Awesome Bill
Here's something to distract us from the Jeff Gordon's winning everything/Dale Jr. is leaving DEI stories that have dominated the first third of the season. (And don't forget the Waltrip-is-1,908 points-out-of-first saga - that's the third big story of the year.)
That something: Awesome Bill and his six past champions provisionals are coming out of retirement to drive the No. 21 for a few races. (Here's the official spin.)
You can get all weepy about the history if you want to, but let's face it: The Wood Brothers haven't been competitive for years, and this latest driver hire really make any difference. The last time the No. 21 found its way to victory lane was in 1993 with Morgan Shepherd 2001 with Elliott Sadler behind the wheel. A 51-year-old Ken Schrader (he turns 52 in two weeks), wasn't getting the job done, Jon Wood is still too green, and Elliott has nothing but his 51-year-old reflexes and those magic six provisionals.
At this rate, don't be surprised if some desperate team (MWR? Red Bull? Morgan-McClure) makes a run at Terry Labonte or Rusty Wallace or even Darrell Waltrip. You think maybe Bobby Allison can turn a few laps? Cale Yarborough?
Don't think someone in some race shop somewhere hasn't seriously suggested this.
Update: Matt can read racing-reference.info better than I can. Thanks.
Comments (4)
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Actually Elliott Sadler won in 2001 at Bristol while driving the #21. Ricky Rudd placed 2nd at Kansas in 2004 in the #21. Every once in a while they'll do ok, but they're going to need that second car to start making a dent in the sport again. Maybe Marcos Ambrose could be that guy.
Posted on May 17, 2007 3:06 PM
D'oh! You're right, Matt. I fixed the post - thanks. 1993-2001 is a heck of a dry spell.
Posted on May 17, 2007 3:15 PM
It is - and they haven't won since then. Its really too bad, but their deal to merge with ST could eventually bring them up some.
Posted on May 17, 2007 5:04 PM
I believe the last time we saw Elliott in a competitive car a last lap blown tire prevented two wins in a row. I know it was 3 years ago, but Bill no doubt feels he may have stepped away too soon.
Charlotte, Dover, Pocono, and Michigan are all part the the next 6 races. I know its an uphill battle for him and the Wood Brothers, but I hope they do well. If I were the Woods I would save one of those past-Champions provisionals on Sonoma and put big, bad Boris in the car.
Posted on May 18, 2007 9:52 AM