About
NASCAR legend's 83 Winston Cup wins ranked in the top five upon his retirement. In 1993, he was inducted into both the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame.
Before Fame
He tried to join NASCAR's Southern 500 before he even turned 18, but his true age was discovered and he was disqualified.
Trivia
At the height of his career in the late 70s, he earned three straight Winston Cup championships. As a young man, he played four years of semi-pro football and was even offered a tryout for the Washington Commanders.
Family Life
His father was a tobacco farmer and store owner.
Associated With
It was only after joining up with Junior Johnson that he became a great driver.
