NASCAR WCUP: Driver Ernie Irvan To Make Final Lap At Atlanta Motor Speedway
19 November 1999
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Retired Winston Cup driver Ernie Irvan
will get a chance
to make his final lap around a Winston Cup race track...this time on his
own
terms. Irvan, who retired from Winston Cup racing on September 3, 1999,
will
make one lap around Atlanta Motor Speedway driving a Pontiac Grand Prix
pace
car painted to match the Millenium-themed No. 36 Pontiac that will compete
in Sunday's event.
Irvan will make his lap following driver introductions for Sunday's NAPA 500. Irvan's wife Kim and their two children, Jordan and Jared, will be on hand for his final 1.54-mile trip.
"Most drivers get to plan their retirement tour, but I didn't get that chance," said Irvan. "Retirement hasn't been easy, but it has been busy. Now Atlanta Motor Speedway and "M&M's" are giving me the chance to make one final lap as a way to salute my fans and fellow competitors. I really appreciate the support I've gotten from my fans and fellow competitors.
"Everyone in the racing community has been great for the past few months and this is another way for me to say thanks for all the well wishes, cards and letters."
Irvan's retirement followed a crash at Michigan Speedway on August 20, five years to the day after a crash that left him with only a 10 percent chance of survival. Irvan beat the doctor's odds, going on to win three more races to bring his career win total to 15. Irvan, named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers, left the sport with 22 pole positions, 68 top fives and 124 top-10 finishes in 313 career starts.
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and art, visit
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Photo Museum and the
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