Bet You Didn't Know That! - Trivia from 74 Years of NASCAR Racing

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

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

67 min listen

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

75 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

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

65 min listen

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

72 min listen

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

76 min listen

Ben Digs Fence Posts for Harry Gant: This week, Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski wrap up this past Sunday's race at Talladega and also look ahead to this Sunday's race on the road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway, otherwise known as "The Roval." This is a crucial race because four of the remaining 12 drivers in the NASCAR Cup playoffs will leave the track eliminated from further advancement, meaning just eight drivers will remain in the hunt for the 2021 NASCAR Cup championship. by A Lifetime in Motorsports

62 min listen

"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

93 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

85 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

68 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get the Pole, Get the Win: Eric Estepp joins Ben as a guest host this week as they take a look at the new schedule and what it means in the context of NASCAR's history. It's a great discussion on tracks, drivers of the past, and more! 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

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Bet You Didn't Know That! - Trivia from 74 Years of NASCAR Racing

Bet You Didn't Know That! - Trivia from 74 Years of NASCAR Racing

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