NASCAR Then and Now - Ben White [24]
Checkered Flag
Some traditions should never change and probably never will. The checkered flag has become a universal symbol of racing, better known than even the green flag. For generations, every driver dreams of the moment of being at the front when that black-and-white flag is waved. The thrill of victory is what every true competitor fights for, and that moment of glory makes all the sacrifice that came before seem worthwhile.
Dick Rathmann, Hudson Hornet, Darlington Raceway, 1952.
Ned Jarrett, Ford Galaxie, Asheville-Weaverville (North Carolina) Speedway, 1964.
Brian Vickers, Red Bull Racing Toyota Camry, Michigan International Speedway, 2009.
Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Impala SS, Martinsville Speedway, 2009.
Victory Lap
In the early days, victory laps were actually extra trips around the speedway to make certain the fans were able to complete their old-fashioned scorecards that determined position and final finishing order. They were also a way for the driver and fans to revel in the moment of success. Over the years, victory celebrations have become much more elaborate and make for a fitting encore to an exciting show.
“Johnny Reb” was a fixture at Darlington Raceway throughout the 1960s. Here he takes his traditional victory lap ride on the hood of Richard Petty’s winning Plymouth at the conclusion of the 1967 Southern 500. Ironically, the man who played the fictional character for most of those years was not a Southerner at all: His name was Bob van Witzenburg, and he was born and raised in Holland before coming to the United States as a high school exchange student. Van Witzenburg was recruited for the role from his job working for the local radio station. Petty won 27 of 46 races as well as the NASCAR championship that season.
Today, no NASCAR victory lap is complete until the driver performs the traditional burnout. Here Jimmie Johnson shows how it’s done after notching another victory at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, in 2009. Note the checkered flag in Johnson’s hand. Grabbing the flag from the official to carry along on the victory lap is another modern-day NASCAR tradition.
No driver celebrates a victory like Carl Edwards. The ultra-athletic Roush driver’s signature victory backflip is famous all over the world. He demonstrates it here after taking the win at Texas Motor Speedway in 2008. Kids: Don’t try this at home.
Victory Lane
They say everybody loves a winner, and NASCAR is no exception. Victory Lane has always been a crowded place after a race; there’s never a shortage of people who want to be there to bask in a driver’s glory. As you might expect, NASCAR victory lane celebrations have become far more elaborate and sophisticated over the years, evolving from a brief and casual trophy presentation to the highly choreographed and scripted media shows of today.
Here’s a sight you certainly won’t see in Victory Lane today: This is the legendary Fonty Flock enjoying a smoke after snagging the winner’s trophy at the Raleigh 300 at Southland Speedway (as Raleigh Speedway was known at the time) in 1953. Flock’s shorts no doubt kept him cool inside the car, but they wouldn’t have been much help if he’d dropped his cigarette in his lap during the race.
Buddy Baker looks to be struggling to catch his breath as he climbs on top of his Petty Enterprises Dodge in victory lane after winning the World 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May 1972. The man at left appears about to hand Baker a Pepsi, which he will no doubt appreciate, having just finished racing for 4 hours and 13 minutes at an average speed of 142 miles per hour.
Today’s victory lane celebrations are designed to deliver maximum exposure for sponsors. Here Mark Martin (somewhat dwarfed behind the podium and trophy) delivered the