Celebrity Info
He’s a true legend in the world of motorsports, and it’s no surprise that International Motorsports Hall of Fame member was honored for his incredible achievements. As an International Motorsports Hall of Fame member, he not only won a NASCAR championship but also made history by setting world land speed records—talk about leaving a mark on the sport. Before all the fame and recognition, though, his journey began humbly. Back in 1963, he got his big break when he drove the Chevy owned by racing great Smokey Yunick at the National 400, a moment that first put him on the radar of fans and scouts alike. Born into a large, working-class family, life wasn’t easy from the start. In fact, he dropped out of school as early as age six just to help support his family by working at a sawmill. Yet despite those tough beginnings, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame member rose through the ranks, proving that passion and perseverance can take you far.
He made history by setting a NASCAR record, becoming the first to complete a closed-circuit lap around the Talladega Superspeedway at over 201 mph—a remarkable achievement that solidified his name in motorsport lore. After that groundbreaking moment, he didn’t slow down; instead, he shifted gears—literally—toward even greater speeds, taking on the challenge of rocket-powered cars in pursuit of land speed records. His name became synonymous with pushing boundaries, whether on the oval track or the vast open desert. With each milestone, his legacy grew, proving time and again that his passion for speed knew no limits.
