Darrell Waltrip

1981, 1982, 1985 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Champion

Born: February 5, 1947
Hometown: Franklin, TN
The File: The personable Darrell Waltrip ranks among NASCAR's all-time leaders in wins (tied for third with 84), starts, and poles. Won three NASCAR Winston Cup Sereis titles (1981, 1982, 1985) while driving for Junior Johnson. Twelve wins in both 1981 and 1982 - the most since Richard Petty won 13 in 1975. Won eight races from the pole in 1981 and had 21 top-three finishes in 31 starts. 43 of his wins and 34 poles came during the six years with Johnson (1981-86). NASCAR's often quoted elder statesmen doubled as owner-driver for more than seven seasons beginning in 1991. Only five-time winner of Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. Won first Daytona 500 on 17th attempt in 1989.

It almost seemed to have been predestined.

About the time television fell in love with NASCAR Winston Cup racing, Darrell Waltrip was moving to the top of the win parade.

Flamboyant with an extremely quick wit, Waltrip was made for television. From the day he first crawled into a NASCAR Winston Cup car, Waltrip was outspoken which, at times, made him a controversial figure.

Waltrip never shied away from the cameras or confrontations. He raced hard and spoke his piece. He was successful, flashy, and a superb talker. For the media, Waltrip was a treasure chest. And he cherished his time in interviews. It was a love affair that couldn't have come at a better time for NASCAR racing.

As a result, Waltrip played a major role in helping NASCAR take full advantage of the new audience discovering it in the 1980's.

The timing was perfect.

On the track, Waltrip and car owner Junior Johnson dominated the early 1980's, winning forty races and three NASCAR Winston Cup titles in a five-year span.

That success put Waltrip in the spotlight. And the spotlight loved Darrell Waltrip.

"He gave stock car racing a face and a voice that the television cameras liked," said Junior Johnson. "When we won, it was a celebration."