DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 16, 1997: Daytona 500 1997 winner Jeff Gordon (center) celebrates with teammates Terry Labonte (left) and Ricky Craven (right) following their sweep of the first three finishing places by Hendrick Racing. Photo – Getty Images
FOX Sports and NASCAR Productions Commemorate Jeff Gordon’s First
Daytona 500 Victory in Original Documentary
Actor Luke Wilson Narrates “Beyond the Wheel” Short Film in One of Three Daytona-Themed Specials
In advance of the 59th annual Daytona 500, FOX Sports and NASCAR Productions have teamed up to deliver a rare behind-the-scenes look at four-time champion Jeff Gordon’s first win in the “Great American Race” with an original film entitled “Refuse to Lose.” On the 20thanniversary of Gordon’s milestone triumph, the documentary takes viewers inside his journey to victory lane using never-before-seen footage of the No. 24 team captured in the ten days leading up to the event.
Featuring interviews with Gordon and crew chief Ray Evernham, both executive producers on the project, the film premieres on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 10 p.m. ET immediately following FS1’s coverage of the Can-Am Duel at Daytona International Speedway.
“I forgot that Ray had secured a camera crew to document the No. 24 team heading into the 1997 Daytona 500,” Gordon said. “There is footage included in ‘Refuse to Lose’ that even I hadn’t seen before we started this project, and I think it helps paint the picture of why this team led by Ray was so successful – especially from 1995 to 1999.”
“After winning ten races in 1996 but missing out on winning the championship, I felt like I needed to do something to boost morale in the No. 24 shop. That’s why we brought in the camera crew,” Evernham said. “‘Refuse to Lose’ will give viewers an extremely unique, behind-the-scenes look at the championship Rainbow Warrior team.”
Watch a preview of “Refuse to Lose”
FOX Sports and NASCAR Productions partnered for two additional Daytona 500-themed originals heading into this year’s season opener, including “Miracle at Daytona – The Tiny Lund Story,” part of season two in the acclaimed “Beyond the Wheel” series. The short film is narrated by actor Luke Wilson, who served as the Official Pace Car Driver at last season’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. Premiering tonight at 6 p.m. ET during “NASCAR Race Hub” on FS1, the film recounts how DeWayne “Tiny” Lund risked his life to rescue a fellow driver from his burning Maserati before going on to win the 1963 Daytona 500 just five days later. The complete “Beyond the Wheel” series will air Friday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. ET.
Fans can also tune-in for “NASCAR Race Classic: The 1997 Daytona 500,” a condensed version of the race broadcast hosted by Dale Earnhardt Jr. airing immediately following “Refuse to Lose” on Feb. 23.
The 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off with the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway live on FOX at 2 p.m. ET on Feb. 26.