Chills at the end. Geoff Bodine, Hensley, and the many others handled the transition with class and grace. AK's memory was honored well, right up through the Elliott win this year. 30+ years later and Alan's impact still reverberates. Wonderful series.
Dude, you made me cry. Long live the legend of Alan Kulwicki! He's got a spot on my toolbox at work, along with Davey and Dale Sr. Those areas don't get re-stickered.
That was a rough year for 8 year old me, I was a AK Fan and then he passed away and then I became a Allison fan and then he also passed away... And then I became a senior fan and well we all know how that ended 😞
You aren't from the Poconos are you? I remember having a temporary bus stop in 1995 and the other kid there was with his mom, me and my mom had that exact conversation with that mom and son all those years ago. I don't know their names just remember talking about that
@@dannyfrickinocean no, (cue RVB Donuts voice) I'm from Iowa lol, if you get that reference then that's awesome, but no, raised in Iowa, but also, I have never heard of a similar story to mine so that makes me feel a little better and sad that another kid went through what I did at such a young age 😞
@@mikehora1615I’m sure quite a few people had the same fan route because in that order exactly those drivers were very very hot in nascar and had success. So it would be a natural thing to happen. Kulwicki crushed it and won his chip, Davey was alwyas a favorite and half of the fans loved him. Then Earnhardt who initially was a little more hated but just like with Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson he really grew on everyone. And after Alan and Davey people really wanted something stable in the sport and dale been around forever and had a lot of fans. I mean probably at least a third of nascar fans had those drivers as favorites at that time.
If I remember right, the Purolator paint scheme came about as a retro scheme, to honor the past and their anniversary. Also to honor Alan’s team. I think whoever designed it, was spot on. Also the gradient seven red and orange is the best 7. Great work as usual. I also remember the tanya Tucker drama, I was 14 years old and thought it was crazy.
I'm glad you enjoyed that - especially with the efforts the team was making as to merchandise, I felt it best to include a feature on the diecast. Some of these I actually picked up specifically for this project.
Great series Brock. Alan was my childhood hero. I still use him as inspiration and I cheered for Geoff right until he retired since he carried on AK’s legacy. The 94 season was so frustrating since Geoff ran so well. For those who thought 92 was a fluke, Alan’s team showed they still had it in 94. Even without Alan running the show. I’m glad you spotlighted the Purolator car. It’s one of my favorite paint schemes and one that so many don’t realize existed. Also great job getting all the nods that the Exide car had to Alan’s cars. You got all of them and it’s one of the reasons I loved that scheme and the uniforms so much. Well done and you honored Special K.
Alan Kulwicki and Davey Allison are two of the biggest what ifs in NASCAR history. Did Alan Kulwicki get lucky catching lightning in a bottle, or could he have replicated the success and gotten more wins? How many wins and championships could Davey have won and snookered away from Dale Earnhardt Sr and Jeff Gordon?
Amazing, I wish your work was shown on TV, it's that well done. You deserve it, and these stories deserve it. I can't believe all the connections you outlined towards the end heading into the 94 season. 🏁🏁🏁🏁
This was so beautifully done almost like I was watching it on espn or the old Nashville Network. You know I did not appreciate it back then, I was soo angry that Davey didn't win the 92 title & didn't really care about Alan & all the work he put into it until that morning my mother woke me & asked me if I knew who he was. My mother knew I was a diehard NASCAR fan, but that was all she didn't know any drivers or anything else about it so that morning she woke me and asked if I knew who Alan Kulwicki was I said yes, he's the guy that beat out one of my drivers to win last years Winston Cup & then she told me what happened. To just say I was shocked would be a huge understatement, I think I may have even shed tears it was 31 years ago now which also seems so unreal, I am angry at myself now for not appreciating him more while he was still alive. I'm so glad Corey is keeping the memory alive, Spire is now one of my favorite teams...
This whole entire documentary series was hands down 10/10. Great job Brock and I might have some future suggestions for ya in the future such as Joe Falks 91 team. I also got a good laugh at Loy Allen Jr because he DNQd 12 times in 1994 and was out of his cup ride by the end of 1996.
You did an incredible job with this series Brock! So emotional and well put together. Even though today’s NASCAR has changed in countless ways than when Alan Kulwicki was around, his spirit still lives on in many ways and he will never be forgotten. As an Arizona native who has visited Phoenix Raceway multiple times, it is a huge honor to have Alan be the one credited with the win for the first ever NASCAR Cup Series race at my hometrack, and as a Chase Elliott fan, it was so awesome to see him bring a Hooter’s sponsored car back to victory lane in the Cup Series at Texas earlier this year, and I love how he acknowledged Kulwicki and did a partial Polish Victory Lap. SIDE NOTE: How ironic that one of the potential buyers of Alan Kulwicki Racing was Payne Stewart, who tragically shared a similar fate to Alan just six years later.
Thank you! The connection with the Phoenix track is so special, the moment that propelled Alan into superstardom. You can really feel the energy there when you visit. And yes, Payne Stewart's own role is quite uncanny.
As a documentarian, Brock, you are seriously in the pantheon with the likes of Ken Burns. You nail every aspect: the research, the subject matter, the voiceovers, the music….everything. I’m sure you get comments like “NASCAR or ESPN or someone should hire you.” I’ll give you what I consider an even higher compliment: No they shouldn’t. You’re already so far out of their league that you’d have to drop your standards to work for them. And as I wrote that last sentence, I think Alan would be one that would understand.
I do hope nascar tries harder to embrace the RUclips guys who keep the sport alive especially Brock and Eric Estepp. I woulda quit watching the sport awhile ago If it wasn’t for them. I was very happy to see Eric estepp start getting on stage at races for panels and shows. NASCAR is stupid not to try to bend over backwards to involve these guys who promote there sport so well. These guys do more work than the actual nascar commentators
@@Shawn-Leider I don’t. If NASCAR is “officially” involved, they lose a degree of freedom. I hope they wind up getting paid as if NASCAR was officially involved though.
Brock, you have me on the biggest Alan Kulwicki kick. It feels so bizarre mourning the death of a man who died when I was year old; but here I am. Alan’s legacy is kinda quiet currently and you’re giving him some serious justice. I appreciate the work you’ve done. I hope some day you do a big JD McDuffie series. I read your book and loved it.
Very well-done Brock. I was only 3 when Alan and Davey passed, but Davey was my favorite driver then (he looked just like my dad) and I’ve learned to respect Alan and his drive for success over the years as I’ve become an adult. You did an incredible job of capturing the fast-paced lives that everyone was living during that season just trying to keep things on track and moving forward.
Geoff had a wildly inconsistent season in 94, it seemed like he was either lapping the field... or struggling just to stay out of everyone's way, there was no in between.
Indeed, leading more laps than Jeff Gordon did in 1998 (Bondine led 1744 laps in 1994 and Gordon led 1717 laps in 1998), yet 3 wins, 5 top 5's, 10 top 10's, an average finish of 21.3 and 15 DNF's shows how messy it was. 8 of those DNF's were engine failures and 7 were crashes
Watching this, the number of butterfly effects caused by Kulwicki's death is interesting. Such as Hooters leaving the team and rushing Allen up to Winston Cup, where he becomes a big bust The music for this definitely hit hard
What's interesting was that Sonoma win ended up being the last win by Bud Moore's team. As they would later be sold and then closed by the end of 2000. Even going part time after 1996. It was the 15's final win before 2001 and sadly we know the tragic outcome regarding the new owner of the number after the Moore era.
You are such a treasure to NASCAR fans old and new. Thank you for all you do. This is great and I can’t wait to see what all you have planned for us in the future.
Such a good 3-part series. Man, I had no idea the 7 car was cursed in '93 seemed like it was a wreck magnet. Tony Gibson was actually supposed to be on the flight that fateful night, but he was running late (I can't remember the reason why) Thanks so much for doing this series and all that happened after Alan's death to keep the team running.
Brock, I just finished all 3 videos. How you piece these videos together is beyond me, but I am so thankful we have someone like you out there with the deification and talent to make it happen. All of your videos are absolutely amazing, and for someone like myself that grew up watching this generation, the nostalgia of your videos hits deep!
Brock, you continue to set the standard for excellence in the NASCAR RUclips community. Your attention to detail and research is second to none which always results with an absolute masterpiece. You truly deserve a spot in the industry where your work can be shared with a larger audience. Never change!
This episode is really special to me because I didn't know the whole story of what happened after Alan died but also I have a badly beat up #7 Exide Ford with Bodine's name on in and I had no idea why that car looked similar to the Hooters car. I love your documentaries, Brock. Without you, there is no good way to learn about the history of NASCAR before 2000
This is the most I’ve heard about Loy Allen Jr. since they dedicated a wall to him at the Applebee’s by my high school. He got his start at the short track in my hometown.
Brock I've seen quite a few racing documentaries and this is hands down the best ever! Hard work and dedication to your craft is greatly appreciated. 🏁
Geoffrey Bodine was a little more than "FRIENDS" with Tanya Tucker!! (and I'm not talking about her associate sponsorship of his team via her brand of Salsa LOL)
I am simply amazed at the old footage you are able to find from qualifying and practice. You must have tape traders all over the place to find this unique footage
Thank you! I do have some footage of my own, but for this project all the footage used is currently on RUclips, thanks to the many excellent archivists here. For a full list of the sources used, I've put a playlist in the description.
Another banger of a series, Brock! Great work. I remember crying when I read in the paper that Alan had passed away. I was only 8 years old. This is a wonderful tribute to him and the others who we lost that tragic day.
This was an excellent series culminating in this excellent final episode of this story. A tale not often thought about but one that has a lot to tell, and you covered it perfectly. Makes me very proud to be a patron Wondering what your next project will be. The way this series pointed at Country Time going over to Neil and the 37 going over to Rodney Orr, and the 19 and Loy Allen, it almost opens the door for another series of the lead up to, tragedies of, and running of the 1994 Daytona 500. Maybe even a bit of a look at the controversial tire wars of that year too
Brock, you did it again brother. Thank you so much for the time and energy you put into your work. Just know, you will always be appreciated for the content you create.
I seem to recall Alan K having a conversation with Feliix Sabates before his death and he told him if anything happens to me I want Jimmy Hensley to take over my ride. When Alan died Hooters management said he doesn't fit our image....
This was a fantastic series! I never knew what happened to Kulwicki’s team after his death. He was certainly a unique character in a sport that was defined by bit personalities. Glad to see justice done to his memory here 30 years later.
Thank you! And a good question. Geoff Bodine operated the team until 1997/1998, when Jim Mattei joined to form Mattei Motorsports. Michael Waltrip became the driver from 1999 until 2001, when Jim Smith made it Ultra Motorsports. Smith operated it until early 2004 when he exited Cup, ending what was left of AK Racing. Robby Gordon's own No. 7 from 2005-2012 was a completely separate team, but also intended as a tribute to Alan.
@LASTCARonBROCK thankyou for the reply...aww that's a real shame kinda hoped a current team had lineage. Still thankyou for your work I love ur series.....the tire wars and indy split are personal favourites...the motorsport community is lucky to have ur work. Thankyou..
Leavine Racing moved into the shop after Ultra shut downed. Then Spire. What’s really crazy is that even after all these years, there’s still a Mattei Motorsports logo featured prominently on the building. It’s on the rear of the building where Geoff first expanded the shop by buying Dave Rezendes’ shop. Thats how Rezendes ends up driving for him in the truck series. All because Geoff wanted more space and he met Dave since his shop was right behind his.
Great series Brock, showing how AK Racing kept going after the tragedy of April 1st 1993 before being bought out by Geoff Bodine. Speaking of Bodine after he became an owner driver, I find his 1994 season as one of the strangest seasons I've seen. 3 points paying wins (not counting the All Star Race), 7 Top 5's, 10 Top 10's, 1744 laps led (which is more than Jeff Gordon managed in his domination in 1998), yet with 15 DNF's, he only managed an average finish of 21.3 resulting in a 17th place finish in the standings. S1apsh0es did a video about the tend of drivers in the 1990's becoming owner drivers, trying to do things Alan's way. The strange thing is, despite some very good drivers, including former series champions Darrell Waltrip and Bill Elliott, all the ones who followed Alan's lead didn't achieve what he did
Bodine was on Hoosier tires that year. Seems those tires were great at certain tracks & they would dominate. Other places not so much & there were some tire failure issues also.
@@robertscott1361Paul Andrews has always blamed that on doing too much testing. Geoff was Hoosier’s lead guy. That means he did virtually all of the tire testing. Gave him a huge advantage on many race days. The problem is that means the engines and everything else were essentially overworked. Part of the reason engines broke was just that. They were pushed to their limits. Same can be said for the driver, owner and crew members. There were many days were the 7 dominated in 1994 only for a mechanical problem to occur. If you take away engine failures and accidents, Geoff would’ve been an easy contender for a championship. Just luck didn’t fall his way. Either way, it was an extremely impressive season of performance.
This series has been amazing. Brock Beard does an absolutely awesome job bringing these to us. I have said it before, but as an Australian, we're simply just not exposed to stories in the detail in which we enjoy here.
So much work went into this 3 part series. So grateful for what you have done here. Enough good can never be said for Alan and his legacy. He has been and still is an inspiration to me for YEARS to keep pushing forward and achieve success in my life no matter what the situation. I know this means so much to a lot of other people too but it means so much to me, I cannot come up with the words. Thank you. Long live the Underbird!!!
What else can I say that I haven't said in the previous 2 videos. To say this was an absolute amazing video,and whole mini-series wouldn't even come close to justice! Brock AGAIN some of the absolute best work on not even just NASCAR content but documentary videos on all of RUclips!! This is better than anything TV could ever come up with!! Hope you continue being awesome, have fun at Sonoma this weekend!!!
This is just a fabulous and also heart rending miniseries. I just watched your Davey film last night. Fabulous and heartbreaking. Thank you for remembering...although it's hard and tragic. What a terrible year. But also a wonderful few years beforehand. What NASCAR IMos or at least was all about.
Outstanding series! Great tribute to Alan Kulwicki. I like how you also tied in the history of the cars of Loy Allan and the Country Time sponsorship. Thank you for making and sharing these videos. Amazing work!
This entire 3 part series has been amazingly done thank you. Id like to put the idea out of following along with the team through the owners after Bodine.
@@Shawn-Leider That is an important part of the story, but I didn't want to jump too far ahead. You can see from Bodine's investment in the team that the trend was already beginning. In fact, a lot of the next set of owner-drivers were first rumored as buyers of Kulwicki's team (Rudd, Brett Bodine, Elliott, etc.)
The sad irony Payne Stewart would later die in a plane crash after a freak accident. Rodney orr and neil bonnet connections is just sad. Neil didn't get to have that last ride and orr buys the car that he will die in.
Mr Beard, you and mr Bryan, awesome job on the video, I hope you don't mind, I've been thinking, if you can, are you able to explain, how did Jim Matei and eventually Jim Smith(Ultra Motorsports) end up getting the #7 team? How did Geoff Bodine have 2 truck team and how did he end up racing #60 car for Joe Bessey in Winston Cup? Again, thank you for the awesome job!
Thank you! As to Jim Smoth acquiring the No. 7 team, most of that story is in Part 1 of my series "500 Days" along with other silly season news in 2000-2001. Mattei invested in Bodine's team around 97-98.
Mattei was friends with Felix Sabates. When Danny Sullivan dipped his toes into NASCAR, Mattei was one of the partners. So he had an interest in getting more involved in racing when Geoff started looking for investors. The deal with QVC was all based around merchandising. When the merchandising market dried up, Geoff started looking tor investors. Mattei fit the bill. Geoff would sue QVC after selling majority ownership to Mattei. Smith was already owning a truck team and had a long history in racing when he acquired the team from Mattei.
As far as Joe Bessey goes, Joe’s wife was an exec at PECO Energy/Powerteam. The economics at the time made the Busch series very difficult to run in. So Joe and his wife decided to move up to the Cup series but as owners. Joe was a fan of Geoff’s and Alan’s. Geoff was a free agent and Joe hired him somewhat due to admiration. Joes team was pretty low budget but they had some good runs. Hard to say what would’ve happened down the road since Geoff’s truck accident occurred. Geoff had made a deal with Ballew Motorsports and Line-X to put his son Barry in the truck but under the condition that Geoff run at Daytona. The Bessey team had missed the 500 but clearly that accident set the team and Geoff way back.
They took the top 2 to 3 points standings finishers from the previous season from NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, World Of Outlaws & Trans Am to form the 12 car IROC field every year... Except for the 99 season they also added Busch Series Champion Dale Earnhardt Jr which I think may have been the only time a father son duo from NASCAR competed together in the series...
I only mentioned it briefly here, but it was restored after the 1993 Dover wreck. I had a picture somewhere of the car before the restoration, and it still had the exact paint scheme from the Dover race with both ends of the car torn away. Larry Bean and the AK Racing team did a great job fixing it up. The full story is here: exhibits.charlotte.edu/s/alankulwicki/page/theunderbirdrestored
Absolutely tremendous trilogy of videos Brock 🫡. I really appreciate how you honored the pilot Charlie Campbell in the 2nd video. With a plane crash, a lot of rumors are about pilot error, but you laid it out pretty clearly that he did everything he could to save the plane. It was a freak accident…So amazing Brock 🫡🤘
CORRECTION: 11:01 - This quote is attributed to Cal Lawson. The name "Chris" was a typo not caught in editing.
Jimmy was ahead of his time. A new sponsor every few weeks.
Good point! The Father of Primary and Associate Sponsors - Jimmy Hensley
Well done Brock! Nice tribute to Alan Kulwicki and brining it full circle with drivers and sponsors. A Polish victory lap to you Sir!
Thank you!
Chills at the end. Geoff Bodine, Hensley, and the many others handled the transition with class and grace. AK's memory was honored well, right up through the Elliott win this year. 30+ years later and Alan's impact still reverberates. Wonderful series.
Dude, you made me cry. Long live the legend of Alan Kulwicki! He's got a spot on my toolbox at work, along with Davey and Dale Sr. Those areas don't get re-stickered.
That was a rough year for 8 year old me, I was a AK Fan and then he passed away and then I became a Allison fan and then he also passed away... And then I became a senior fan and well we all know how that ended 😞
You aren't from the Poconos are you? I remember having a temporary bus stop in 1995 and the other kid there was with his mom, me and my mom had that exact conversation with that mom and son all those years ago. I don't know their names just remember talking about that
@@dannyfrickinocean no, (cue RVB Donuts voice) I'm from Iowa lol, if you get that reference then that's awesome, but no, raised in Iowa, but also, I have never heard of a similar story to mine so that makes me feel a little better and sad that another kid went through what I did at such a young age 😞
@@mikehora1615I’m sure quite a few people had the same fan route because in that order exactly those drivers were very very hot in nascar and had success. So it would be a natural thing to happen. Kulwicki crushed it and won his chip, Davey was alwyas a favorite and half of the fans loved him. Then Earnhardt who initially was a little more hated but just like with Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson he really grew on everyone. And after Alan and Davey people really wanted something stable in the sport and dale been around forever and had a lot of fans. I mean probably at least a third of nascar fans had those drivers as favorites at that time.
If I remember right, the Purolator paint scheme came about as a retro scheme, to honor the past and their anniversary. Also to honor Alan’s team. I think whoever designed it, was spot on. Also the gradient seven red and orange is the best 7. Great work as usual. I also remember the tanya Tucker drama, I was 14 years old and thought it was crazy.
As a huge fan of NASCAR history, your videos bring on the emotions from pure happiness to tear jerkers. Absolutely the best.
Fantastic coverage of the diecasts. I’ve never removed mine from the blister pack so I love seeing the entire diecasts
I'm glad you enjoyed that - especially with the efforts the team was making as to merchandise, I felt it best to include a feature on the diecast. Some of these I actually picked up specifically for this project.
Amazing racing action at Sears Point. It illustrates the kind of racing low downforce and under-tired cars can produce.
That was incredible right!!? Props to Bodine for holding it!!!
This series was awesome! As an ernie irvan/ yates fan, I would love to see After Davey.
That should definitely be next! I still say to this day that Ernie would have been champ in '94 had he not gotten hurt at Michigan.
Great series Brock. Alan was my childhood hero. I still use him as inspiration and I cheered for Geoff right until he retired since he carried on AK’s legacy.
The 94 season was so frustrating since Geoff ran so well. For those who thought 92 was a fluke, Alan’s team showed they still had it in 94. Even without Alan running the show.
I’m glad you spotlighted the Purolator car. It’s one of my favorite paint schemes and one that so many don’t realize existed. Also great job getting all the nods that the Exide car had to Alan’s cars. You got all of them and it’s one of the reasons I loved that scheme and the uniforms so much.
Well done and you honored Special K.
Alan Kulwicki and Davey Allison are two of the biggest what ifs in NASCAR history. Did Alan Kulwicki get lucky catching lightning in a bottle, or could he have replicated the success and gotten more wins? How many wins and championships could Davey have won and snookered away from Dale Earnhardt Sr and Jeff Gordon?
I think Alan would have won more races, but I don't think he'd get another championship...but he would've ran his team his way as long as he could.
Amazing, I wish your work was shown on TV, it's that well done. You deserve it, and these stories deserve it. I can't believe all the connections you outlined towards the end heading into the 94 season. 🏁🏁🏁🏁
This was so beautifully done almost like I was watching it on espn or the old Nashville Network. You know I did not appreciate it back then, I was soo angry that Davey didn't win the 92 title & didn't really care about Alan & all the work he put into it until that morning my mother woke me & asked me if I knew who he was. My mother knew I was a diehard NASCAR fan, but that was all she didn't know any drivers or anything else about it so that morning she woke me and asked if I knew who Alan Kulwicki was I said yes, he's the guy that beat out one of my drivers to win last years Winston Cup & then she told me what happened. To just say I was shocked would be a huge understatement, I think I may have even shed tears it was 31 years ago now which also seems so unreal, I am angry at myself now for not appreciating him more while he was still alive. I'm so glad Corey is keeping the memory alive, Spire is now one of my favorite teams...
This whole entire documentary series was hands down 10/10. Great job Brock and I might have some future suggestions for ya in the future such as Joe Falks 91 team.
I also got a good laugh at Loy Allen Jr because he DNQd 12 times in 1994 and was out of his cup ride by the end of 1996.
Yeh it was weirdly satisfying to hear that......
This has to be one of the greatest documentaries ever produced. Start to finish it was amazing.
You did an incredible job with this series Brock! So emotional and well put together. Even though today’s NASCAR has changed in countless ways than when Alan Kulwicki was around, his spirit still lives on in many ways and he will never be forgotten.
As an Arizona native who has visited Phoenix Raceway multiple times, it is a huge honor to have Alan be the one credited with the win for the first ever NASCAR Cup Series race at my hometrack, and as a Chase Elliott fan, it was so awesome to see him bring a Hooter’s sponsored car back to victory lane in the Cup Series at Texas earlier this year, and I love how he acknowledged Kulwicki and did a partial Polish Victory Lap.
SIDE NOTE: How ironic that one of the potential buyers of Alan Kulwicki Racing was Payne Stewart, who tragically shared a similar fate to Alan just six years later.
Thank you! The connection with the Phoenix track is so special, the moment that propelled Alan into superstardom. You can really feel the energy there when you visit. And yes, Payne Stewart's own role is quite uncanny.
As a documentarian, Brock, you are seriously in the pantheon with the likes of Ken Burns. You nail every aspect: the research, the subject matter, the voiceovers, the music….everything.
I’m sure you get comments like “NASCAR or ESPN or someone should hire you.” I’ll give you what I consider an even higher compliment: No they shouldn’t. You’re already so far out of their league that you’d have to drop your standards to work for them.
And as I wrote that last sentence, I think Alan would be one that would understand.
I do hope nascar tries harder to embrace the RUclips guys who keep the sport alive especially Brock and Eric Estepp. I woulda quit watching the sport awhile ago If it wasn’t for them. I was very happy to see Eric estepp start getting on stage at races for panels and shows. NASCAR is stupid not to try to bend over backwards to involve these guys who promote there sport so well. These guys do more work than the actual nascar commentators
@@Shawn-Leider I don’t. If NASCAR is “officially” involved, they lose a degree of freedom. I hope they wind up getting paid as if NASCAR was officially involved though.
Brock, you have me on the biggest Alan Kulwicki kick. It feels so bizarre mourning the death of a man who died when I was year old; but here I am.
Alan’s legacy is kinda quiet currently and you’re giving him some serious justice. I appreciate the work you’ve done.
I hope some day you do a big JD McDuffie series. I read your book and loved it.
Very well-done Brock. I was only 3 when Alan and Davey passed, but Davey was my favorite driver then (he looked just like my dad) and I’ve learned to respect Alan and his drive for success over the years as I’ve become an adult. You did an incredible job of capturing the fast-paced lives that everyone was living during that season just trying to keep things on track and moving forward.
Geoff had a wildly inconsistent season in 94, it seemed like he was either lapping the field... or struggling just to stay out of everyone's way, there was no in between.
Indeed, leading more laps than Jeff Gordon did in 1998 (Bondine led 1744 laps in 1994 and Gordon led 1717 laps in 1998), yet 3 wins, 5 top 5's, 10 top 10's, an average finish of 21.3 and 15 DNF's shows how messy it was. 8 of those DNF's were engine failures and 7 were crashes
Watching this, the number of butterfly effects caused by Kulwicki's death is interesting. Such as Hooters leaving the team and rushing Allen up to Winston Cup, where he becomes a big bust
The music for this definitely hit hard
Fantastic series Brock. Great job
What's interesting was that Sonoma win ended up being the last win by Bud Moore's team. As they would later be sold and then closed by the end of 2000. Even going part time after 1996. It was the 15's final win before 2001 and sadly we know the tragic outcome regarding the new owner of the number after the Moore era.
You are such a treasure to NASCAR fans old and new. Thank you for all you do. This is great and I can’t wait to see what all you have planned for us in the future.
I never got to see Alan drive, since I was born in 1994, but he was special
Such a good 3-part series. Man, I had no idea the 7 car was cursed in '93 seemed like it was a wreck magnet. Tony Gibson was actually supposed to be on the flight that fateful night, but he was running late (I can't remember the reason why) Thanks so much for doing this series and all that happened after Alan's death to keep the team running.
Can't believe I've never seen that Exide scheme before, it's gorgeous
Brock, I just finished all 3 videos. How you piece these videos together is beyond me, but I am so thankful we have someone like you out there with the deification and talent to make it happen. All of your videos are absolutely amazing, and for someone like myself that grew up watching this generation, the nostalgia of your videos hits deep!
Lotta people are still heartbroken over Davey
Brock, you continue to set the standard for excellence in the NASCAR RUclips community. Your attention to detail and research is second to none which always results with an absolute masterpiece. You truly deserve a spot in the industry where your work can be shared with a larger audience. Never change!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoy the videos. Much more on the way.
This episode is really special to me because I didn't know the whole story of what happened after Alan died but also I have a badly beat up #7 Exide Ford with Bodine's name on in and I had no idea why that car looked similar to the Hooters car. I love your documentaries, Brock. Without you, there is no good way to learn about the history of NASCAR before 2000
This is the most I’ve heard about Loy Allen Jr. since they dedicated a wall to him at the Applebee’s by my high school. He got his start at the short track in my hometown.
Brock I've seen quite a few racing documentaries and this is hands down the best ever! Hard work and dedication to your craft is greatly appreciated. 🏁
Geoffrey Bodine was a little more than "FRIENDS" with Tanya Tucker!! (and I'm not talking about her associate sponsorship of his team via her brand of Salsa LOL)
I am simply amazed at the old footage you are able to find from qualifying and practice. You must have tape traders all over the place to find this unique footage
Thank you! I do have some footage of my own, but for this project all the footage used is currently on RUclips, thanks to the many excellent archivists here. For a full list of the sources used, I've put a playlist in the description.
Another banger of a series, Brock! Great work. I remember crying when I read in the paper that Alan had passed away. I was only 8 years old. This is a wonderful tribute to him and the others who we lost that tragic day.
Great work on this 3 Part Series 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏
RIP Alan Kulwicki 🙏
This was an excellent series culminating in this excellent final episode of this story. A tale not often thought about but one that has a lot to tell, and you covered it perfectly. Makes me very proud to be a patron
Wondering what your next project will be. The way this series pointed at Country Time going over to Neil and the 37 going over to Rodney Orr, and the 19 and Loy Allen, it almost opens the door for another series of the lead up to, tragedies of, and running of the 1994 Daytona 500. Maybe even a bit of a look at the controversial tire wars of that year too
Brock, you did it again brother. Thank you so much for the time and energy you put into your work. Just know, you will always be appreciated for the content you create.
Huge fan of both Geoff and Alan. Thankyou for this.
I seem to recall Alan K having a conversation with Feliix Sabates before his death and he told him if anything happens to me I want Jimmy Hensley to take over my ride. When Alan died Hooters management said he doesn't fit our image....
This was a fantastic series! I never knew what happened to Kulwicki’s team after his death. He was certainly a unique character in a sport that was defined by bit personalities. Glad to see justice done to his memory here 30 years later.
Can't thank you enough for this three-part series. As always, a job well done.
Well done Brock I really enjoyed this series can't wait for more 500 days episodes rise of the field fillers and whatever else you have planned.
An absolute masterpiece brock !!... what happened to the lineage of the team....does it have any roots in modern day nascar ??
Thank you! And a good question. Geoff Bodine operated the team until 1997/1998, when Jim Mattei joined to form Mattei Motorsports. Michael Waltrip became the driver from 1999 until 2001, when Jim Smith made it Ultra Motorsports. Smith operated it until early 2004 when he exited Cup, ending what was left of AK Racing. Robby Gordon's own No. 7 from 2005-2012 was a completely separate team, but also intended as a tribute to Alan.
@LASTCARonBROCK thankyou for the reply...aww that's a real shame kinda hoped a current team had lineage. Still thankyou for your work I love ur series.....the tire wars and indy split are personal favourites...the motorsport community is lucky to have ur work. Thankyou..
Leavine Racing moved into the shop after Ultra shut downed. Then Spire.
What’s really crazy is that even after all these years, there’s still a Mattei Motorsports logo featured prominently on the building.
It’s on the rear of the building where Geoff first expanded the shop by buying Dave Rezendes’ shop. Thats how Rezendes ends up driving for him in the truck series. All because Geoff wanted more space and he met Dave since his shop was right behind his.
Great series Brock, showing how AK Racing kept going after the tragedy of April 1st 1993 before being bought out by Geoff Bodine.
Speaking of Bodine after he became an owner driver, I find his 1994 season as one of the strangest seasons I've seen. 3 points paying wins (not counting the All Star Race), 7 Top 5's, 10 Top 10's, 1744 laps led (which is more than Jeff Gordon managed in his domination in 1998), yet with 15 DNF's, he only managed an average finish of 21.3 resulting in a 17th place finish in the standings.
S1apsh0es did a video about the tend of drivers in the 1990's becoming owner drivers, trying to do things Alan's way. The strange thing is, despite some very good drivers, including former series champions Darrell Waltrip and Bill Elliott, all the ones who followed Alan's lead didn't achieve what he did
Bodine was on Hoosier tires that year. Seems those tires were great at certain tracks & they would dominate. Other places not so much & there were some tire failure issues also.
@robertscott1361 he had 8 engine failures and 6 crashes in 1994 as well, as I recall, including one at Indy with his brother Brett
@@robertscott1361Paul Andrews has always blamed that on doing too much testing. Geoff was Hoosier’s lead guy. That means he did virtually all of the tire testing. Gave him a huge advantage on many race days. The problem is that means the engines and everything else were essentially overworked. Part of the reason engines broke was just that. They were pushed to their limits. Same can be said for the driver, owner and crew members.
There were many days were the 7 dominated in 1994 only for a mechanical problem to occur. If you take away engine failures and accidents, Geoff would’ve been an easy contender for a championship. Just luck didn’t fall his way. Either way, it was an extremely impressive season of performance.
You make really great videos Brock. Love reminiscing about old NASCAR and you tell the stories very well 👍🏻
This series was rad, sir. Thank you.
This was very well done!! Bravo sir!
This series has been amazing. Brock Beard does an absolutely awesome job bringing these to us. I have said it before, but as an Australian, we're simply just not exposed to stories in the detail in which we enjoy here.
So much work went into this 3 part series. So grateful for what you have done here. Enough good can never be said for Alan and his legacy. He has been and still is an inspiration to me for YEARS to keep pushing forward and achieve success in my life no matter what the situation. I know this means so much to a lot of other people too but it means so much to me, I cannot come up with the words. Thank you. Long live the Underbird!!!
What else can I say that I haven't said in the previous 2 videos. To say this was an absolute amazing video,and whole mini-series wouldn't even come close to justice! Brock AGAIN some of the absolute best work on not even just NASCAR content but documentary videos on all of RUclips!! This is better than anything TV could ever come up with!! Hope you continue being awesome, have fun at Sonoma this weekend!!!
Thanks for this Brock. Great series.
It was a crazy time. I was at the Atlanta race for the championship.
This is just a fabulous and also heart rending miniseries. I just watched your Davey film last night. Fabulous and heartbreaking. Thank you for remembering...although it's hard and tragic. What a terrible year. But also a wonderful few years beforehand. What NASCAR IMos or at least was all about.
Outstanding series! Great tribute to Alan Kulwicki. I like how you also tied in the history of the cars of Loy Allan and the Country Time sponsorship. Thank you for making and sharing these videos. Amazing work!
AMAZING !!!!!
Brock, congratulations on producing another amazing series. Nobody makes these videos like you do.
Thank you for this content. You dont see such high-qualitiy content very often these days
This entire 3 part series has been amazingly done thank you. Id like to put the idea out of following along with the team through the owners after Bodine.
Thank you so much for doing what you do. This three part series was incredible in every way. Thank you 🙏🏼
I thought part three would be about all the people that tried the meta Kulwicki set of driver/owner. And the massive effect he had on the sport
@@Shawn-Leider That is an important part of the story, but I didn't want to jump too far ahead. You can see from Bodine's investment in the team that the trend was already beginning. In fact, a lot of the next set of owner-drivers were first rumored as buyers of Kulwicki's team (Rudd, Brett Bodine, Elliott, etc.)
Absolutely amazing job Brock! Thank you for all your hard work.
Such a fantastic video. Thank you for your work on this!
Amazing and touching work
Fantastic work Brock!
Beautiful work
The sad irony Payne Stewart would later die in a plane crash after a freak accident. Rodney orr and neil bonnet connections is just sad. Neil didn't get to have that last ride and orr buys the car that he will die in.
Amazing job Brock!
😊Bravo!
This was a great series have u thought about doing a rise and fall of Yates Racing??
Look how big the tree in front of the shop has grown!
Mr Beard, you and mr Bryan, awesome job on the video, I hope you don't mind, I've been thinking, if you can, are you able to explain, how did Jim Matei and eventually Jim Smith(Ultra Motorsports) end up getting the #7 team? How did Geoff Bodine have 2 truck team and how did he end up racing #60 car for Joe Bessey in Winston Cup? Again, thank you for the awesome job!
Thank you! As to Jim Smoth acquiring the No. 7 team, most of that story is in Part 1 of my series "500 Days" along with other silly season news in 2000-2001. Mattei invested in Bodine's team around 97-98.
Mattei was friends with Felix Sabates. When Danny Sullivan dipped his toes into NASCAR, Mattei was one of the partners. So he had an interest in getting more involved in racing when Geoff started looking for investors.
The deal with QVC was all based around merchandising. When the merchandising market dried up, Geoff started looking tor investors. Mattei fit the bill. Geoff would sue QVC after selling majority ownership to Mattei.
Smith was already owning a truck team and had a long history in racing when he acquired the team from Mattei.
As far as Joe Bessey goes, Joe’s wife was an exec at PECO Energy/Powerteam. The economics at the time made the Busch series very difficult to run in. So Joe and his wife decided to move up to the Cup series but as owners.
Joe was a fan of Geoff’s and Alan’s. Geoff was a free agent and Joe hired him somewhat due to admiration. Joes team was pretty low budget but they had some good runs.
Hard to say what would’ve happened down the road since Geoff’s truck accident occurred. Geoff had made a deal with Ballew Motorsports and Line-X to put his son Barry in the truck but under the condition that Geoff run at Daytona. The Bessey team had missed the 500 but clearly that accident set the team and Geoff way back.
A bit of Irony, Payne Stewart would also die in a plane crash, only a few months after winning the US Open
Spire on the cup side at least and I think the truck too are all in the old kyle busch motorsports shop
I knew the Truck team was there, but I hadn't heard that the Cup program moved there as well.
@LASTCARonBROCK with both there i think the old alan shop is empty again
Hensley thought he had too many sponsor changes?
Did they take the top ten in standings from the previous year for IROC then?
Very good question - thanks to Earnhardt, Kulwicki ranked 5th in the final IROC standings, a championship also won posthumously by Davey Allison.
They took the top 2 to 3 points standings finishers from the previous season from NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, World Of Outlaws & Trans Am to form the 12 car IROC field every year... Except for the 99 season they also added Busch Series Champion Dale Earnhardt Jr which I think may have been the only time a father son duo from NASCAR competed together in the series...
😊 now collaborate prequel with Tom Hanley and Sherman😊 Johnson from Wisconsin.
And now it looks like Hooters has left the sport
Whatever happened to Tim Steele? He was almost unbeatable at Dega, Daytona and Atlanta.
Tim Steele battled opiate addiction as a result of a practice crash he had while testing a Cup car for Bud Mooreat Atlanta. Sadly, he died in 2023.
@@MatthewLewisAtlanta sorry to hear that
Geoff Brodine
Is the championship car #008 being restored?
I only mentioned it briefly here, but it was restored after the 1993 Dover wreck. I had a picture somewhere of the car before the restoration, and it still had the exact paint scheme from the Dover race with both ends of the car torn away. Larry Bean and the AK Racing team did a great job fixing it up. The full story is here: exhibits.charlotte.edu/s/alankulwicki/page/theunderbirdrestored
@@LASTCARonBROCK thank you!!
AFTER ALAN | PART 3 | REBIRTH
AFTER ALAN | PART 3 | REBIRTH
Absolutely tremendous trilogy of videos Brock 🫡. I really appreciate how you honored the pilot Charlie Campbell in the 2nd video. With a plane crash, a lot of rumors are about pilot error, but you laid it out pretty clearly that he did everything he could to save the plane. It was a freak accident…So amazing Brock 🫡🤘