Darrell Waltrip
Born in Owensboro, Kentucky in 1947, Darrell Waltrip got the racing bug at age 12 racing go-carts. When he was 16, with help from his father Leroy, they built a 1936 Chevy coupe for the local dirt tracks. He soon became a household name locally, and with that fame, moved up to paved tracks, racing regularly at the fairgrounds in Nashville, Tennesse in the late 60's. Darrell made his first Winston Cup start in 1972, at the Talladega Superspeedway, and continued to blister the local short tracks, while making occassional starts in the Cup series. In 1975, he decided to become a full time Winston Cup driver, and the series would never be the same. Darrell started driving Fords, before moving over to DiGard racing, to take over the Gatorade ride. In 1979, he finished 2nd in points, behind Richard Petty, in one of the closet points battles at that time. In the early 80's Darrell teamed up with car owner Junior Johnson, where his career started to blossom. He became a force each and every week, and like his driving style, he had the attitude to back it up, always telling it like it was. Darrell claimed the Winston Cup championship 3 times, 1981, 1982, and 1985. He was voted most popular driver in 1989, and 1990. He was named American Driver of the Year in 1979, 1981, and 1982. He won the Daytona 500 in 1989, after 17 seasons of trying. National Motorsports Press Association Driver of the Year in 1977, 1981, and 1982. He is tied with Bobby Allison for 3rd on the all-time win list with 84 victories, 59 Winston Cup poles: fourth on all-time list. Only driver to win the Coca-Cola 600 5 times,1978, 1979, 1985, 1988, and 1989. Darrell won the first The Winston in 1985. Darrell has many more accomplishments in his great career. After leaving Junior, he teamed up with Rick Hendrick at Hendrick Motorsports, for a few years, before deciding to start his own team. Armed with Western Auto, and one of the best looking cars on the track, Darrell set sail for more greatness. But all good things come to an end. Westrn Auto dropped their sponsorship, which sent Darrell searching. The latter years of his career did not mirror his first of middle years. After struggling with sponsors, and failing cars, Darrell sold his team and went to work for Travis Carter. With Big Kmart as his sponsor, Darrell was ready to recapture old glory. But the struggles continued, and in 2000, he announced it would be his last as a driver. Darrell left his mark on the racing world, and will never be forgotten. In 2001, he begins a new career as broadcaster for Fox, as they televise the first half of the season. Darrell will bring his humor, plus his vast knowledge in the booth with him. We wish you well Darrell, Good Luck, and we will miss you on the track.