NASCAR Then and Now - Ben White [5]
Today, sponsorships are measured in millions of dollars per season, and shop staffs include not just mechanics, but engineers and technicians, all with specific areas of specialist expertise, whether it is engines, tires, chassis, and many other areas. They all work together in the search for any speed advantage they can find.
In the early years, the front-running Wood Brothers team rarely ran a full schedule, but when they did race, they were always a threat to win, thanks in part to their lightning-fast pit stops. Among the men shown here are owner Glen Wood (far left) and his brother Leonard Wood (third from right), who was known as one of the best crew chiefs and front tire changers in the business. The Wood Brothers team still races today under the direction of Glen’s sons, Len and Eddie, and daughter, Kim, with Bill Elliott at the controls of their famous No. 21 Fords.
Dressed handsomely in their colorful flameproof suits, Jeff Gordon’s Hendrick Motorsports team members huddle up to prepare mentally for the race ahead. Fast, flawless pit stops are crucial in today’s NASCAR. One mistake by any member can make the difference between victory and a dismal finish. This is the reason why the top teams employ dedicated pit crews made up of highly trained athletes who practice daily to shave precious tenths of seconds off of pit stop times.
A Family Affair
NASCAR is a family sport, with roots that run as deep as several generations. This is true not only among the families of fans who have followed the sport since its beginning but also for the sport’s competitors. Drivers and teams cherish the fact that their families can come along to wherever they are racing. Wives and children serve as the moral support needed for putting up with the seemingly endless demands that go along with a NASCAR career.
Decades ago, racers were like a band of gypsies, caravanning from track to track in wood-paneled station wagons. Today, racing families congregate with much more style, thanks to large, elaborate motor homes that feature state-of-the-art comfort. Driver’s wives and children are always within walking distance of the garage area.
The children of drivers grow up together. They play together, and in many cases, race against one another as they grow older and look to their own careers in the sport.
Ned Jarrett celebrates with his family in victory lane at Darlington Raceway following his win in the 1965 Southern 500. To his left are his daughter, Patti, and wife, Martha. Car-owner Bondy Long is on Martha’s left. Lurking somewhere off-camera are Ned’s two sons, Dale and Glenn, both of whom grew up to become successful racers themselves.
Boris Said, girlfriend Deanne Gray, and son Boris Jr. take a break.
Sam Hornish Jr. and his wife, Crystal, with daughter Addison behind the wheel of her dad’s car.
Jeff Gordon is always the subject of an army of cameras, especially when holding his daughter, Ella Sophia.
NASCAR champion Darrell Waltrip (second from left) and brother Michael (in driver’s uniform) welcome friends and family on pit road.
Fathers and Sons
Few things give a father more pride than to see a son follow in his footsteps. Their youth and optimism bring back memories of a time when they themselves were young and seemingly invincible.
Most sons of racers grow up watching their fathers battle door to door; all the while, they dream of being in the driver’s seat themselves. They also dream of the day when the race might come down to a father-son battle for the win.
For a father, watching your son or sons race can be a double-edged sword that can deliver triumph, disappointment, and often both. Every father wants the best for his kids, but any NASCAR veteran knows how easily the disappointments and heartbreaks can come. Above all, fathers hope that their sons or daughters will be safe, as they have suffered injury from time to time and know just how difficult the emotional and physical healing process can be.
Seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty alongside