"You Wanna Drive?" - The History of NASCAR Team Owners

Radio Origins 2: The Birth of MRN (w/ Joe Moore!) by A Lifetime in Motorsports

78 min listen

The Very First Talladega by A Lifetime in Motorsports

64 min listen

The Origins of NASCAR Radio (w/ Dave Moody!) by A Lifetime in Motorsports

73 min listen

The Ballad of Waltrip & Yarborough (w/ Jeff Hammond!) by A Lifetime in Motorsports

75 min listen

The Origin of NASCAR Stats (with NBC Sports' Dan Beaver) by A Lifetime in Motorsports

79 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

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

68 min listen

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

70 min listen

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

58 min listen

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

85 min listen

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

82 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

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

68 min listen

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

78 min listen

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

74 min listen

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

60 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

"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

71 min listen

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

67 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

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

When Rookies Win: Since the modern era of NASCAR's Cup Series was established with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. coming on board to sponsor the premier division of racing in 1971, a total of 21 drivers have won races in their rookie seasons dating back to 1974. Others, such as Tiny Lund, winner of the 1963 Daytona 500, have also won in NASCAR's Strictly Stock and Grand National competition, precursors to today's Cup Series. The latest to do so was Austin Cindric, winner of the 2022 Daytona 500. The No. 52 has had only two winners throughout NASCAR's 74-year history, namely Neil Cole in 1951 and Earl Ross in 1974. In episode No. 52 of "A Lifetime In NASCAR," Ben White and Jerry Bonkowski take a look back at winning rookies of past NASCAR seasons as well as the challenges of the circular Langhorne (PA.) Speedway in existence from 1926 to 1971. by A Lifetime in Motorsports

74 min listen

Discover this podcast and so much more

"You Wanna Drive?" - The History of NASCAR Team Owners

"You Wanna Drive?" - The History of NASCAR Team Owners

Description

Titles in the series (76)

More Episodes from A Lifetime in Motorsports

Related podcast episodes