The venture is an animal rescue foundation that focuses on rehoming companion animals in shelters. Bodine was one of the longest-tenured drivers in the sport, actively driving for a team well into his 60s. Few drivers have managed to cultivate as welcoming of a personality as Earnhardt Jr. has over the past 20 years. Where Are They Now? Pastrana, 39, said the 500 has been on his bucket list for decades. More recently, Johnson has gotten into the commentating booth with his old rival Dale Earnhardt Jr. Superstar NASCAR Drivers: Where Are They Now? Grandstand seating and camping spots are sold out for the Feb. 19 Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway announced Tuesday. Few drivers have managed to cultivate as welcoming of a personality as Earnhardt Jr. has over the past 20 years. Tickets remain available in the infield Fanzone and in hospitality areas. Some drivers didnt need a long career to establish dominance, and Benson Jr. is one of them. There arent a lot of names that resonate with racing as much as Gordons does. The retired racecar driver is more active than ever, even participating as a coach for the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series teams. Entering the racing world in 1975, Rudd managed to carve quite the reputation for himself early on as a steady hand at the wheel. 17 Hesco Exhaust-sponsored Chevrolet. He went from relative obscurity to becoming one of the most popular drivers of all time. 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. The two drivers provide unique in-depth perspectives of the next generation of drivers. We didnt even have a 1/2-mile track we ran on weekly. They were really hard, they didnt wear. Another popular name in NASCAR for two decades was Mark Martin, who had the most wins in the Xfinity Series with an impressive 49. Then he drew a second circle, and a line that bisected the circles. - November 10, 2020 11:37 pm EST. He most recently competed in NASCAR in a Craftsman Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the fall of 2020. We went bear hunting in Canada last year and were going to go moose hunting next year, I think, he said. Currently, he is also a spokesperson for Nationwide Insurance, which he had as a sponsorship deal for his racing team. 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 celebrities that have been able to cultivate the career that Wallace has done for himself. He was successful in late models to trucks and Busch series cars throughout his career. Bodine was well respected in the pro racing circuit. Dale Earnhardt, who finished second overall in the 2000 Cup Series, only competed in one more race. NASCAR Pioneers: Where Are They Now? Read. After he quietly retired from racing, Stewart carved out a reputation of knowledge and dependability. His expertise has been used by various racing teams and Elliott is still a commentator for NASCAR to this day. 00; Full-time, Part-time; Gaylord, MI 49735; Apply Now Elliot Aviation Inc Avionics. I was winning in the Busch Series and made some comments to the media about some officiating. These are the best drivers. One day, a Saturday, practice was over and an official came up to me and said, Mr. Initially racing for his father, Labonte won the coveted NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. Where are they now? That was big, but the most important thing was my mom and dad were sitting in those bleachers when I started sixth in my first Daytona 500 in the Heinz 57 car (in 1990, finished 15th), behind Dale Earnhardt and Bill Elliott. Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing have picked up multi-race sponsorship from financial services company Netspend. Catching up with Brian Scott. Elite racing is intense motorsport with a lot of danger and risk, something that doesnt equate to pleasant golden years. Of course, my wife doesnt want me to, but yeah, I still would like to.. This second-place finish would be the best of his career. The Rooster built a reputation for being an "ironman" during his NASCAR career, starting 788 consecutive races from 1981- 2005. None other than The King, Richard Petty, was the first to greet Marcis, the wing-tipped short track wonder from Wausau, Wisconsin. It was time for me to say its time to start enjoying life, Spencer said. That ship has sailed, he said. 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. He then moved on to the former NASCAR Touring Series called the All-Pro. He operates the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation and is the official spokesperson for Virginias 34 state parks since 2003. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. Few racers have as short and sweet of a run as Burton did. Rudd eventually worked his way up to being a part-time analyst for NASCAR events. Our fans know theres nothing better in sports than attending the Daytona 500, and they will help us kick off NASCARs 75th Anniversary by filling the facility, said speedway president Frank Kelleher in a statement released by the track. After racing, Bodine did the next most common thing for retired drivers and opened a Honda Power Sports dealership in West Melbourne, Florida. Earnhardt Jr. was just coming into his own when his father passed away in a tragic racing crash. 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. With the determination and fortitude to win you can bet that Wallace will be a part of NASCAR for the foreseeable future. Some may think of the term as derogatory, but Mike Bliss embraces the nickname. 3 Chevrolet. Sponsorship will be from Black Rifle Coffee Company. I still have friends from my modified days in Connecticut. Ingram was a pioneer in many ways and helped bring what was then known as the Busch Series to life. After 2018, driving took a backseat for Earnhardt and he honed in on his many other business interests. There arent a lot of drivers who had the short but meaningful success Benson Jr. had. They would become close friends. Gordon was always a people person, and his outgoing personality made him an instant star. He had quite the career for someone who started with humble roots and made a great name for himself. Marcis best seasons in NASCAR were 1975, when he finished a distant second in the points to Petty, and in 1978, when he finished fifth, driving for team owner Rod Osterlund. Upon entering retirement, Jarrett took on the role of being a NASCAR commentator for a few different networks, something he still does today. Craven managed to carve out a niche for yourself in the highly competitive world of NASCAR. Nicknamed "Rocketman," Newman has been at the forefront of winning and losing over his 20-year career. I have no regrets.. 67, will be a teammate to Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Part two, which deals with Marcis friendship with Dale Earnhardt, will appear Tuesday. Labonte is another star driver whose NASCAR career stretches way back. He is also still actively driving at the ISMA tour, operating a super-modified car thats owned by Brad Lichty. When it came to the toughest foes he faced on the track, Marcis said the late Dick Trickle, a fellow Wisconsin native, was the toughest on Midwest short tracks, while Petty was among the hardest on NASCARs bigger tracks. From 2011 to 2013, Pastrana raced in 42 Xfinity Series events. Earnhardt Jr. has also done voice acting in the Disney/Pixar movie Cars as Number 8. I was one of his heroes. Allisons legendary Miller #12 Monte Carlo was a hallmark and one of the most popular cars on the track. The modified racing legend and retired NASCAR executive was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016. Cook resides in North Carolina and still attends races - especially modified events. Trenton, New Jersey (Trenton Speedway) used to be a real tough race track when they put the dog leg in the back straightaway, and Dover, Delaware (Dover International Speedway) was a real tough race track because youd spend 5 hours in that heat, at 130 degrees in that race car, he said. It wasnt because of a good, soft tire, because we didnt have them. But two years earlier, Marcis won 52 races in the Central Wisconsin Racing Association, a confluence of 1/3- and 1/4-mile asphalt paved tracks. Last July, Marcis returned to his hometown, along with Sauter and others to take in a CWRA Stars to Legends Tour race and share many memories in and around his old stomping grounds of State Park Speedway. Excitement has finally slowed down. Bodine was well respected in the pro racing circuit. He added three more championships to his already impressive resume, bringing his total to seven. The winner of the 1990 Winston Cup Series his fourth championship Dale Earnhardt continued to showcase his talents behind the wheel of the No. He currently is 64 years old and is living in Kannapolis, North Carolina with his wife. 8.1 Full-time drivers. Ricky Rudd finished the 1990 season seventh in points after winning one race and finishing in the top-five eight separate times. The two drivers provide unique in-depth perspectives of the next generation of drivers. Wilson made over 200 starts in NASCAR's . And I won Daytona (1994 Pepsi 400). When asked how many more years he can still race, he answered with a huge laugh. Jarrett was one of the originals in NASCAR racing, and when many think of the sport, his name comes up first. 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. Earnhardt Jr. was just coming into his own when his father passed away in a tragic racing crash. At the height of his popularity, Stewart was featured in a Three Doors Down music video and on the cover of numerous NASCAR video games. Rudd was part of an elite group of drivers who took NASCAR to new heights of popularity, including Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. The racing of yesteryear was an entirely different sport than it is today, with a lot more risk and less technology. Today he owns RKM Enviroclean which is an environmental cleanup service. Stewart was among one of the major celebrity drivers that propelled NASCAR to unfathomable heights. When a driver frequently moves from team to team, he's often called a "journeyman.". The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. He cut his career short in 2010 and faded into a quiet retirement ven though he still appears on NASCAR TV from time to time. Well, for Gordon, it meant becoming a top executive at Hendrick Motorsports and announcing on NASCAR TV. Entering NASCAR at the ripe old age of 18 is a dream for many aspiring fans, but Rudd pulled it off. There arent a lot of drivers who can compete with Sadler and even to this day his skill is undeniable. Elite racing is intense motorsport with a lot of danger and risk, something that doesnt equate to pleasant golden years. 8.2 Part-time drivers. After a lengthy career, whats a NASCAR star to do? Were looking forward to seeing the No. Read his storyhere, This North Carolina native made a name for himself competing in the Goody's Dash Series throughout the 1990's and won a lot of races and five championships. The super-popular Wallace started his NASCAR career back in 1980 and has been a mainstay in the sport ever since. It wasnt easy but its what I wanted to do.. I said Im giving it all up. 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. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Youll usually find him tinkering with old cars, attending car shows or playing poker with friends. 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. Pastrana, who will drive car No. Craven famously had a crash with Kurt Busch at the 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400. Scott Riggs races with son, Layne. What ever happened to the "pretty good" drivers that we don't see every week anymore? Our fans know theres nothing better in sports than attending the Daytona 500, and they will help us kick off NASCARs 75th Anniversary by filling the facility, said speedway president Frank Kelleher in a statement released by the track. To go to the event and earn my spot is really important. While Marcis had read about Petty, the latter had heard plenty of Marcis racing exploits and success back in the Badger State. The racing of yesteryear was an entirely different sport than it is today, with a lot more risk and less technology. Drivers who participate in sporting events not only get fame but also fortunes and a reputation that can last for decades. It was his sister Chrissys death in 2010, after a long battle with ovarian cancer, that began Spencer on something he never thought hed do. He won 11 races in one year and was also named one of the 50 greatest modified drivers. Wallace has managed racing teams as well as kept his name in the sport by commentating and mentoring. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker. Other than the fact that Elliott is a storied racecar driver, hes also a skilled planner. The super-popular Wallace started his NASCAR career back in 1980 and has been a mainstay in the sport ever since. He still participated in a number of races until 2014 and became the oldest driver to ever start a race (71 years, nine months and two days). Driver. Competed in 478 Cup races; 2 wins, 80 top 10s. In the racing world it is no different. Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5. Busch was a veteran force on the track and boasts a stellar record of wins as opposed to losses. Wallace has managed racing teams as well as kept his name in the sport by commentating and mentoring. May 23, 2016. Well, I was his hero up to that day.. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. He logged 82 top 10s and five wins over 13 years. Labonte won this award alongside other greats from his generation such as Dale Earnhardt and Harry Gant. Former Driver Rick Wilson has also retired from racing and gone to farming. There arent a lot of celebrities that have been able to cultivate the career that Wallace has done for himself. I thought I was the cock of the walk. Rick is also still active in his charity The Rick Mast Foundation. Jeff Gordon is a prime example of just how popular the sport has gotten over the last 30 years. And Bristol was really, really tough on your neck and the heat was pretty bad there, too.. Theres a lot of memories when you race the number of years I did, moving from the ranks of a short-track guy who really had nothing and no big sponsorships and running the 1/3- and 1/4-mile tracks, Marcis said. Some of the sport's biggest names competed for the championship and several wins over the 29-race schedule. While reading these stories, readers and NASCAR fans also have an opportunity to submit ideas for future stories they would like to see on Motorsport.com in the future. 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. But gas was only 27 cents a gallon. But that's exactly what Brian Scott did at the age of 28 in 2016. Id work night and day so half the time Id be worn out by race day. Last season of racing was 2005 in Xfinity Series at age of 48. Above all, I want to be a part of it, he said. His last race came in the 1994 Hooters 500 at Atlanta. We all know what former NASCAR drivers Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip and Rusty Wallace are doing now that there retired, but what about other drivers that raced in the 1980s and 1990s? 8 Netspend Chevy on race tracks across America and delivering our key marketing and business objectives through this unique platform with the RCR team partnership, said Kelley Knutson, Netspend president, in a statement released by RCR. After meeting him for the first time in Daytona, we became and have remained good friends.. I really want to have a great car, a great team and great people to help me get there, Pastrana said. Did I think I might have Jimmie and Helio trying to qualify for four spots? Even at 47 years old, Kevin Harvick has continued to prove his worth in NASCAR's highest level. Allisons legendary Miller #12 Monte Carlo was a hallmark and one of the most popular cars on the track. In addition to that accolade, Sadler is also an advocate for college basketball, having played himself and earned a scholarship before a debilitating knee injury. When Johnson isnt burning up the asphalt, he also operates the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, which helps communities and families who are in need. 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. The sellout is the eighth consecutive for the 500, which opens the NASCAR Cup Series regular season. I stay busy, I dont sit around., Oh sure, I still follow it, he said. 10 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series - EuroNASCAR PRO Division drivers. He was known for being an owner/driver and driving the number 83. Burton is one of the unsung heroes of the racing world and has helped shape the sport tremendously. 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. Stewart was among one of the major celebrity drivers that propelled NASCAR to unfathomable heights. The venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. Newman and his wife Krissie operate Rescue Ranch. 8 Netspend Chevy on race tracks across America and delivering our key marketing and business objectives through this unique platform with the RCR team partnership, said Kelley Knutson, Netspend president, in a statement released by RCR. In those days, everybody had to qualify and sometimes you had 62 cars trying to qualify for 40 or so places.. Rookie Austin Cindric won last years Daytona 500 by .036 of a second over Bubba Wallace. 10.2 Part-time drivers. This page was last edited on 5 August 2020, at 16:54. Benson works for the National Motorsports Appeals Panel, which deals with driver complaints. Here's where the drivers are today. Stewart will undoubtedly go down as one of the most popular drivers. Pastrana, who has raced in a number of series over a 25-year career, has not competed in the Daytona 500. McGuinness ends retirement rumours with TT 2023 entry with Honda. Named the 1983 Rookie of the Year he was hired by Roger Hamby to drive the No. 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. Read his storyhere, Although he was an accomplished driver and record holder while racing modifieds in his native northeast, this Chemung driver will be remembered always. Being the older brother of Kyle Busch has its advantages, and Busch has carved quite the reputation for himself. For risk-taking and speed helped to secure the driver a fair amount of championships over 20-year! 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