Ernie Irvan’s Successful Career Included A Brush With Death

For part of his career, NASCAR Cup driver Virgil Earnest “Ernie” Irvan was considered something of a menace on the track — at least by many of his fellow competitors.

There was a reason for that. Irvan (no one ever called him Virgil), was not a subtle driver. He was a charger whose inherent talent fueled his rise from near obscurity to the highest ranks of NASCAR. But that went pretty much unrecognized. Several mishaps, including one at Darlington that seriously injured Neil Bonnett, made him a target of disdain.

He got the nickname “Swervin’ Irvan.” A gag poster in the shape of an eye chart said: “Ernie Don’t Hit Me You SOB.” Suffice it to say there were many more such names and creations.

It was not unusual for Irvan to be associated with mayhem among competitors, fans and media, and indeed, Irvan knew this. So much so that he stood up in a driver’s meeting and told all in attendance that he knew of his reputation, apologized for it and would do all in his power to become the kind of driver that would earn everyone’s respect. His short but meaningful speech received applause.

And Irvan did become a much different driver. But in one man’s opinion, it was only after he nearly died following a severe accident that he earned universal respect.

In 1982, Irvan headed south from California. With $700 in his pocket and everything he owned loaded into a pickup truck, he drove to Charlotte, where, to help ends meet as much as possible, he welded grandstand seats at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

In 1987, he made his Winston Cup debut at Richmond, driving a car built by himself and Marc Reno and sponsored by Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet.

For the next two years, Irvan campaigned with long-time independent driver/team owner D.K. Ulrich. A lack of funds terminated the union.

It was the same in 1990, when Irvan hooked up with veteran team owner Junie Donlavey. Their association lasted only a few races before it was learned that promised sponsorship was not forthcoming.

Then Irvan caught a break.

At that time, Phil Parsons was driving for respected team owner Larry McClure, whose Abingdon, Va.-based organization was beginning to flex its muscles. Unfortunately for Parsons, he crashed at Richmond early in the 1990 season. Afterward, he could not recall what happened and asked McClure about it — more than once. The frustrated team owner ordered Parsons to go to the infield medical center.

Parsons never drove for McClure again. Instead, Irvan was…