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acegear
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Joined: 22 Oct 2004
Posts: 973
Location: Enumclaw, WA
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 Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 5:22 pm Post subject: Classic Driver: Neil Bonnett |
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The late Neil Bonnett began his NASCAR career as a protégé to Bobby Allison. Later becoming part of the Alabama Gang, which included Red Farmer and the Allison family, Neil drove his first NASCAR race in 1974 and posted his first victory in the 1977 Capitol City 400. He later won back-to-back World 600’s and back-to-back Bud Shootouts.
Neil joined Darrell Waltrip on Jimmy Johnson’s team in 1984. In 1985, Neil posted one of his best seasons by finishing fourth in the overall standings while his teammate went on to win the championship.
On September 2, 1990, Neil suffered from life-threatening injuries after a crash during the Southern 500 at Darlington, South Carolina. Left with amnesia and dizziness, Neil retired from racing and turned to television, becoming a race commentator.
However, Neil still desired to continue racing. Dale Earnhardt, Sr offered Neil the opportunity to test cars for him in 1992, and was given a ride for the 1993 DieHard 500. After that race he was able to secure a ride for six more races in the 1994 season, but would not be able to race any of them. During the first practice session of the 1994 Daytona 500, Neil lost control of his race car and crashed suffering fatal injuries.
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