Jun
14
2:48AM | posted by Larry Hawley | June 14, 2009 | comments: 0
Stewart's Driver/Owner Model? Kulwicki
From his past comments to his number, Tony Stewart has always looked up to an admired racing great A.J. Foyt.
But now as an driver/owner, another fitting person for the Columbus native to emulate now might be the last to achieve substantial success in the dual role.
Known as fierce perfectionist, Alan Kulwicki brought an unsponsored car down from his native Wisconsin in 1985 and began driving in the Winston Cup. He insisted on being the owner then, and was his own boss for the rest of his NASCAR career until his death in a plane crash on April 1st, 1993, rebutting many offers to joing bigger teams since he desired to be an independent.
By many accounts a strong perfectionist (some even described him as a control freak), Kulwicki finished in the top 15 in the points standings in eight years, including two top 10s (an for each of his wins the famous "Polish Victory Laps", driving around the track backwards). "Special K", as he was called, did so always struggling to get sponsorship and money.
Yet in 1992, he put together a season to remember, concluding with an epic race in Atlanta to end the year.
On the same day of Richard Petty's final race, six drivers came in with a chance to win the points championship. Running low on fuel, Kulwicki managed to lead enough laps and finish high enough to hold off Bill Elliott and win the Winston Cup by a meager 10 points.
It was a victory for small teams that still resonates today in a racing era still dominated by a select few superpowers.
Granted, Stewart has had strong sponsorship from the start and even has a teammate in Ryan Newman during his maiden voyage into ownership. But as someone who appreciates the history of the sport, expect Stewart at some point to take a closer look at NASCAR's quintessential driver/owner.
So does Kulwicki provide a model to success for Stewart? Or are the two in different situations in two different eras of the sport, which makes them hard to compare? As always I welcome your comments.
Also check out this great video tribute to Kulwicki, which includes his victory lap, win in Atlanta, and special Bristol tribute following his death. Alan Kulwicki Tribute
But now as an driver/owner, another fitting person for the Columbus native to emulate now might be the last to achieve substantial success in the dual role.
Known as fierce perfectionist, Alan Kulwicki brought an unsponsored car down from his native Wisconsin in 1985 and began driving in the Winston Cup. He insisted on being the owner then, and was his own boss for the rest of his NASCAR career until his death in a plane crash on April 1st, 1993, rebutting many offers to joing bigger teams since he desired to be an independent.
By many accounts a strong perfectionist (some even described him as a control freak), Kulwicki finished in the top 15 in the points standings in eight years, including two top 10s (an for each of his wins the famous "Polish Victory Laps", driving around the track backwards). "Special K", as he was called, did so always struggling to get sponsorship and money.
Yet in 1992, he put together a season to remember, concluding with an epic race in Atlanta to end the year.
On the same day of Richard Petty's final race, six drivers came in with a chance to win the points championship. Running low on fuel, Kulwicki managed to lead enough laps and finish high enough to hold off Bill Elliott and win the Winston Cup by a meager 10 points.
It was a victory for small teams that still resonates today in a racing era still dominated by a select few superpowers.
Granted, Stewart has had strong sponsorship from the start and even has a teammate in Ryan Newman during his maiden voyage into ownership. But as someone who appreciates the history of the sport, expect Stewart at some point to take a closer look at NASCAR's quintessential driver/owner.
So does Kulwicki provide a model to success for Stewart? Or are the two in different situations in two different eras of the sport, which makes them hard to compare? As always I welcome your comments.
Also check out this great video tribute to Kulwicki, which includes his victory lap, win in Atlanta, and special Bristol tribute following his death. Alan Kulwicki Tribute
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