1982 Richmond 400 rebroadcast

[John B]

I recently caught that race on ESPN Classic recently, I assume as a tribute to Dave Marcis retiring. Seeing those old short track events really shows how much the sport has evolved in 20 years.

Highlights:
Larry Nuber while T Labonte and Earnhardt battled for 5th "This is a make or break year for these two young drivers who had so-so 1981s and will be out to prove something for the future."

Earnhardt in a Ford, Mark Martin in a Pontiac, two different Pontiac bodies on the track, Marcis winning in a Chevy (Nova?). J.D. Stacy sponsoring something like 10 cars including the winner.

The old big cars looked huge on the small Richmond track.

Joe Ruttman dominating and crashing seconds before a downpour ended the event.

A classically bizzare finish, as Marcis gets lapped by Ruttman just before the crash, stays out of the pits when the ensuing yellow comes out, and somewhat unintentionally vaults from 5th to 1st when the race ends under yellow. TV had no idea who the leader was, Petty, Shepard, or Marcis.

[RaceFanStan]

Cool

[Lars]

The Intimidator driving that #15 Wrangler Ford Thunderbird for Bud Moore...brings tears to my eye.