NASCAR’s Forgotten Legend Who Tragically Died at Talladega Super Speedway
NASCAR
NASCAR produced many legendary drivers over the years and DeWayne Louis ‘Tiny’ Lund was one of them. Lund is not the most remembered name in NASCAR; however, he was inducted into the Motorsport HOF in 1994 and named one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers for his achievements on the race track.
Unfortunately, a fateful race at Talladega Super Speedway cost him his life after he got a lucky entry.
Tiny Lund’s journey as a motorsport driver
From a young age, Lund was into motorcycles. He began racing on motorcycles before moving to sprint cars. He started his career as a dirt course driver. After serving in the air force in the Korean War, Lund took his talent to NASCAR. Because of his 6’5” height, he got the nickname ‘Tiny’.
Lund’s lucky break in the Daytona 500
In 1963, Lund was seeking a ride in the Daytona 500 to show his talent. He was working at Wood Brothers Racing for his friend Marvin Panch. Before the race, Panch was involved in a sports car accident and Lund pulled him out of his car, saving his life in the process. Then, Panch asked Lund to take his place in the race. Lund was 4th fastest in individual qualifying. Starting the race in 12th place, Lund did the impossible and won the Daytona 500.
Despite winning the Daytona 500, Lund’s career did not take off, as he struggled financially. His greatest success came in the Grand American Series, where he won 41 out of 109 races from 1968 to 1971.
The fateful race in Talladega
The 1975 Talladega race was delayed by 1 week due to heavy rainfall. During the 1 week, Grant Adcox’s crew chief passed away due to a heart attack. Hence, he withdrew from the race. As a result, Lund got the opportunity to race. On the 7th lap of the race, Lund and J. D. McDuffie collided, which created chaos on the track and Terry Link slammed Lund’s door. Link was unconscious as two spectators pulled Link out of the car. Lund was also pulled by the rescue team, but the doctors could not save him.
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