When Junior Johnson formed his two-car team for the 1984 NASCAR Cup Series season after Warner Hodgdon invested money as a partner, it was, obviously, a source of attention for fellow competitors, fans and media alike.
At that time, two-car teams had been in NASCAR only sporadically and certainly not at the high organizational level as those of today.
Yep, I have said that before, but the point is that in 1984 Johnson’s two-car operation was expected to answer the concerns over how would such a team operate and whether it would be successful.
Despite obstacles, it proved to be successful indeed. But it also was the source of one of the most controversial finishes in NASCAR lore – and one that pitted one team against another.
Johnson’s initial problem was Darrell Waltrip, who had been his driver since 1981 and had run up an incredible record of 30 victories and two Cup championships in three years.
Waltrip had no use for a teammate. He felt that the work needed to form and maintain another team for another driver would dilute the efforts on his behalf.
He wasn’t the only competitor who felt that way. The thinking was, “Why should there be another team when all it does is take away from what is supposed to help me?”
It was coupled with the question, is a second team an entity unto itself or is it supposed the blend in with another by sharing all information and strategies?
Johnson had an answer.
“I told Darrell I would make sure that he would never be held back by any work I did on a second team and I kept my word,” he said.
That wasn’t always the case for future two-car teams.
Neil Bonnett was hired to drive the second Johnson car. Doug Richert, the young crew chief who had risen to prominence during his tenure with Dale Earnhardt, was named to the same position with Bonnett.
Jeff Hammond was Waltrip’s crew chief and the two formed a solid bond over the years.
Most of each crew was composed of Johnson team veterans, which gave the organization knowledge and stability.
Almost immediately the new Johnson organization raised eyebrows. Bonnett outdueled Buddy Baker to win the Busch Light Clash at Daytona International Speedway. Waltrip finished third in the Daytona 500 after being victimized in a late-race pass by winner Cale Yarborough and Earnhardt.
Waltrip dominated at Bristol Motor Speedway to give Johnson his eighth-straight win at the high-banked, half-mile track.
Then…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at …