Bill Elliott will not be putting memories from the 1996 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season into a scrapbook any time soon. He's treating this season like he would a pack of cars in his rear view mirror. Which is to say that he's trying to distance himself from it as quickly as possible Elliott suffered broken left femur in an early season crash at Talladega that forced him to use a backup driver at several events, including the physically demanding road course at Sears Point.

Whether it was the injury, or the struggle to gain momentum as an owner/driver, Elliott's year was one that fans of the No. 94 McDonald's driver would scarcely recognize. He finished the season in 30th place, after four consecutive years in the top-10.

Six times Elliott put his car into the top-10, with a season-best effort of ninth at Darlington in the Mountain Dew Southern 500. Leave it to Elliott to make his comeback complete at the place known as "The Track Too Tough To Tame." For Elliott, though, it was a case of too little too late.

So the man who holds the mark for the fastest recorded time in a stock car -- going 212.809 mph at 1987 Winston 500 qualifying -- must figure out a way to turn it up a notch in 1997. Staying healthy would be the biggest goal, and after that, things should fall into place. For Elliott, that will likely mean a return to Victory Lane.

Named sport's Most Popular Driver for 10th time in his career; capped season with birth of son, William Clyde Jr.

Purchased control of the team from Charles Hardy.

After Mike Beam left Junior Johnson to work with Bill in mid- season, team posted six top-six starts, including Pocono pole to gain entry to Busch Clash.

Had six top-nine finishes in final half of season to climb to eighth in final point standings and stamp team as '96 contender.

Has started 469 races in career and has won more than $15.5 million, including 1985 Winston Million bonus.

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