I was in the grandstands at Darlington the day Elliott won the Winston Million. The electricity in the air was incredible. It's a memory I'll treasure forever.
Dan Elliott and Elliott family are amazing, when I was starting to really follow nascar ( around 1979 ) the Elliott’s were starting to make their way towards the front and I was a big fan of theirs . 1985 Daytona 500 was the 1st nascar cup race I went to and bill Elliott won it , great day for racing.
You how they say necessity is the mother of innovation. These interviews should be studied by pHD types in the behavioral health fields because there are lessons to be learned throughout this entire era that would benefit individuals seeking direction on subjects such as getting along with the people around me or folks who are trying to fake it until you make it and even a lesson on how to thrive in a community without exploiting my support network and many more. It’s also a lesson in hiding in plain sight because as soon as someone develops a way to monetize this knowledge it might just be taken from us. Again. Great content keep up the good work.
Looking at Cale Yarborough and Bill side by side in the 85 Winston 500 it looked like Bill's front fenders were slanted inward.compared to Cale's Thunderbird. Eddie Wood has been quoted as saying Bill's cars during that time were narrower and the Elliott's were the first to pick up on straight sides. All of that made up for less drag through the air.
I don't think there was a width template until later in the 80's. Gary Nelson & Tim Brewer have both discussed narrowing-up their cars since there was no template during the early & mid 80's. Maybe someone else here will remember when they first had a width template?
I am trying to figure out what year did the Elliotts build their big buildings and move out of the small shop that was George's truck shop. Looking at an article, Archive: Winston Cup Illustrated Interview by Steve Waid it says "in Dawsonville, Ga., the Melling Racing complex will soon house 70,000 square feet of shops. A good portion of that will be devoted to engines, as Ernie has overseen the placement of one of racing’s best motor production, research and development facilities." Best I can figure is the new complex was built in 1990. Rick would you know the year the new complex of shops was built?
Looking at Cale and Bill on the front row for the 85 Daytona 500, Bill's front grill area and headlight covering area is slanted back toward the driver. Cale's front end area is a lot more upright. All of this equalled less air drag on Bill's car. Noticed Dan didn't mention any of this. He said the work was done in the A pillar, deck lid and spoiler area. Guess he still after all of these years didn't want to reveal all of their secrets.
Great people,,, they were great for the sport, I get what he's saying,,, you got to have a good core and strong organization, they were a great team no matter what happens
Im an Awesome Dawson fan. Earnhardt and DW fans weren't happy. Some arguments and drinking violence at times.😊 Hey" we didn't even have VCRs back then, no distractions so.... We'd just drink watch racing and fight!😂 Different times. In the 70 when broadcast on radio. In the south you could walk blocks and keep up with the race. People would BBQ blasting the race on radios. Ah good times. I remember my father a Chevy and DW fan ,stopping Ford guys Pearson fans. giving each other hell over a victory. 😂 wasn't serious just friendly ch!t talkin, made the races more interesting. The drivers were hillbilly Rockstars
Rick your ok at what you do . But what a stupid question to ask dan How did you feel when you lost the Winston cup in 85. You weren't even covering the sport then. The whole world probably knows the answer to that question I promise you Whitlock or Jim hunter or gene Granger would not have asked that question.
I was in the grandstands at Darlington the day Elliott won the Winston Million. The electricity in the air was incredible. It's a memory I'll treasure forever.
Love Darlington
Awesome Bill and his family where spot on in 85! Dan has to be one of the best interviews yet. Such a humble man and family.
They were the team of the 80s my favorite
I met Dan a couple of times, usually everyone was around Bill, so I would talk to Dan. He always took the time to talk to someone.
1985 Best Season For Bill Elliott Number 9 Ford Thunderbird Thanks For Uploading Rick And Steve
What an intelligent man is understanding of the sport at that time is truly amazing take care😊
Great interview, The Elliott’s were NASCAR along with Earnhardt
These interviews with Dan are priceless! Love every second of it! Hope there is more coming?
Another outstanding interview Rick!
Dan Elliott and Elliott family are amazing, when I was starting to really follow nascar ( around 1979 ) the Elliott’s were starting to make their way towards the front and I was a big fan of theirs . 1985 Daytona 500 was the 1st nascar cup race I went to and bill Elliott won it , great day for racing.
You how they say necessity is the mother of innovation. These interviews should be studied by pHD types in the behavioral health fields because there are lessons to be learned throughout this entire era that would benefit individuals seeking direction on subjects such as getting along with the people around me or folks who are trying to fake it until you make it and even a lesson on how to thrive in a community without exploiting my support network and many more. It’s also a lesson in hiding in plain sight because as soon as someone develops a way to monetize this knowledge it might just be taken from us. Again. Great content keep up the good work.
Looking at Cale Yarborough and Bill side by side in the 85 Winston 500 it looked like Bill's front fenders were slanted inward.compared to Cale's Thunderbird. Eddie Wood has been quoted as saying Bill's cars during that time were narrower and the Elliott's were the first to pick up on straight sides. All of that made up for less drag through the air.
I don't think there was a width template until later in the 80's. Gary Nelson & Tim Brewer have both discussed narrowing-up their cars since there was no template during the early & mid 80's. Maybe someone else here will remember when they first had a width template?
Great interview
the town supported the Elliott's because they are good people
They sure are.
I am trying to figure out what year did the Elliotts build their big buildings and move out of the small shop that was George's truck shop. Looking at an article, Archive: Winston Cup Illustrated Interview by Steve Waid it says "in Dawsonville, Ga., the Melling Racing complex will soon house 70,000 square feet of shops. A good portion of that will be devoted to engines, as Ernie has overseen the placement of one of racing’s best motor production, research and development facilities." Best I can figure is the new complex was built in 1990. Rick would you know the year the new complex of shops was built?
The new buildings were built in 1988-89.
Great interview. Wish it was longer. Could listen to Dan talk racin' all day long.
Looking at Cale and Bill on the front row for the 85 Daytona 500, Bill's front grill area and headlight covering area is slanted back toward the driver. Cale's front end area is a lot more upright. All of this equalled less air drag on Bill's car. Noticed Dan didn't mention any of this. He said the work was done in the A pillar, deck lid and spoiler area. Guess he still after all of these years didn't want to reveal all of their secrets.
Great people,,, they were great for the sport, I get what he's saying,,, you got to have a good core and strong organization, they were a great team no matter what happens
If the team could have had some good short track finishes, the championship would have been theirs. Would have completed a magical season
As well as untimely breakage and wrecks.
Im an Awesome Dawson fan. Earnhardt and DW fans weren't happy. Some arguments and drinking violence at times.😊 Hey" we didn't even have VCRs back then, no distractions so.... We'd just drink watch racing and fight!😂 Different times. In the 70 when broadcast on radio. In the south you could walk blocks and keep up with the race. People would BBQ blasting the race on radios. Ah good times. I remember my father a Chevy and DW fan ,stopping Ford guys Pearson fans. giving each other hell over a victory. 😂 wasn't serious just friendly ch!t talkin, made the races more interesting. The drivers were hillbilly Rockstars
Who is the interviewer?
That would be me ... Rick Houston.
Great stuff!!
@@TheSceneVaultThank you
And Darryl was the worst…. 😂 err best agitator 🤔😎
Rick your ok at what you do .
But what a stupid question to ask dan
How did you feel when you lost the Winston cup in 85.
You weren't even covering the sport then.
The whole world probably knows the answer to that question
I promise you Whitlock or Jim hunter or gene Granger would not have asked that question.