1971-1988 NASCAR's Modern Era "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!" Pt 3

In 1971-1972, NASCAR came into what was to become known as the sports "Modern Era". In '71, R J Reynolds Tobacco Co. had been banned from advertising their cigarettes on television. Seeking a new source of advertisement and promotion, the tobacco giant discovered a demographic friendly consumer base in racing fans. Knowing this, R J Reynolds contacted NACAR owners and promoters and engaged them in talks of sponsorship by the company for all of NASCAR's racing events. Having the largest tobacco company in the U.S. as a sponsor was appealing to NASCAR officials and a merger took place. In 1972, the Grand National Series,( as the racing season was known as at the time), became the Winston Cup Series. A new points system was developed and the season was shortened from 48 races to 31. Also, there was now significant cash prizes up for grabs. NASCAR's "Modern Era" had arrived.

Now, along with the pride of the driver's, their teams, and the performance of the cars they drove, there would be a large increase in the prize money sought along with victory lane. This would create new rivalries and fan the flames of old ones. The longtime rivalry between racing greats like Richard Petty and Bobby Allison continued from the late '60's into the '70's. The most notable battle between the two occurred in 1972 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina. The rivals swapped paint and metal throughout most of the race. Towards the end, Petty cunningly used a lap car to cut off Allison, but Allison would not be denied. Fans were holding their breath and standing in anticipation, as both men battled for the lead. After hitting the wall once and colliding with each other twice, Petty emerged victorious. Afterwards an angry Richard Petty was quoted as saying, "He's playin' with my life out there. That I don't like."

Another notable rivalry was one between Cale Yarborough and Darrel Waltrip. Yarborough had won the Winston Cup title in 3 consecutive years, '76,'77, and '78. Several drivers tried to unseat the 3 time Cup holder. Waltrip came the closest on the track and was the most verbal about it off the track. In fact, it was Yarborough who gave Waltrip the nickname, "Jaws", because of his verbal assaults. Later, Waltrip would often refer to what he called the "Cale Scale", in which he would describe on the many scales and levels he was going to beat Yarborough. Now retired from racing and a popular commentator, Darrel Waltrip was and still is a very entertaining competitor and man. Boogity, Boogity, Boogity!

All this time, the cars were getting better and faster, the tracks were being improved, and NASCAR's fan base was growing. In the '80's, the rivalries continued. Every fan had their favorite driver and NASCAR fans are among the most loyal. There was a new generation of drivers coming onto the scene. One of these drivers was Dale Earnhardt. From Kannapolis, N.C., Earnhardt began his pro racing career in 1975. He captured the "Rookie of the Year" award for that year. In 1983, Earnhardt joined the Richard Childress Racing Team. He replaced Ricky Rudd in the #3, the number he would have for the rest of his career. In the 1984-1985 seasons Earnhardt made it to victory lane 6 times. He finished 4th in '84 and 8th in '85 in the point standings. Earnhardt would go on to win the Winston Cup championship in 1986, and then defend the title successfully in '87. Earnhardt's style of driving was quite simple, 'If you can't run with me, get the hell out of my way.' He was given the nickname, "The Intimidator", after he spun out Bill Elliot in the final moments of a NASCAR all-star race. That race, and Earnhardt are famous for what became known as the "pass in the grass", when he lost control and was forced into the infield grass. Earnhardt managed to keep control of his car and get back on the track without losing first place. Earnhardt would be a driving force in racing both on and off the track for the next 12 years until his untimely death in 2001, during the last remaining laps of the Daytona 500.

By Jim Serf