Race Rock - Ernie Irvan

Ernie Irvan

There may be no driver who has exhibited more admirable devotion to the sport of racing than Ernie Irvan. Irvan, who missed his high school graduation ceremony to race at Riverside went on to a promising career in racing and over the last few years, has enjoyed one of the most inspiring comebacks of any motorsports athlete.

No race fan today can forget that there was a time when it seemed that the career and life of Ernie Irvan was potentially coming to an end due to a tragic accident in the midst of Ernie's career in 1994. However, fans are quicker to recall Ernie's amazing return and success as a NASCAR driver. Only one year after an accident which rendered him with only a 10% chance of survival, Ernie, through his miraculous recovery had succeeded to prove that he was again fit to drive-- and NASCAR cleared him for competition.

Ernie rocketed to an immediate 24 circuit lead at North Wilkesboro. The very next day, he made his dramatic return to Winston Cup. After starting seventh, he advanced to third by lap 47 and took over the lead on lap 125. He held the point for 31 laps and finished on the same lap with the winner, in sixth. Irvan etched an exclamation point on his comeback with brilliant performance at Phoenix. After being wrecked in practice, he started his backup car last in the 44-cap field. Slicing through the field to seventh by lap 75, he vaulted into the lead by taking on only two fresh tires during the first round of pit stops. Before he retired with engine failure on lap 192 of the 312-lap race, Irvan would lead with more laps than any other driver.

In 1997, entering only his 7th full season of NASCAR Winston Cup competition, Ernie Irvan has secured his place as one of the sport's elite--and most exciting drivers. In 230 career starts, Irvan has earned 95 top-ten and 63 top-five finishes in route to 14 career victories and more than $7 million in career earnings. Regarded as one of Winston Cup's hardest chargers, he has flashed to 28 front-row starts, including 17 pole positions.

Perhaps one of the most honored drivers, Ernie was voted reader's choice for 1993 Driver of the Year by Super Ford Magazine. Since that time, he has received the Mike Rich Memorial Award, The Maxwell House Spirit Award, the Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharius Courage Award and the Arete Award to Courage in Sports. Without a doubt, Ernie has accomplished more in his career to date through his drive and dedication to racing than many drivers will ever fathom.

Make no mistake. Short track, intermediate track, super speedway or road course, Ernie's back!

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