The History and Future of Stadium Racing

FromA Lifetime in Motorsports

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The History and Future of Stadium Racing

FromA Lifetime in Motorsports

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Length:

71 minutes

Released:

Feb 3, 2022

Format:

Podcast episode

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Give "A Lifetime in NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast.

Released:

Feb 3, 2022

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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Jimmie Johnson's Quiet Legacy: Throughout his amazing 20-year career, Jimmie Johnson set out to make his mark in NASCAR's Cup Series and did so by logging seven championships and 83-career victories. The El Cajun, CA. native tied Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt with seven titles each and hoped to become the lone driver to log eight Cup Series championships but came up short of his quest before his retirement in 2020. Since 2021, Johnson has turned his attention toward a career in Indy Cars. Now in his second season, Johnson hopes to score his first victory in the 17-race season. Another driver to wheel No. 48 to victory during the early 1970s was South Carolina native James Hylton, winner of two Cup Series races at Richmond, VA. and Talladega, Ala. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski also discuss Smoky Mountain Speedway in Marysville, TN. during podcast No. 48 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR" and how it was once a fixture on NASCAR's schedule from 1963 to 1971. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
66 min listen
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
When Dale Earnhardt Met Darrell Waltrip: This week, Aaron and Ben discuss Darrell Waltrip's successful career and his memorable first encounter with the late, great Dale Earnhardt. Aaron wonders what musicians would've paired with Cup Series drivers if 1970s NASCAR did what 2000s NASCAR did at Richmond, and Ben tells the story of how excited he was to listen to the 1980 World 600. Since it's May, Aaron spills all the details on Charlotte Motor Speedway's history and describes why the 2016 Coca-Cola 600 is better than you remember. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
64 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dale Earnhardt: Seagull Manslaughter: This week, Aaron and Ben discuss Dale Earnhardt and the crazy circumstances surrounding the 1991 Daytona 500, the unheralded career of a certain driver of the No. 24 named Gordon, and which IndyCar driver belongs in NASCAR. The two also discuss the history of military sponsorships in NASCAR and how Ben is the OG photobomb legend. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
64 min listen
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
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
When NASCAR Faced a Major Car Change in 1981: There's plenty for Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski to talk about during podcast No. 41 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR," The No. 41 has had its share of difficulties as well as its moments of triumph, especially one particular victory that helped put NASCAR back on the map and one driver's career back in high gear. Many famous drivers have wheeled the No. 41 to victory lane over the past seven decades, such as A.J. Foyt, Jim Paschal and yes, Richard Petty, to name a few. Speaking of Paschal, the High Point, N.C. native enjoyed an impressive NASCAR career before turning his attention to operating his own businesses in the early 1970s. There have been several times during NASCAR history when transitions to new cars left drivers and teams scratching their heads. One of the most difficult was the 1981 season when the Pontiac Lemans surprised everyone, especially NASCAR. Give us a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast. by A Lifetime in Motorsports
61 min listen
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
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
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

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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
63 min listen
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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A Lifetime at Charlotte Motor Speedway: When O. Bruton Smith opened the gates of Charlotte Motor Speedway in the summer of 1960, he had no idea what kind of problems he would encounter before returning to reclaim his prize 13 years later. Ultimately, the track served as the foundation and cornerstone of NASCAR's Cup Series and helped make numerous careers in the sport. It continues to serve as the flagship of Speedway Motorsports Inc. formed in 1994 and is predecessor to all of the state-of-the-art race tracks under their umbrellas, NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski look back at many of the stories involving the track's history in podcast No. 65 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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NASCAR's Day One Rivalries: Rivalries have always been a part of NASCAR history. They began with the first Strictly Stock race on June 19, 1949 at Charlotte, N.C. when Jim Roper drove into victory lane for the very first time, He did so after race winner Glenn Dunaway was declared illegal for having leaf springs at the rear of his Ford. From that day forward, drivers have expressed their unhappiness with other drivers, especially after being sent sideways on the track followed by angry comments on pit road or the garage area. From the 1940s through the 1990s, there were plenty of legendary drivers that kept fans on the edges of their seats with the latest skirmish in the headlines. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski look back at many of those stories in podcast No. 64 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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Bet You Didn't Know That! - Trivia from 74 Years of NASCAR Racing: Throughout NASCAR's incredible history, there have been plenty of noteworthy stories that have made the sport of stock car racing just that much more enjoyable. They are the trivial yet amazing pieces of information that leaves one with a smile after learning extra tidbits hidden deep in the history books. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski look back at a few of these astonishing facts and share their thoughts on how and why they came about. They also look back at the origins and interesting milestones of the No. 63 in NASCAR's past during podcast No. 63 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR." by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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From Cotton Field to Crown Jewel: The History of Darlington Raceway: In the mind of Harold Brasington, Darlington Raceway was nothing more than a sketch of what his track would look like for well over a decade before ground was finally broken to get the process started. When the gates finally opened for qualifying 10 days before the green flag waved over the inaugural Southern 500 on Sept. 4, 1950, the 1.25-mile superspeedway was all the rage among the people of Darlington County, S.C. It was the one entity that would put Darlington, S.C. and Florence, S.C. on the regional and national map. Eventually, over a period of 70 years, the track "Too Tough to Tame" helped to build the careers of many NASCAR legends. Thus far, 63 checkered flags have fallen over drivers in spring and fall events at the legendary and historic track. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski look back at how the track came into existence and revisit some of the greatest victories that occurred there. They by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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Neil Bonnett: Friend First, Racer Second: To many in the garage area, Neil Bonnett was one pf the most beloved drivers in NASCAR's long history. The native of Hueytown, AL. was lost in a single-car crash during a practice session at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 11, 1994, nine days before the Daytona 500. Bonnett was attempting a comeback for six races scheduled for that season in a Chevrolet fielded by team owner James Finch. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski look back at Bonnett's life and career, as well as his career as a broadcaster for several major networks. They also discuss the origins and interesting milestones of the No. 61 in NASCAR history during podcast No. 61 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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Biggest Cheaters? Genius Innovators? Depends on Who You Ask...: Throughout NASCAR's 74-year history, there have been plenty of instances where competitors have searched for advantages within the rules that could help them on the race track. Many of those innovations have been tried and been caught by NASCAR officials and deemed cheating outside the spirit of the rules, NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski dedicate this week's show to looking back at many of those items discovered as well as some of the crew chiefs and mechanics that came up with them. They also discuss the origins and interesting milestones of the No. 60 in NASCAR history during podcast No. 60 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 Greatest Driver in NASCAR History" (According to Richard Petty): Throughout David Pearson's iconic NASCAR career, there was something very special about the Spartanburg, S.C. native. He collected 105 Cup Series victories and three championships and during that time and how he won more races at the famed Darlington (S.C.) Raceway that any other driver. No matter what type of car he drove, he mastered the 1.366-mile track better than any other driver. Wins came with Ford's Holman Moody, Wood Brothers Racing and Team owners Rod Osterlund and Hoss Ellington. His 105th and final win came at Darlington on April 13, 1980. This week marks the 50th anniversary when Pearson joined the Wood Brothers for the 1972 Rebel 400.. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski dedicate this week's show to Pearson and discuss his life and career and love for Darlington Raceway. They also discuss the origins of the No. 59 in NASCAR history during podcast No. 59 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR." Give "A L by A Lifetime in Motorsports
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Personal Stories of Alan Kulwicki with Tom Roberts: Descriptions of the late Alan Kulwicki include determined, calculating, focused, and driven. The Greenfield, Wisc. native came to NASCAR's Cup Series determined to win races and championships his way - as opposed to driving for other team owners. Kulwicki won five races and the 1992 Cup Series championship before his untimely death on April 1, 1993 in a private airplane crash. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski dedicate this week's show to Kulwicki and discuss his life and career. They are joined by Tom Roberts, Kulwicki's longtime public relations manager, and share behind the scenes stories of the fallen champion from a personal perspective. 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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My Friend Dale Earnhardt: As a child, Dale Earnhardt dreamed of following in his father's footsteps and becoming a race car driver. It was an extremely difficult road with many setbacks with extreme odds against him. Miraculously, the native of Kannapolis, N.C. went on to win seven Cup Series titles as well as 76-races during his incredible career. NASCAR historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski dedicate this week's show to the memory of Earnhardt and tell some interesting stories about the beloved champion as well as some rarely discussed statistics concerning an eight and one-half year period of his career during episode No. 57 of "A Lifetime in NASCAR." Also discussed is the number 57 and some drivers that wheeled the number during their esteemed careers in the Cup series. Give "A Lifetime in NASCAR" a listen for some interesting information on this week's podcast. NASCAR writers and historians Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski take a look at the current events of NASCAR through th 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
71 min listen
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
79 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
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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The History and Future of Stadium Racing

The History and Future of Stadium Racing

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