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  #1  
Old 09-07-2017, 08:52 AM
RockHillWill RockHillWill is offline
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Default #96 rides again - new and 'used' sheet metal

I was on my way to Connecticut to acquire parts for a new project when I got a call from a previous race car sponsor of mine. The NASCAR race at Darlington was featuring paint schemes for 'back in the day' - "paying tribute" to some of the more iconic drivers, and at the last minute had decided to paint the race car driven by Ben Kennedy (great grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France), in the likeness of the Dale Earnhardt car that I owned. I had not been made aware of it due to the last minute decision, or I would have attended the race as opposed to driving so deep into the land of the 'yankees'.

When I got home the team manager contacted me and invited me to their race shop for a tour and some photos that they wanted for some publicity 'stuff' that they were working on. The attached photos show the car that Ben drove, that proudly displays the 'Darlington Stripe' that all drivers like to brag about that they acquire if they are driving off turn two correctly to get the maximum speed down the backstretch.

The 'new' car in the pictures was their backup. They were all very kind to me and my wife Peggy. I was very proud of the fact that they chose my car for this 'throwback' event, knowing full well that it was because it was driven by Dale Earnhardt, not my superior building skills.

If sponsor arrangements are agreed upon, it is possible that Ben will drive this car at the Charlotte race, and if that happens, they have invited me to attend and make an effort to replicate the photo of Dale and I at Charlotte, on pit road just prior to the race which is where he drove his first race in my car. The last two photos are of the original car.

I know this is a little of topic on this site, but I'm pretty 'freakin' stoked about this happening so long after I retired from racing.

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Last edited by RockHillWill; 09-08-2017 at 05:13 AM.
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  #2  
Old 09-07-2017, 08:58 AM
Kerry Pinkerton's Avatar
Kerry Pinkerton Kerry Pinkerton is offline
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How cool is that!
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Old 09-07-2017, 09:00 AM
JimRussell JimRussell is offline
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It doesn't get much better than that Will. For a retired guy, you sure do keep busy!
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Old 09-07-2017, 09:05 AM
Kerry Pinkerton's Avatar
Kerry Pinkerton Kerry Pinkerton is offline
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You need to get that FooManChu 'stash going and start that low carb thing so you'll be ready for the photo...
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Old 09-07-2017, 09:22 AM
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MP&C MP&C is offline
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That's awesome Will. I didn't know I had such a celebrity in my phone contacts..
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Old 09-07-2017, 09:26 AM
Dave K. Dave K. is offline
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Will,
I knew this forum was awesome! We have big time celebrities that hob knob with the cool people!

That is very cool and great work on the original car! I had to do a web search and find more information! I bet that original car was a beast to drive!

Thanks for sharing that I am big fan of racing!
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Old 09-07-2017, 09:55 AM
Dave K. Dave K. is offline
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I found this website that has a bit more of the story with Earnhardt driving. It also shares some of Will's history.

Will I am honored!

Dave

http://www.legendsofnascar.com/will_cronkrite.htm
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Old 09-07-2017, 10:07 AM
longyard longyard is offline
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Very cool story! Glad you survived your trip to Yankee-land.
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Old 09-07-2017, 11:47 AM
cliffrod cliffrod is offline
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Very, very cool, Will. Sometimes it can be hard to personally tell people about what you've done without sounding self grandiose. When others see the need to tell the world about who you are and what you've done, that's hard to refute.

So I think this is completely relevant. Maybe this will help some here realize how fortunate we are to have someone like you that we can call a friend and mentor. And maybe folks will read more of the old articles on your walls when they are enjoying your hospitality....

Your unnecessary generosity towards my progress has not been taken for granted. Thanks, man. Like I've said, better men make better men.

Congratulations on your latest racing success. You're still winning. Thanks for posting.
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Old 09-07-2017, 11:52 AM
crystallographic crystallographic is offline
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I love the photos Will, and it's great to see some of your history. Very nice, and thanks for sharing!
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