When NASCAR Faced a Major Car Change in 1981

FromA Lifetime in Motorsports

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When NASCAR Faced a Major Car Change in 1981

FromA Lifetime in Motorsports

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Length:

61 minutes

Released:

Nov 30, 2021

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

A Lifetime In NASCAR features NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski taking a look at the current events of NASCAR through the lens of the past. Join these historians each week as they tackle the NASCAR timeline from an all-new perspective.

Released:

Nov 30, 2021

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (76)

A Lifetime in Motorsports features NASCAR writers and historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski taking a look at the current events of NASCAR through the lens of the past. Join these historians as they tackle the NASCAR timeline from an all-new perspective.

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Sterling Marlin's Groundhog Daytona 500 – A Lifetime in NASCAR Podcast Episode 4: In episode 4, it's all about the No. 4. Aaron reminisces about Loy Allen Jr.'s crazy career, and Ben airs the dirty laundry on Sterling Marlin's 1995 Daytona 500 win. All that plus the track of the week and more! by A Lifetime in Motorsports
76 min listen
Ben is SUMMONED by the KING by A Lifetime in Motorsports
67 min listen
No Questions Asked of Michael McDowell: This week Ben and Aaron talk about the man of the hour – who just so happens to be the driver of the week – Michael McDowell, the winner of the Daytona 500. Ben and Aaron each share their memories of meeting and interacting with McDowell, long before the glory days of the Daytona 500 victory lane. Find out how down to earth he is, his instinct for driving, and what happened when everyone had the opportunity to interview him. Plus, there’s a whole lot more in this Daytona 500 episode! by A Lifetime in Motorsports
69 min listen
The Intensity and Focus of Mark Martin: The driver of the week takes the spotlight in episode 6, as Ben and Aaron discuss the intensity and focus of Mark Martin. The track of the week is of course Daytona, it’s speed week after all! Ben has the story of leaving the beach, and Aaron remembers one of the strangest Daytona 500 victories. Plus, who was the greatest driver you knew in the No. 6 car? by A Lifetime in Motorsports
71 min listen
Robert Yates - The Ultimate Storyteller: This week, Aaron and Ben reminisce about the late Robert Yates, how he impacted the history of car No. 28 in NASCAR and how he was an expert at telling stories you can't hear anywhere else. The two also do a dive into the successful drivers of the No. 28, what (and who) made Yates Racing into a powerhouse, and what could've been. Stick around to hear Aaron and Ben discuss who would've benefited from having the NASCAR Playoffs in the 1970s and 1980s, and who should be thankful it didn't exist! by A Lifetime in Motorsports
66 min listen
Rob Moroso HATED Losing: This week, Aaron and Ben talk about what could have been with Rob Moroso, as well as his competitive nature and Aaron's longing to find his old Moroso sunglasses. The two also discuss NASCAR drivers going drag racing, Aaron racing Cup drivers in go-karts, who'd win a shopping-cart race and the most unforgettable moments at Homestead-Miami (both personally and on track). Also, Ben recalls a pretty crazy Kyle Petty story from a photo shoot. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
68 min listen
Fireball Roberts: NASCAR'S First Superstar?: This week, Aaron and Ben discuss Fireball Roberts' popularity throughout his brief career, as well as the first Cup drivers who were younger than Aaron (Joey Logano) and Ben (we still don't know!). The two also discuss Ganassi Racing's history and its future under Justin Marks, which tracks should make a return to the NASCAR schedule, where the Cup Series should be on July 4 and why NASCAR drivers retire earlier than they did in the 1980s. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
70 min listen
The Ballad of Handsome Harry Gant: This week the boys look back at the career of “Handsome” Harry Gant, the Skoal Bandit, covering some of his most interesting traits and race events. Plus, which NASCAR drivers have made a successful leap over to IndyCars, and who amongst the current pack of drivers could possibly handle the jump today? All that and more on this week’s episode of A Lifetime in NASCAR. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
73 min listen
Rick Hendrick: Cup Series Driver?: This week, Aaron and Ben discuss Rick Hendrick's brief career as a Cup Series driver, as well as his fledgling start as a team owner. Since it's Episode 19, the pair also dish on Martin Truex Jr.'s career, what Aaron wore the first time he met Martin and a low point in Ben's career, when he asked Martin an embarrassing question. You'll also hear plenty about the disappearance of road-course ringers, what Aaron thinks of when he hears "Henley Gray," and why the phrase "trimmed out" has suddenly entered NASCAR parlance. A Lifetime in NASCAR features NASCAR historians Ben White and Aaron Burns taking a look at the current events of NASCAR through the lens of the past. What was silly season like in the golden age of NASCAR? How would NASCAR Reddit have reacted to NASCAR’s greatest moments of the 90’s? Join these historians as they tackle the NASCAR timeline from an all new perspective. https://twitter.com/NPPMag https://twitter.com/aaronclayburns by A Lifetime in Motorsports
63 min listen
Big in Japan with Dale Earnhardt – A Lifetime in NASCAR Podcast Episode 3: In episode 3, the boys fittingly tackle the history of the No. 3 car. This week you can find out what happens when Ben and Dale Earnhardt meet up for a race in Japan! by A Lifetime in Motorsports
76 min listen
BLACK FLAG and ARRESTED at Wilkesboro Speedway by A Lifetime in Motorsports
73 min listen
Tony Stewart Expects You to Bring Your A-Game: This week, Aaron and Ben discuss Tony Stewart’s legacy behind the wheel and the microphone, including times when he’s been less than impressed with the media’s questions. Aaron discusses popular NASCAR movies like “Days of Thunder” and “Stroker Ace,” while Ben brings up some films that are so old, we don’t even think they still exist. You’ll also learn about dirt racing at Charlotte in the 1940s and the car owner who stole tires from a fan. Check it out! by A Lifetime in Motorsports
71 min listen
Ben & Aaron's Good Luck Charms for Drivers - A Lifetime in NASCAR Podcast Episode 5: In episode 5, the boys take a trip back to Atlanta, when it was called the Atlanta International Raceway, and fittingly they talk the history of the No. 5 car. Also in this episode is a funny look at Ben and Aaron’s good luck and bad luck stories about drivers, in which Aaron claims credit for everything good Jamie McMurray has ever done. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
74 min listen
Top Secret Hot Laps with Mario Andretti: This week, the chosen track is Charlotte, so you know these two have some amazing memories to share. Aaron takes a super car out for a routine cleaning, Ben plays Need for Speed in real life on I-85, and we hear about exactly how the legendary Mario Andretti tests out a new race track. All that plus the highlights of Bill Elliot on this week’s episode of A Lifetime in NASCAR! by A Lifetime in Motorsports
74 min listen
A Personal Tribute to Davey Allison: Davey Allison is one of the most legendary drivers to ever grace the sport of NASCAR. On the anniversary of his passing, Ben recalls his personal memories of not only Davey the iconic driver, but Davey his friend. Featuring Eric Estepp. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
57 min listen
Neil Bonnet Schools Ben on Women: “Do you understand women?” This is the first question the driver of the week, Neil Bonnett, had for Ben the first time they met. Hear about that, plus Aaron is making demands and naming names on NASCAR’s most important rivalry – Alabama vs Auburn. All that plus the hidden history of the Xfinity series on this week’s episode of A Lifetime in NASCAR by A Lifetime in Motorsports
70 min listen
Jr. Johnson and the Moonshine Legacy of NASCAR: If you’re new to the sport, you might think those stories of bootleggers and moonshiners are just legends. Nope! They’re true, and in this episode of A Lifetime in NASCAR, Ben and Aaron take you through the history of one of the drivers who experienced that life, Jr. Johnson. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
70 min listen
Talladega's Wild Card History: They don't call it Talladega Superspeedway for nothing. For it truly is a super speedway. So much history has been made at the track, starting with an ignominious driver boycott on the day the track opened in 1969, to being the site of the late Dale Earnhardt's final Cup win in 2000. And let's not forget all of the noted "Big One's" that have occurred on NASCAR's largest racetrack at 2.66 miles. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
68 min listen
Eric Estepp Joins the Show!: This week special guest Eric Estepp joins the show while Aaron is away at the Coke 600. Ben and Eric remember their earliest NASCAR memories, and what their first at the track experience was like. What’s it like to grow up around cars and motorsports? And what’s it like being the only NASCAR fan in the family? Find out their stories and more on this week’s episode of A Lifetime in NASCAR! by A Lifetime in Motorsports
63 min listen
The Unfiltered Personality of Rusty Wallace: This week the boys remember the unfiltered personality of one Rusty Wallace, a man who Aaron notes always finds a clever way to drop in a few cusses to his interviews. Relive his incomparable career, along with much more, on this week’s episode of A Lifetime in NASCAR. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
68 min listen
You Can’t Say That on Television with Mike Skinner: This week Aaron and Ben take a look back at the career of Mike Skinner, including the driver of the week’s infamous radio banter that had parents covering their kids’ ears. Plus you’ll find out who named their kid after a race car, and Ben and Aaron indulge their sweet tooths. Check it out! by A Lifetime in Motorsports
73 min listen
The Oddest and Rarest NASCAR Collectibles: What are some of the rarest or most unique NASCAR collectibles you own? Are any of them valuable today? This week Ben and Aaron review their collections to pick out some of their favorites, and tell the stories behind them. Plus, the do’s and don’ts of asking for autographs at the track. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
75 min listen
Tim Richmond: Party Animal: This week, Aaron and Ben talk about Tim Richmond's skill as a driver, his penchant for partying and how he could make the sponsors swoon just as easily as the ladies. The pair also discuss Atlanta Motor Speedway's original configuration and some of its memorable moments from the 1997 reconfiguration as well as who they'd nominate for NASCAR president. Plus, Aaron rubs elbows with Donnie Allison, Ben considers signing up for Netflix and he finishes a bowl of vanilla ice cream. It's all happening here! by A Lifetime in Motorsports
61 min listen
Trevor Bayne, Are You KIDDING?: This week, Aaron and Ben talk about Trevor Bayne's upset win in the 2011 Daytona 500, as well as his memorable reaction and how the Daytona press box broke out into cheers (and why that's a no-no). The two also discuss which 1980s and 1990s NASCAR drivers should be thankful they didn't have Twitter during their careers, and Aaron proves that everything eventually can be traced back to Wally Dallenbach. Six degrees of Wally? by A Lifetime in Motorsports
62 min listen
Kyle Petty: Hitchhiking After Winning the Coke 600?!: This week, Aaron and Ben discuss the immortal Bowman Gray Stadium and all of its charm and fights, plus Kyle Petty’s unforgettable 1987 Coca-Cola 600 and a spirited debate on boiled peanuts and the NASCAR drivers most likely to enjoy them. You’ll also hear about Ben’s nervous interview with Geoff Bodine in 1983, Aaron’s NASCAR reporting debut in 2012 and his first interview with Joey Logano, as well as Ben’s hot take on Bobby Allison’s number of Cup wins. Check it out! by A Lifetime in Motorsports
75 min listen
Remembering Bob Jenkins: This week Ben and Aaron remember longtime motorsports announcer Bob Jenkins. Plus, a look at all the female drivers throughout NASCAR History. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
64 min listen
A Lifetime of Bristol Dust Ups: This episode Ben is joined by fellow NASCAR journalist Jerry Bonkowski for a spirited conversation on what went down this past weekend at Bristol, and how there's nothing new under the sun (or the lights!) in NASCAR. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
73 min listen
Episode 35: "If you do that, that's the Only Injury I'm going to have!": A Lifetime In NASCAR features NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski taking a look at the current events of NASCAR through the lens of the past. Some of the topics we've covered thus far: 1) What was Silly Season like in the golden age of NASCAR? 2) How would NASCAR Reddit have reacted to NASCAR's greatest moments of the 90s? Join these historians as they tackle the NASCAR timeline from an all-new perspective. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
66 min listen
Why Martinsville Speedway has been so iconic in NASCAR history: This Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at Martinsville Speedway is the penultimate event of the season. The final result will determine the four drivers who will face off next Sunday for the 2021 championship in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski delve deep into Martinsville's history, including how it was built, how brakes and tire wear is perhaps the most crucial there than any other track on the circuit, the "famous Martinsville hotdog," and the tragedy that befell the sport 17 years ago when 10 individuals perished in a Hendrick Motorsports plane crash about 10 miles from the racetrack. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
64 min listen
Ricky Rudd: Give Me My Trophy!: This week, Aaron and Ben talk about Ricky Rudd's checkered past at Sonoma Raceway and how he lucked into a 2002 win 11 years after NASCAR took his win away for spinning Davey Allison out of the lead. Wonder if he's still ticked... Meanwhile, Aaron and Ben also discuss John Andretti's legacy, Brett Bodine's controversial 1990 victory over Darrell Waltrip at North Wilkesboro and how NASCAR Twitter would react to a scoring error costing someone a victory today. Odds are, we'd see a blow-up which would make even Kyle Busch blush! by A Lifetime in Motorsports
60 min listen

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When Drivers Had Winning Personalities (feat. Mike Hembree of NBC Sports): Throughout the 1970s, NASCAR's top drivers enjoyed a great fan following because of their accomplishments on the race track. A good portion of their fame came from the fact they were recognized for their amazing down-home personalities and their willingness to engage with their fans. Historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski are joined by award-winning journalist Mike Hembree of NBC Sports to discuss relationships with drivers of the 1970s, as well as other subjects including the origins of No. 74 during podcast No. 74 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR." Give "A Lifetime in NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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Illegal Wins: The History of Disqualifications (feat. Ken Martin of NASCAR Productions): During the very early days of NASCAR's existence, drivers and car owners looked for any way possible to gain advantages that at times led to race wins. NASCAR officials immediately looked at their cars and wasted little time finding problems when they arose after leaving victory lane. On seven occasions, wins were taken away and given to second-place drivers. In the early 1960s, NASCAR's founder, Bill France Sr. stopped the practice of taking wins away and elected to take points away and levy hefty fines. His reasoning was that fans should leave the track knowing which driver was the winner. Over 60 years passed before a Cup Series winner was disqualified, the latest being Denny Hamlin at Pocono on July 24, 2022. Historians Ben White, Jerry Bonkowski and special guest Ken Martin discuss times in NASCAR history when wins were taken away, as well as other subjects including the origins of No. 73 dur by A Lifetime in Motorsports
77 min listen
Jerry Punch on Benny Parsons - Driver, Broadcaster, Friend: During the 1970s and 1980s, Benny Parsons was a full time driver in NASCAR's Cup Series and logged 21 victories, including the 1975 Daytona 500. Two years before winning NASCAR's biggest race, Parsons won the 1973 Cup Series championship. When Parsons ended his driving career in 1988, he turned his attention to TV and radio broadcasting and mastered them just as he did driving race cars, Historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski discuss Parsons incredible legacy with fellow broadcaster, Dr. Jerry Punch. Also discussed are the origins of the number 72 in NASCAR in podcast No. 72 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR. Give "A Lifetime in NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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Harry Hyde: The Most Innovative Crew Chief in NASCAR History: For over three decades, Harry Hyde was known as one of the most innovative crew chiefs in NASCAR history. The native of Brownsville, Ky. began his racing career on the local short tracks of Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky by building race cars for other drivers after driving for a couple of seasons himself. His reputation for winning helped land a crew chief position in the Cup Series with team owner Nord Krauskopf in 1966 with driver Bobby Isaac. From there, his career produced 56 Cup Series victories with Isaac, Buddy Baker, Dave Marcis, Neil Bonnet, with Krauskopf and J.D. Stacy and Geoff Bodine ,Tim Richmond and Ken Schrader with Rick Hendrick before his retirement in 1993. Historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski discuss Hyde's incredible legacy as well as the origins of the number 71 in NASCAR in podcast No. 71 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR. Give "A Lifetime in NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's p by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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"You Wanna Drive?" - The History of NASCAR Team Owners: Team ownership has been a huge part of the sport since NASCAR's first Strictly Stock (now Cup Series) season of competition in 1948. Some competitors drive, while those that own the teams make sure the cars are prepared and sponsored and ready to race. It's a model that has produced hundreds of victories and many, many championships. A large number of team owners in NASCAR competition are just as well known as the drivers that have raced their cars. NASCAR Historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski discuss many of their incredible legacies as well as the origins of the number 70 in NASCAR history in podcast No. 70 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR. Also discussed is a look back at the life and career of NASCAR legend J.D. McDuffie. Give "A Lifetime in NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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Remembering Bruton Smith: Throughout his life, O. Bruton Smith, he enjoyed a great passion for stock car racing that began during his childhood. His first love was to drive race cars, but when fate sent him in an entirely different direction, he far exceeded his early dreams by building an empire of race tracks for drivers to race. Smith always put race fans first when they visited his Speedway Motorsports tracks located across the country. Historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski discuss Smith's incredible legacy as well as the origins of the number 69 in NASCAR in podcast No. 69 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR. Give "A Lifetime in NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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The Petty's Unstoppable 67 (w/ Eric Estepp!): The 1967 NASCAR Grand National season dawned like any other with great anticipation that drivers and teams would find their places within the win column and bid for the season-long championship. Among those that drove Fords, Mercury's, Chryslers, Dodges and Plymouths were the stars that fans loved and admired. They were sure their favorites would emerge best and take the coveted crown by season's end. When the season began, no one had any idea the Petty's would ultimately win 27 of 48 races and take the championship going away. It was a magical year for the team from Level Cross, N.C. and even Richard Petty, crew chief Dale Inman and engine builder Maurice Petty were surprised by their own incredible success. Ben White and guest analyst Eric Estepp discuss the Petty's and their incredible 1967 season as well as the 1966 Plymouth Belvedere that carried Richard to the best year of his 32-year career. They also look back at the origins of t by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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Who ISN'T in the NASCAR Hall of Fame?: When the NASCAR Hall of Fame officially opened on May 11, 2010, there was a great deal of enthusiasm among race fans as well as the motorsports media. A prestigious panel of motorsports icons voted on the inaugural class, naming Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson, Bill France Sr. and Bill France Jr. as the first recipients to go into the hall. Over the past 12 years, a remarkable list of individuals have been inducted among drivers, crew chiefs and team owners. Many icons of the sport have yet to be inducted in the years to come. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski look back at many of the stories involving those that haven't been inducted in podcast No. 68 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR, as well as the origins of the car number in this episode. Give "A Lifetime in NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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The Toughest Stock Car Driver That Ever Lived: When Cale Yarborough was growing up near Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, in Timmonsville, S.C., the allure of the 1.366-mile speedway was just too difficult to ignore. He was only 11 years old when it opened in 1950 and eventually, the young farm boy would drive there and become a five-time winner at the historic track. The three-time Cup Series champion has quite a story concerning his life and career, some of which includes being lucky to be alive. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski look back at many of the stories involving Yarborough's life in podcast No. 66 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR, as well as the origins of the car number 66 in this episode, a number Yarborough used when he was a team owner in the Cup Series. Give "A Lifetime in NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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Road Course Ringers: Since the early 1960s, road courses have been a part of NASCAR's premier Cup Series schedule. The first road course came to NASCAR with Riverside International Raceway in 1958 and remained through 1988, as well as Augusta International Raceway in 1963 and Watkins Glen International since 1957 that continues on the circuit today. In the 1960s, 70s and 80s, many great drivers have gone to victory lane but a special breed of drivers have won on road courses led by four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon with nine victories. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski take a look back at some of those great drivers as well as a couple of winners that carried the number 56 to victory, namely Jim Hurtise in 1966 at Atlanta and Martin Truex Jr. at Sonoma in 2013 during podcast 56 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR. Give "A Lifetime in NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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Whatever Happened to the Driver-Owner?: For many decades, those that competed as owner-drivers were cornerstones of NASCAR existence, especially in its formative years in the 1950s and 1960s. Many of NASCAR's greatest drivers began their careers in cars they fielded themselves. Some went on to become very successful championship-winning team owners for iconic drivers in the sport. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski take a look back at some of those great driver-owners as well as 13 drivers that wheeled the No. 55 during podcast 55 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR." One of those drivers was Benny Parsons, the 1973 NASCAR Cup Series champion and winner of 21-Cup Series races. Ben and Jerry also take a look back at the North Carolina Motor Speedway where Parsons won his title against some rather difficult odds on a fateful October afternoon. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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Cruisin' Through the 1970's: During the 1970s, only a handful of NASCAR Cup Series (then Grand National )teams were considered top of the line organizations that would win on a week to week basis and challenge each year for championships. They were the best of the best with the best drivers in their cars. That left some 30 cars in the field battling among themselves hoping for strong finishes each week or maybe pull the surprise win. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski go back in time and take a look at the No. 54 during podcast 54 and look at some drivers that drove it and won with it, such as Jimmy Pardue of North Wilkesboro, N.C. and Lennie Pond of Chester, Va., a driver that build his Cup Series car in a backyard shed. Also, Ben and Jerry look back at Salisbury (N.C.) and discuss ways race cars were hauled to tracks in the 1940s, through the 1980s. . Give "A Lifetime in NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
83 min listen
Riding with the One Hit Wonders: Since 1949 when NASCAR held its first Strictly Stock race on June 19, 1949 at the Charlotte (N.C) Speedway, 65 drivers have won a single race in their premier division also known as the Grand Nationals which is today the Cup Series. In episode No. 53 of "A Lifetime In NASCAR," Ben White and Jerry Bonkowsji take a look back at some of those prominent "one hit wonders" as well as the lone driver that won in car No. 53 at what was once known as the Atlanta International Raceway on April 26, 1961. He was also the only driver in NASCAR history from Nebraska to win in NASCAR competition. Also, from 1958 to 1966, Old Dominion Speedway in Manassas, VA. was a stop on the NASCAR circuit where several of the sport's greatest drivers went to victory lane. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
77 min listen

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Thanksgiving, Great NASCAR Memories and Remembering The No. 40 with Daytona 500 Winner Pete Hamilton: Now that the 2021 Cup Series season is in the record book and Kyle Larson is set to be crowned champion Dec. 2 in Nashville, TN., it's time to take a break to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski talk about what they are thankful for as NASCAR journalists, the close friendships they've shared over past decades with drivers and team members in the sport. They also share memories of seeing drivers with such drivers as Tommy Thompson, Sterling Marlin, Pete Hamilton and Jamie McMurray wheel the No. 40 to victory lane as part of "A Lifetime in NASCAR" podcast No. 40. Speaking of Hamilton, the Massachusetts native made quite a name for himself over six seasons as a NASCAR star in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Also, could Tony Stewart someday become a future president of NASCAR? Anything is possible. Give us a listen for some interesting i by A Lifetime in Motorsports
68 min listen
Phoenix Raceway's legacy and remembering it's first Cup winner: The 2021 NASCAR Cup season comes to an end Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, a place that has had a long and illustrious history in Cup racing. In this week's edition of A Lifetime In NASCAR's podcast (Episode 37), Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski preview Sunday's championship-deciding race and who they think will win. They also will discuss the rich legacy the one-mile oval has had since Alan Kulwicki won the first Cup race the track hosted back in 1988, as well as some great memories of both that race and Kulwicki's career, which was tragically cut short in 1993, only a few months after he won his first and only Cup championship. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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The Coldest Day in NASCAR History: Never before in NASCAR history has there ever been a colder day than Feb. 25, 1990 when the Cup Series visited the Richmond International Raceway for the Pontiac Excitement 400. With a high of five degrees, only the drivers in the cars had the best seats in the house at the three-quarter-mile Virginia track. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski discuss that day and Mark Martin's fine and loss of points after his win, as well as what might have been for the once prominent Raleigh (N.C.) Speedway during podcast No. 46 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR." Drivers Speedy Thompson, Jack Smith and Bob Welborn carried the number 46 to victory 11 times. Is it true that Jeff Gordon was set to run car No. 46 in Cup Series instead of No. 42 in Cup Series competition in 1992 and throughout his career? Yes. Where is 2002 Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton today? Give "A Lifetime In NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
71 min listen
PETTY vs PEARSON, Period.: NASCAR legends Richard Petty and David Pearson finished first and second to one another 63 times during their NASCAR careers. Their incredible yet friendly rivalry is highlighted by Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski during podcast No. 42 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR" Many famous drivers have wheeled the No. 42 to victory lane a total of 75 times over the past seven decades, such as Lee Petty, Jim Paschal, Marvin Panch and do more familiar names, such as Juan Pablo Montoya, Kyle Larson and Kyle Petty, to name only a few. Another Petty, Maurice, the brother of Richard Petty, is known for building powerful race winning engines. He once tried his hand at another prominent role in NASCAR that will surprise many fans young and old. Give them a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
71 min listen
How Terry Labonte Made His Name in the 44: When thinking of Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, drivers such as David Pearson, Cale Yarborough or Dale Earnhardt usually come to mind. In 1980, a new face emerged the winner when Terry Labone defied the odds at only 23 years of age. The Texas native went on to build a very successful championship career with several top team owners, as is discussed by NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski during podcast No. 44 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR." Since NASCAR was formed in February of 1948, no car number has ever been retired from competition. With so many changes flooding the Cup Series as of late, could that longstanding tradition possibly ever change? Another topic of discussion covers the legacy of four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser, a motorsports icon that passed away on Dec. 9, 2021. Unser also had five stars in NASCAR's Cup Series for team owners Rudy Hoer, Cotton Owens, Buddy Baker and Billy Dingman. Then there's Lakewood Speedw by A Lifetime in Motorsports
70 min listen
Adam Petty and Honoring the Lost: Adam Petty's infectious smile and promising career offered tremendous hope at Petty Enterprises that wins and championships were once again in their future. Then, sadly, he lost his life in a tragic accident while driving his No. 45 Chevrolet during a practice session at the New Hampshire International Speedway on May 12, 2000. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski discuss what might have been for the only fourth generation driver among all professional sports. Also on tap is the once prominent Augusta International Raceway during podcast No. 45 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR." as well as how drivers Eddie Pagan and Leeroy Yarbrough carried the numbers to six NASCAR Cup Series during their career in 1956, 1957 and 1965. Also revisited is Yarbrough's amazing 1969 season when he became the first driver to win NASCAR's triple crown races-the Daytona 500, the World 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Southern 500 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. M by A Lifetime in Motorsports
76 min listen
The King and the Iconic 43: Over a period of 32 years, NASCAR legend Richard Petty drove the No. 43 in NASCAR competition and became one of the most beloved stars in all of professional sports. Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski look back at Petty's illustrious career during podcast No. 43 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR" as well as some of the drivers that wheeled the number after Petty turned his attention solely to team ownership in 1993. One of those was Bobby Hamilton, twice a winner for Petty in 1996 and 1997, as was John Andretti in 1998 and Aric Almirola in 2014. Petty's new venture with Petty GMS Motorsports places the seven-time Cup Series champion in a brand new role as chairman, helping to guide young drivers Ty Dillon and Erik Jones during the upcoming 2022 Cup Series season. There's also talk that North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway and Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway could someday return to the fold within NASCAR's top-three series. It's a real possibility with state funding being propo by A Lifetime in Motorsports
71 min listen
Cruisin' Through the 1970's: During the 1970s, only a handful of NASCAR Cup Series (then Grand National )teams were considered top of the line organizations that would win on a week to week basis and challenge each year for championships. They were the best of the best with the best drivers in their cars. That left some 30 cars in the field battling among themselves hoping for strong finishes each week or maybe pull the surprise win. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski go back in time and take a look at the No. 54 during podcast 54 and look at some drivers that drove it and won with it, such as Jimmy Pardue of North Wilkesboro, N.C. and Lennie Pond of Chester, Va., a driver that build his Cup Series car in a backyard shed. Also, Ben and Jerry look back at Salisbury (N.C.) and discuss ways race cars were hauled to tracks in the 1940s, through the 1980s. . Give "A Lifetime in NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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Can Kyle Larson Go Seven Times?: In the latest edition (No. 38) of A Lifetime In NASCAR podcast, Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski not only recap Kyle Larson's championship at Phoenix, but also hypothesize whether Larson can potentially win as many as six more Cup championships. If he were to do that, he would tie Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson for most Cup titles in a career. They also discussed where Larson -- and the 10 wins he earned in 2021 -- fit in with all previous drivers who have won 10 or more wins in a single season. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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Talladega's Wild Card History: They don't call it Talladega Superspeedway for nothing. For it truly is a super speedway. So much history has been made at the track, starting with an ignominious driver boycott on the day the track opened in 1969, to being the site of the late Dale Earnhardt's final Cup win in 2000. And let's not forget all of the noted "Big One's" that have occurred on NASCAR's largest racetrack at 2.66 miles. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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When NASCAR Faced a Major Car Change in 1981

When NASCAR Faced a Major Car Change in 1981

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