NEIL BONNETT

Neil was born on July 30,1946 in Hueytown, AL. In the late
70's thru the late 80's he was a top runner in the NASCAR circuit.

Injuries cut his career short, and he returned as a race commentator
for TNN and CBS. Neil's karismatic charm was an added shot in the
arm for the sometimes droll commentations.
But he always said he'd "rather be racin."

With the help and encouragement he needed from long time friend
Dale Earnhardt, Neil returned to racing after three years. He ran 2 races
in 93 and signed for a limited run in 94 with Country Time as his Sponsor
in the 51 car.
While practicing for the 94 Daytona 500, he lost his life in an accident in turn 4. The debate over the controversial Hoosier tires he was driving
on will continue forever. But as all of his friends and loved ones will tell you.."Racin was what Neil wanted to do most."

**PERSONAL NOTE**
The day of his fatal accident, one of the Neil Bonnett cars, and the
Harry Gant 33 car were on display at the Jacksonville Landing
downtown here in our home town- about 75 miles north of Daytona.
Harry Gant was attending-signing autographs for the day.

I remember choking back the tears as I heard the news on my car radio. "This can't be true!", I thought...."Someone in Heaven must have
made a mistake...it's just not time!! He was finally back to racin!"

As I stopped at a traffic light...feeling empty and numb at the news- the Country Time trailer pulled up beside me. The couple inside looked so
very lost.... My heart went out to them.

They were only 70 miles from Daytona, and they looked like they weren't sure where to go, or what to do. I drove along beside them for awhile-
and I couldn't keep from looking back again and again at the 51 Trailer.

Numerous memories flooded my thoughts, and I remembered him on the track, ...then the first racing Ambassador in the sports booth~ showing his charm and diplomacy. Then the thrill he expressed at being able to get
back out racin again!

For someone to believe in him enough to give him that second chance....
to let him do the very thing he lived and breathed!

One or two traffic lights later the trailer slowly turned in to a Comfort Inn parking lot and stopped. No one inside moved or got out. I wanted to follow them...to see if they were okay, or maybe there was something I could say or do for them. But what can you say or what can you do, when such a
Special "Bright Light" has been snuffed out??

Once again I choked back the tears and headed on home. There was
nothing for me to do but fix a good stiff drink, cry on my husbands
shoulder, and hold my glass high to the "Racin Comeback" that
should have been.

Now takin the Green Flag on Heavens Raceway, and doing it with style.
D Willard 2/2/98

Winston Cup Starts: 362
Wins: 18
Top 5: 83
Top 10: 151
Poles: 20
1st Winston Cup race: 1974
1st Winston Cup Win 1977
Hometown: Bessemer, AL
Birthdate and location: 7/30/46 in Hueytown, AL
Family: Susan (wife), David, Kristen
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 165
Hobbies: Hunting and Fishing