This is for you old-school traditional fans.A classic race in Rockingham, North Carolina from 1983 is this week’s featured race.You had ESPN’s Bob Jenkins calling the race, Dale Earnhardt driving a Ford Thunderbird, you had leaders wrecking, and a last lap duel between a wily old veteran and a young 27 year old up and comer who was on the verge of stealing the hearts of millions of NASCAR fans.
Richard Petty was a seven time champion, and had not won a race in his previous 43 attempts.Bill Elliott was an independent driver starving for his first Winston Cup victory.At the time, despite the winless streak, Petty was still the King, and the most recognizable figure in the sport.Nevertheless, nobody had any idea that the timid driver from Dawsonville, Georgia was two years away from taking the NASCAR world by storm.
While it was an electrifying battle to the finish, there was heartbreak for Geoff Bodine and Cale Yarborough.
Every February, I break out the old not-so-accurate crystal ball, attempting my annual preseason projections. Once again, I was off the mark in 2009. …
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Race of the week, 1983 Carolina 500
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