Neil Bonnett

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Neil Bonnett (July 30, 1946-February 11, 1994) was a strong NASCAR driver who compiled 18 victories and 20 poles over his 18-year career.

Related Topics:
July 30 - 1946 - February 11 - 1994 - NASCAR - Poles

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Neil Bonnett began his NASCAR career as a protégé of Bobby Allison, working on the team's cars. He later became part of the famous "Alabama Gang" that included himself, Red Farmer and the Allison family: father Bobby, brother Donnie and son Davey. He began driving in NASCAR in 1974 and earned his first victory in 1977 at the Capital City 400 in Richmond, Virginia. He later successfully won back-to-back World 600s (NASCAR's longest race, now the Coca-Cola 600) and back-to-back Busch Clash (now Bud Shootout) victories.

Related Topics:
Alabama Gang - Red Farmer - Bobby - Donnie - Davey - 1974 - 1977 - Richmond, Virginia - World 600 - Coca-Cola 600 - Busch Clash - Bud Shootout

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In 1984, Bonnett joined the powerful Junior Johnson team, becoming teammates with Darrell Waltrip, second among active drivers in career wins. In 1985, Bonnett had one of his best seasons, finishing fourth in the points standings while Waltrip went on win the championship.

Related Topics:
1984 - Junior Johnson - Darrell Waltrip - 1985

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On September 2, 1990, Neil Bonnett suffered a life-threatening crash during the Southern 500 at Darlington, South Carolina. Left with amnesia and dizziness, Bonnett retired from racing and turned to television, becoming a race commentator for TNN and hosting the TV show Winners for TNN.

Related Topics:
September 2 - 1990 - Southern 500 - Darlington, South Carolina - Amnesia - TNN

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However, Bonnett still desired to continue racing. In 1992, he began testing cars for a good friend, Dale Earnhardt and Bonnett eventually ran for Earnhardt's team in the 1993 DieHard 500. Bonnett secured a ride for six races in the 1994 season, but never raced one of them. On February 11, 1994, during the first practice session of the 1994 Daytona 500, he died in a crash.

Related Topics:
1992 - Dale Earnhardt - 1993 - DieHard 500 - 1994 - Daytona 500

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In 1997, Bonnett was inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association's Hall of Fame and in 2001, he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Related Topics:
1997 - 2001 - International Motorsports Hall of Fame

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See also: List of famous NASCAR drivers.

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