Darrell Waltrip's engine lasted just long enough to win the very first NASCAR All-Star Race in 1985. | NASCAR on FOX

In 1989, Darrell Waltrip conquered the biggest race in NASCAR — the Daytona 500. Driving for Hendrick Motorsports, Waltrip used experience, strategy, and perfectly timed moves to survive the chaos and cross the line first at Daytona International Speedway. It was a defining moment in an already legendary career and another chapter in NASCAR’s golden era. #DarrellWaltrip #Daytona500 #1989Daytona500 #NASCARHistory #NASCARClassic #HendrickMotorsports #TheGreatAmericanRace #DaytonaInternationalSpeed

Richard Petty blows his engine and crashes in the 1973 Atlanta 500! Darrell Waltrip and Buddy Baker were also involved in the wreck #NASCAR #richardpetty #atlanta #EchoParkSpeedway #darrellwaltrip #nascarcupseries #crash #wreck #winstoncupseries #crashes #nascarcrashes #atlanta500 #motorsports | Christian Wilson

Darrell Waltrip remembers his battle with Richard Petty at Darlington in 1979. Waltrip Unfiltered » foxs.pt/Unfiltered | NASCAR on FOX

For years, Darrell Waltrip was one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers — except at Daytona. Sixteen attempts at the Daytona 500 ended in disappointment, crashes, or near misses. Then came 1989. Driving for Hendrick Motorsports, Waltrip survived the chaos, outran the field, and finally captured the one victory that had eluded him his entire career. After nearly two decades of trying, Darrell Waltrip crossed the line a Daytona 500 champion — at last. #DarrellWaltrip #Daytona500 #NASCARHistory #1989Dayton