Photo – Charlotte Motor Speedway

Up to the 1989 season, Darrell Waltrip was not liked by many fans. Nicknamed “Jaws”, the talkative Waltrip finally grabbed his elusive Daytona 500 win to start the season. Many may remember him doing the “Ickey Shuffle” in victory lane. The No. 17 Hendrick team, led by crew chief Jeff Hammond, had three wins up to the All-Star race.

The 1989 edition of the All-Star Race was all Waltrip and Rusty Wallace, driving the No. 27 for car owner Raymond Beadle. The two drivers together led 123 of the 135 laps. In the end, it was setting up as a classic duel between Waltrip and Wallace. Continue reading →