[PenelopePitStop]

I know this is old news, particularly for those of you who have been around the sport for a long time, but I found it interesting. I hope some of you newer fans will as well. I know, the following borders on a novella.

On Wednesday night, I watched "Dale" (again), followed by "Dale Jr. Uncut" (again), then happened to catch "Greatest NASCAR Comebacks". Great show!

I have searched and searched for the "official" CMT list, but I can't find it. However, here are some highlights I thought were interesting. Some I knew, remembered, some I didn't.

There were many on the list regarding Dale Earnhardt. We all remember when he was hurt in a crash, and had to get out of the car the following week, pretty much brought the man to tears, then he won the Pole at the following week's race at a road course. Expecting him to get out of the car once again, he refused, and finished in the top-10. Now, THAT'S a racer!

The week after Dale was killed at Daytona, Steve Park won the race. Hearts out to DEI! When Harvick jumped into the white Goodwrench #29 (formerly #3) and won, beating Gordon by milliseconds, life went on for Dale's crew and crew chief. (That's the only good thing I have to say about Harvick/Happy). Quite a touching moment.

The next race at Daytona following Dale's death, Jr. won the race. My word! What an emotional moment that was. It was nice to be reminded.

Tim Richmond. There was another interesting character. That man was very sick, but got behind the wheel regardless of his illness. Jr. stated ... and I'm paraphrasing here ... "If he [Richmond] was still around, I'm not sure if my dad would have gotten those 7 Championships or if he would be considered the best." Quite a statement.

Alan Kulwicki. This guy was determined to do it his way. Nobody was going to tell him how to race. Drove his own car with little or no sponsorship, and was quite successful at it. Imagine how far he would have come in the sport if not for his untimely death.

Ricky Rudd. Man, what a guy! I always liked/respected him, but now, even more. I didn't realize/remember this but he was severely injured in a crash. Eye damage, broken bones, etc., and was whisked off to the hospital. He returned to the track the next day. The next day! I can't remember if it was the same weekend or the following, but he got into the car to qualify. His eyes were still very swollen. As he tried to qualify the car, he had a hard time seeing when he went into the corners. The vibration of the car caused his swollen eyes to close. Know what he did? He took duct tape, yes, duct tape, and taped the bottom of his eyes to his cheeks to keep his eyes open in the corners! Holy sh*t! Now THAT'S a racer!

Number 1 was Ernie Irvan. As most of us remember, during practice at Michigan, he blew a tire, failed to turn, and pretty much went head-on into the wall causing severe head damage. Had 5-15% chance of surviving. Long story short, he survived against all odds, returned to race, eye patch and all. What I failed to remember was that the last race he won during his career before retiring was at Michigan. The track that almost killed him. Touching.

It actually made me sad to reminisce about what NASCAR used to be ... before the hype ... before the "golden boys" ... before the hyper-technical rules ... before the commercialism. Who today has overcome such obstacles to persevere? Who? Dedication to the sport isn't what it used to be.

Remember the times ...

[Bob Tanner]

I can go along with three of your four examples, Penny.

Ernie's comeback was nothing short of a miracle.
Dales comeback wasn't as much a miracle as a testimony to the man's drive to compete. For lack of a better term, it was... "awe inspiring."
Tim Richmond's first comeback was a quality performance. He was constantly sick from what was then called HTLV, now AIDS. He went on to win...? two or three races, I can remember how many, but became too sick at the end to compete. Then he tried a second return and NASCAR tried to smear him, but that's another story.

What Kulwicki did was absolutely great but I wouldn't term it a "comeback." The guy was never really down. He just did it with guts and a drive to succeed.

Now, if you want an example of a "comeback, may I present the case of Jim Hurtubise, former Indy 500 driver. Here's a brief history from our fiends at Wikipedia. I know Wiki gets as much wrong as they do right in their fact reporting. However, I know the following to be absolutely 100% accurate:
Jim Hurtubise (born December 5, 1932 - died January 6, 1989) was an American race car driver who raced in USAC Champ Cars (including the Indianapolis 500), as well as sprint cars and stock cars (USAC and NASCAR). He was from North Tonawanda, New York. Despite his limited success, he was a fan favorite throughout much of his career as many characterized him as an "old style" racecar driver.
Hurtubise raced in the USAC Championship Car series in the 1959-1968 and 1970-1974 seasons, with 97 career starts. He finished in the top ten 38 times, with 4 victories, in 1959 at Sacramento, 1960 at Langhorne, and 1961 and 1962 at Springfield. In 1964, after suffering serious burns in an accident during the Rex Mays Classic, in Milwaukee, doctors asked Hurtubise how he wanted his hands shaped permanently. "Just make 'em so I can hold a steering wheel," he replied.

The doctors had to fuse first and second joins in all his remaining fingers (he lost both little fingers and his right ring finger) and do some extensive skin grafting. His fingers were fused to hold a steering wheel and he had special wheels made to hold his hands firmly on the wheel. I've met Jim of a few occasions and he wasn't a pretty sight but that never stopped him from racing.

As noted above, he went on to run competitively until 1974. He ran his last Indy 500 in 1978. His last NASCAR start was in 1979.
To me, that qualifies as one of racing's greatest comebacks.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Jim Hurtubise (born December 5, 1932 - died January 6, 1989) was an American race car driver who raced in USAC Champ Cars (including the Indianapolis 500), as well as sprint cars and stock cars (USAC and NASCAR). He was from North Tonawanda, New York. Despite his limited success, he was a fan favorite throughout much of his career as many characterized him as an "old style" racecar driver.
Hurtubise raced in the USAC Championship Car series in the 1959-1968 and 1970-1974 seasons, with 97 career starts. He finished in the top ten 38 times, with 4 victories, in 1959 at Sacramento, 1960 at Langhorne, and 1961 and 1962 at Springfield. In 1964, after suffering serious burns in an accident during the Rex Mays Classic, in Milwaukee, doctors asked Hurtubise how he wanted his hands shaped permanently. "Just make 'em so I can hold a steering wheel," he replied.

The doctors had to fuse first and second joins in all his remaining fingers (he lost both little fingers and his right ring finger) and do some extensive skin grafting. His fingers were fused to hold a steering wheel and he had special wheels made to hold his hands firmly on the wheel. I've met Jim of a few occasions and he wasn't a pretty sight but that never stopped him from racing.

As noted above, he went on to run competitively until 1974. He ran his last Indy 500 in 1978. His last NASCAR start was in 1979.
To me, that qualifies as one of racing's greatest comebacks.

I think that would be the greatest comeback ever. Certainly shows he had love and dedication for the sport.

[SpaceCadet]

Indy driver Davey Hamilton nearly lost his legs in a crash a few years ago and and got back behind the wheel for the first time in six years (I think it's six) at the Indy 500 this year. I believe he finished 9th. Drove a super at Oswego this year, too. Nice guy, super attitude. I'm always amazed at these drivers who face terrible injury because of their sport and have the guts to come back and do it all again. I don't think I'd have the intestinal fortitude.

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

doctors asked Hurtubise how he wanted his hands shaped permanently. "Just make 'em so I can hold a steering wheel," he replied.

To me, that qualifies as one of racing's greatest comebacks.

Sure does, Bob! Hertubise was before my time ... well before I started following racing ... and I've never heard of him until now, but man, what a great story! In fact, I think that tops them all!

[PenelopePitStop]

I still can't find the complete list ... CMT.com is useless, but I just remembered another one.

Richard Petty was in big trouble for cheating! I found that interesting given the state of the sport these days.

I guess post-race inspection revealed that the tires on the car were on the wrong side. The left's were on the right, or the right's were on the left. Beyond that, the car's engine was "too big." Petty was in deep sneakers for that, and the win was given to the driver who finished second (Waltrip?).

However, he came back ... earned respect ... and is now regarded as "The King".

[clutch]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

I still can't find the complete list ... CMT.com is useless, but I just remembered another one.

Richard Petty was in big trouble for cheating! I found that interesting given the state of the sport these days.

I guess post-race inspection revealed that the tires on the car were on the wrong side. The left's were on the right, or the right's were on the left. Beyond that, the car's engine was "too big." Petty was in deep sneakers for that, and the win was given to the driver who finished second (Waltrip?).

However, he came back ... earned respect ... and is now regarded as "The King".

Richard Petty's 200 victories


NASCAR race teams are known to push the envelope in the garage, seeking any advantage to make their cars faster. Typically, mechanics straddle the line between what is and isn't allowed. Often they cross that line.
And sometimes they get caught, as "The King" did after winning his 198th race at the Miller High Life 500 in 1983. He was fined $35,000 and docked 104 championship points for using an oversized engine.
But the victory stood, and he won his 199th and 200th races — his final two victories — the following year. Racing historians don't regard this as a big deal, since failed inspections don't generate outrage in NASCAR country. "There's cheating, and there's creating," team co-owner Eddie Wood once explained. "If you're caught, people inside know you were just creating. It's the people outside who call it cheating. Everybody who's ever had a race car has been there and done that. If they say they haven't, they're lying."

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

I still can't find the complete list ... CMT.com is useless, but I just remembered another one.

Richard Petty was in big trouble for cheating! I found that interesting given the state of the sport these days.

I guess post-race inspection revealed that the tires on the car were on the wrong side. The left's were on the right, or the right's were on the left. Beyond that, the car's engine was "too big." Petty was in deep sneakers for that, and the win was given to the driver who finished second (Waltrip?).

".

To say that Richard had "big trouble" after the Charlotte race was like saying Saddam Hussain wasn't a nice guy; master understatement!

The following is a cut from the list of highest fines in NA__AR history:
9. Richard Petty, driver/owner Petty Enterprises (#43 Petty), Oct. 1983, Charlotte Motor Speedway, oversized engine, $35,000 and 104 championship points.

The tires were on the wrong side of the car (this was discovered when they checked tire serial numbers), but the big thing was the "oversized engine." At the time the maximum engine size was 358 c.i. Petty's Plymouth tipped the scales at 381.983 c.i.!!.

Petty was allowed to keep the win. (His 198th) His was fined and lost 104 points. This figure was arrived at to keep Petty's position to Harry Gant in the standings the same as it was before the race - Charlotte Observer Oct 10, 1983.

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by clutch

Richard Petty's 200 victories


NASCAR race teams are known to push the envelope in the garage, seeking any advantage to make their cars faster. Typically, mechanics straddle the line between what is and isn't allowed. Often they cross that line.
And sometimes they get caught, as "The King" did after winning his 198th race at the Miller High Life 500 in 1983. He was fined $35,000 and docked 104 championship points for using an oversized engine.
But the victory stood, and he won his 199th and 200th races — his final two victories — the following year. Racing historians don't regard this as a big deal, since failed inspections don't generate outrage in NASCAR country. "There's cheating, and there's creating," team co-owner Eddie Wood once explained. "If you're caught, people inside know you were just creating. It's the people outside who call it cheating. Everybody who's ever had a race car has been there and done that. If they say they haven't, they're lying."

Hmmmm ...

I thought for sure they took the win from him ... if it was the same race that was mentioned on CMT.






http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb112&pp=ZN

[disco stu]

Damn.....I was just about to ask if I could put in an honourable mention for Alex Zanardi....

....and then I noticed that the title of the thread is Top 10 Greatest NASCAR Comebacks.

Unfortunately, I don't know enough about NASCAR yet to make a valuable contribution to this thread.

But, you know....if I had to mention someone who's worthy of inclusion with the sort of stories listed above.

Someone who lost both legs in a horrific racing accident.....someone who, even now, still drives touring cars (successfully) here in Europe....someone who recently completed the New York marathon...someone who is always positive and inspirational...

...well, it'd have to be AZ.

But, as this thread is for NASCAR drivers, I can't.

Can I?

[Racer Duck]

nope! but then, who's watching?

[PettyBlue]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

I know this is old news, particularly for those of you who have been around the sport for a long time, but I found it interesting. I hope some of you newer fans will as well. I know, the following borders on a novella.

On Wednesday night, I watched "Dale" (again), followed by "Dale Jr. Uncut" (again), then happened to catch "Greatest NASCAR Comebacks". Great show!

I have searched and searched for the "official" CMT list, but I can't find it. However, here are some highlights I thought were interesting. Some I knew, remembered, some I didn't.

There were many on the list regarding Dale Earnhardt. We all remember when he was hurt in a crash, and had to get out of the car the following week, pretty much brought the man to tears, then he won the Pole at the following week's race at a road course. Expecting him to get out of the car once again, he refused, and finished in the top-10. Now, THAT'S a racer!

The week after Dale was killed at Daytona, Steve Park won the race. Hearts out to DEI! When Harvick jumped into the white Goodwrench #29 (formerly #3) and won, beating Gordon by milliseconds, life went on for Dale's crew and crew chief. (That's the only good thing I have to say about Harvick/Happy). Quite a touching moment.

The next race at Daytona following Dale's death, Jr. won the race. My word! What an emotional moment that was. It was nice to be reminded.

Tim Richmond. There was another interesting character. That man was very sick, but got behind the wheel regardless of his illness. Jr. stated ... and I'm paraphrasing here ... "If he [Richmond] was still around, I'm not sure if my dad would have gotten those 7 Championships or if he would be considered the best." Quite a statement.

Alan Kulwicki. This guy was determined to do it his way. Nobody was going to tell him how to race. Drove his own car with little or no sponsorship, and was quite successful at it. Imagine how far he would have come in the sport if not for his untimely death.

Ricky Rudd. Man, what a guy! I always liked/respected him, but now, even more. I didn't realize/remember this but he was severely injured in a crash. Eye damage, broken bones, etc., and was whisked off to the hospital. He returned to the track the next day. The next day! I can't remember if it was the same weekend or the following, but he got into the car to qualify. His eyes were still very swollen. As he tried to qualify the car, he had a hard time seeing when he went into the corners. The vibration of the car caused his swollen eyes to close. Know what he did? He took duct tape, yes, duct tape, and taped the bottom of his eyes to his cheeks to keep his eyes open in the corners! Holy sh*t! Now THAT'S a racer!

Number 1 was Ernie Irvan. As most of us remember, during practice at Michigan, he blew a tire, failed to turn, and pretty much went head-on into the wall causing severe head damage. Had 5-15% chance of surviving. Long story short, he survived against all odds, returned to race, eye patch and all. What I failed to remember was that the last race he won during his career before retiring was at Michigan. The track that almost killed him. Touching.

It actually made me sad to reminisce about what NASCAR used to be ... before the hype ... before the "golden boys" ... before the hyper-technical rules ... before the commercialism. Who today has overcome such obstacles to persevere? Who? Dedication to the sport isn't what it used to be.

Remember the times ...

Few pics of what you and others speak of PPS,enjoy. CMT.com : Photos : Greatest NASCAR Comebacks

[PenelopePitStop]

Thank you, Petty!

I couldn't remember who was banned from NASCAR for life or why! You got it! Curtis Turner tried to unionize the drivers and got his a$$ kicked out for it! I think he was #9 on the list. He did return to racing eventually.

Before my time, never heard of him, but I thought the story was interesting.

Curtis Turner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by disco stu

Damn.....I was just about to ask if I could put in an honourable mention for Alex Zanardi....

Someone who lost both legs in a horrific racing accident.....someone who, even now, still drives touring cars (successfully) here in Europe....someone who recently completed the New York marathon...someone who is always positive and inspirational...

...well, it'd have to be AZ.

But, as this thread is for NASCAR drivers, I can't.

Can I?

You just did!

This thread was based on a "program" specific to NASCAR. Doesn't mean there aren't more incredible stories out there ... like this one.

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I can go along with three of your four examples, Penny.

Dales comeback wasn't as much a miracle as a testimony to the man's drive to compete. For lack of a better term, it was... "awe inspiring."

I have to add one last thing to this thread ...

Dale's comeback after injury and drive to compete was the focus of the CMT show. However, I think his greatest comeback was this ...

After Dale's injuries at Talladega, he got back into the car, but was winless for what? 50+ races? The next race he won was the one that eluded him most. Almost taunting him. The Daytona 500 in 1998! I remember it well.

Dale Earnhardt earned his final Winston Cup victory (2000) at Talladega by moving from 18th to 1st in just 4 laps to win the Winston 500. I remember it well. Who could, or can, do that? Not a "season" comeback, but man, what a race comeback!