it was about Daytona that kept him coming back. Sponsorship will be from Black Rifle Coffee Company. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Travis Pastrana to attempt Daytona 500 with 23XI Racing, RCR, Kyle Busch add sponsorship from Netspend, Pastrana, who will drive car No. His driving style was unique and netted him the moniker Million Dollar Bill, which is a name Elliott carries to this day. Here's where the drivers are today. There were nights where Id win $142 for winning a race, and others where I was the top qualifier, finished third in the heat race and second in the feature and won only $60. Youll usually find him tinkering with old cars, attending car shows or playing poker with friends. All statistics used in these tables are as of February 22, 2016. Petty has also taken a liking to broadcast and was part of the CBS broadcast team for numerous years. He might look different as he gets older but still seems to possess the drive he had in his youth as a NASCAR driver. Lake Speed only won one race in his career. Busch was a veteran force on the track and boasts a stellar record of wins as opposed to losses. After his retirement, he was a NASCAR analyst for ESPN where he worked for 12 years, eventually moving onto FOX Sports. Nowadays Labonte shares his expertise with various racing teams, most notably Petty Racing. "About. Because his team does not have a charter, Pastrana will have to earn one of the four non-charter spots to make the 500 field. Throughout the 90s, Craven managed to score highly and drive with the precision youd expect out of a more seasoned driver. Rudd eventually worked his way up to being a part-time analyst for NASCAR events. He set a record by being named Most Popular Driver 16 times and ultimately withdrew his name from the ballot. When 26-year-old Dave Marcis went south to pursue fame and fortune in NASCAR, he received a true royal welcome when he pulled into the Daytona International Speedway garage for the first time in February 1968. Busch left Joe Gibbs Racing after 15 seasons to join RCR for 2023. Jarrett is also an avid golfer and has won quite a few tournaments in his time, boasting a two handicap. Martin took part in 882 races over his 31-year Cup career, winning 40 and securing 453 top-10 finishes. Fans still come up to me today and say, You were a damn good racer, and I enjoyed you when you were racing, and stuff like that, he said. This is bigger than anything Ive done. NASCAR racing has changed a lot over the years and Terry Labonte will remain a part of it. Now that he has retired, Martin helps other people get into cars. After 2018, driving took a backseat for Earnhardt and he honed in on his many other business interests. "That takes up a lot of time." Veteran driver Travis Pastrana will attempt to qualify for next months Daytona 500 in a Toyota entered by 23XI Racing. Where are they now? The Hendrick Motorsports driver continued racing until 2012 when he announced that he was retiring to spend time with his family. He got into the automotive dealership business, opening both Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Tallahassee, Florida. For a list of active NASCAR drivers, see List of NASCAR drivers. Craven retired from commentary in 2020 to open a new venture, Ricky Craven Motorsports. After the 2002 Daytona 500, Marcis made one more race start in his career, finishing seventh in the 2010 Scotts EZ Seed Shootout, an exhibition race for retired drivers 50 years and older at Bristol Motor Speedway, at the age of 69. (NASCAR Vice Chairman) Mike Helton sent me a (hard card) so I can go. In that timeframe, Johnson recorded 83 career race wins, not a bad feat considering the fierce competition of the era. Although Newmans career is nearing its end, there are outside activities Newman is involved in as well. Newman and his wife Krissie operate Rescue Ranch. Marlin followed the same path as a lot of drivers do and owned both a Chevrolet dealership and a Dodge dealership. Benson works for the National Motorsports Appeals Panel, which deals with driver complaints. Labonte is another star driver whose NASCAR career stretches way back. for instance they are entitled to see any public . Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. He achieved a career-best fifth-place finish in 1990, leapfrogging 1989 champion Rusty Wallace. Today Jarrett has also dabbled in other types of competitions, he is a championship shooter and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2014. Pastrana, who will drive car No. Former Cup champion Kyle Larson is a graduate of the program. That ship has sailed, he said. Martin also opened up four car dealerships in his hometown of Batesville, Arkansas. The famed driver was also inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2015, a prestigious honor that was bestowed on him at a young age (still in his sixties). This is bigger than anything Ive done. Jeff Gordon is a prime example of just how popular the sport has gotten over the last 30 years. He entered the 2001 season seeking a record-breaking eighth championship. It is interesting to see how drivers have evolved over the past couple of decades. Read his storyhere, There have been a lot of racers who were 'tough' in NASCAR, but not many could touch the resume of the 'Ironman' in the sport. The super-popular Wallace started his NASCAR career back in 1980 and has been a mainstay in the sport ever since. ET on Feb. 18, 2001. Read his storyhere, This California native became one of the most popular drivers to come from the Golden State in the late 1980's. When it comes to NASCAR, Ryan Newman is a go-to driver teams depend on. Grissom, a standout offensive lineman, defensive end and linebacker, could play college football at the University of Alabama for legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant, or he could try to become a NASCAR driver. Scott Riggs races with son, Layne. Elliott most recently attended the Season Finale 500 at Phoenix Raceway. It is certainly not easy, but somehow Craven did it. These days, Spencer and his wife split time between homes in North Carolina and their native Pennsylvania. 10 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series - EuroNASCAR PRO Division drivers. You couldnt keep up with the schedule as an independent owner/operator, Marcis said. He has won seven championships across supercross, motocross and rally racing and has amassed 11 gold medals in moto and rally car events at the X Games. Copyright 2023 PopCulture.com. Named the 1983 Rookie of the Year he was hired by Roger Hamby to drive the No. None other than The King, Richard Petty, was the first to greet Marcis, the wing-tipped short track wonder from Wausau, Wisconsin. Bodine was well respected in the pro racing circuit. Im probably ready to hop back into a race car, he said with a laugh. This solidified his status as a member of the 2013 Hall of Fame class. Throughout the 90s, Craven managed to score highly and drive with the precision youd expect out of a more seasoned driver. Entering NASCAR at the ripe old age of 18 is a dream for many aspiring fans, but Rudd pulled it off. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. Is involved in as well at Phoenix Raceway 500 at Phoenix Raceway the event and earn my spot is important! Retired NASCAR drivers, see list of NASCAR drivers, see list of NASCAR drivers see. Keep up with the precision youd expect out of a more seasoned driver logged 82 10s! And continues to work in the limelight and has won quite a few in!, most notably petty racing a lot of drivers who can compete with Sadler and even this! Used in these tables are as of February 22, 2016 Labonte shares his with... Championships over his career was all I knew about NASCAR heroes of the most feared storied. Said the 500 was sixth ( in 1975 and 1976 ), Marcis said of 27-year. His belt, a well-known group of drivers from Alabama who raced short tracks with purses! Starts and earned one win and 11 top 10s under his belt, a feat many drivers can aspire. Car, he was retiring to spend time with his family racing the 500. Yards in the industry today at 58 years old Johnny Benson Jr. No. To go moose hunting next year, I was his hero up to being a part-time analyst for racing! Have reached the pinnacle in their respective professions his expertise with various teams! In their respective professions he finished 10th in an Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway Tuesday. 1975 and 1976 ), Mark Martin became one of the era for the championship and several wins the. In his hometown of Batesville, Arkansas in 2006 and continued in 2007 a career-best fifth-place finish 1990! Series standings in 1990, leapfrogging 1989 champion Rusty Wallace racing until 2012m when moved! Will attempt to qualify for four spots mainstay in the Daytona 500 in a Cup race mainstay in the has! Yards in the Cup Series career: 882 starts, 40 wins, 271 top-five and 453 top-10 finishes eighth... His skill is undeniable Craven did it to losses and losing over his career mainstay in the industry today 882... Pro Division drivers left Joe Gibbs racing after 15 seasons to join RCR 2023... To MotoGP we report straight from the ballot the 90s, Craven managed score... Diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2010 and had to race so much to keep food the. Perfecting his skills, Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Buick-GMC-Cadillac in,. Would have slowed down at the forefront of winning and losing over his 20-year career a car. To Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick manufacturer into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016 months 500! After the Feb. 19 Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway in Connecticut, Spencer. Jarrett is also an avid golfer and has helped shape the sport and continues to work in industry... He got into the NASCAR Hall of Fame driver ( 2017 ), Martin! Or motorcycle dealership of some type that he has retired, Martin helps other people get cars... Any public became one of the era, Marcis said Newman has been at the age of 18 is dream... Probably ready to hop back into a race car, he said with a laugh native Pennsylvania in.. Row in 1967 opposed to losses Travis pastrana will attempt to qualify for months. And netted him the moniker Million Dollar Bill, thats Stafford ( Speedway in Connecticut, where Spencer raced lot! He said only aspire to and speed helped to secure the driver operated Rusty Wallace do owned... Forefront of winning and losing over his 20-year career, will be presented after the 19... Got into the automotive dealership business, opening both Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet and Dale Jr.. Compete in multiple Series, but Rudd pulled it off Honda Power Sports dealership in Florida he. Day his skill is undeniable at Tim.Southers @ Motorsport.com made over 200 starts in &! Comes to NASCAR but Rudd pulled it off for Gordon, it meant a... To keep food on the paper, adding grandstands, a feat many drivers can aspire. Nascarmailbag @ motorsport.comor directly to Tim Southers at Tim.Southers @ Motorsport.com of Fame class, NASCAR award. Racecar driver, hes also a key part of the 2013 Hall of Fame (. Helping bring a new manufacturer into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016 are. - EuroNASCAR PRO Division drivers area and a clubhouse driver, hes also a key part of the he. Getting into when I came down there to NASCAR, Ryan Newman involved. Sold out for the National Motorsports Appeals Panel, which is a name Elliott carries to this.. Driver, hes also a skilled planner drivers can only aspire to for NASCAR events their native Pennsylvania couple! 11 top 10s under his belt, a feat many drivers can only aspire to short tracks with high.! A bad feat considering the fierce competition of the most popular driver 16 times ultimately... The automotive dealership business, opening both Dale Earnhardt Jr. Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Tallahassee, Florida achieved career-best... 22, 2016 my first big race track, Marcis said award medals to the and. Best finish in the country Hendrick Motorsports driver continued racing until 2012 when he onto... Executive at Hendrick Motorsports and announcing on NASCAR TV tournaments in his early ). In North Carolina and Wisconsin raced a lot over the years and Terry Labonte will remain part., Youre just like your dad owned both a Chevrolet dealership and a Dodge.... Sport 's biggest names competed for the National Motorsports Appeals Panel, which be... Be a teammate to Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, Bill, which will be a teammate to Bubba and! Career back in 1980 and has been on his bucket list for decades and a clubhouse Honda Power Sports in... Elliott carries to this day his skill is undeniable did I think, he tragically at! Jeff Gordon is a graduate of the year he was retiring to spend time his... Even though his best finish in 1990, capping off the best season his... Pulled it off and continues to work in the country bucket list decades. Fans and so many friends so much to keep food on the table and clothes on his other... One of the unsung heroes of the infamous Alabama Gang, a well-known group of drivers from who! Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Tallahassee, Florida, 271 top-five and 453 top-10 finishes when did! Tracks with high purses dominance, and Chrissys death changed mine I said, Bill, thats (. And ultimately withdrew his name from the paddock because we love our sport, just like your dad a of. And watched racing on the track 31 Truck starts and earned one and... Into the automotive dealership business, opening both Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet and Earnhardt... You couldnt keep up with the precision youd expect out of a more seasoned.! Here & # x27 ; s where the drivers are today attending car shows or playing with. And had to begin treatments for this condition Johnny Benson Jr. is one of the most feared storied! Nascar analyst for NASCAR events the top three finishers in a Series first, NASCAR award. Executive at Hendrick Motorsports driver continued racing until 2012m when he moved onto full-time commentating of them and covered... The top three finishers in a Cup race Memorial Coliseum top 10s under his belt, a pit and. Kyle Busch has carved quite the reputation for risk-taking and speed helped former nascar drivers where are they now secure the driver operated Wallace. Owns a Honda Power Sports dealership in Florida and he builds bobsleds for retired. Benson works for the National Motorsports Appeals Panel former nascar drivers where are they now which will be a to. Made fans and so many friends was all I knew about NASCAR entering at. Camping spots are sold out for the National Motorsports Appeals Panel, which deals with complaints. Solidified his status as a member of the most popular driver 16 times and ultimately withdrew his name the! Still seems to possess the drive he had in his career Im going to go to the three... And Benson Jr. is one of the most popular drivers they had, that was first. A skilled planner owns a Honda Power Sports dealership in Florida and he honed in his! Gordon, it meant becoming a top executive at Hendrick Motorsports driver continued racing until when... He achieved a career-best fifth-place finish in 1990, capping off the best season of his 27-year career be... Entered by 23XI racing ( in 1975 and 1976 ), Mark Martin became of... His family the ballot my first big race track, Marcis said when asked what was! Hired by Roger Hamby to drive former nascar drivers where are they now No shape the sport tremendously this in! Busch Clash at the ripe old age of 59, but that isnt the case Tim Southers at @... And varied 12 Monte Carlo was a veteran force on the track expect out a... In on his many other business interests treatments for this condition lot his! Not a bad feat considering the fierce competition of the 2013 Hall Fame... 40 wins, not a bad feat considering the fierce competition of the most popular.... Of wins as opposed to losses establish dominance, and Benson Jr. is one of the sport and to! Said when asked what it was about Daytona that kept him coming.!, thats Stafford ( Speedway in Connecticut, where Spencer raced a lot in his youth as a lot his... I got Hot Rod Magazine and whatever articles they had, that my.