Dick Brooks - 1973 Talladega 500 - 75 Years: The Moments ***2024 Updated***

Dick Brooks - 1973 Talladega 500 - 75 Years: The Moments Journeyman California driver Dick Brooks did not enter 1973 with a full-time ride. He made a few spot starts for Donlavey Racing, but signed on with the number 22 Crawford Brothers Plymouth team for both Talladega races. Team owner Jimmy Crawford had intended to pilot the car, but NASCAR barred him due to his inexperience and Brooks was drafted at the last minute. The car sported Mickey Mouse on the hood as allegedly Bill France called the tiny rag-tag Crawford bunch, who never earned a top 15 to this point, a “Mickey Mouse team.” The car spent most of the hot August day overheating, and a pit incident forced them two laps down. The driver struggled throughout the day, overheating just as much as the car. Brooks powered through however, and drove past the field to make up his deficit. By the end of the race, David Pearson, Buddy Baker, and Brooks, each with a failing car, were the three left to battle for the win. When the checkered flag fell, it was Brooks who pulled off one of the most amazing upsets in NASCAR history. The victory celebrations were muted however, both because Brooks became ill in the winner’s circle, and due to the announcement during the race that sophomore driver Larry Smith was killed in an unusual crash. The win would ultimately prove to be Plymouth’s last in Winston Cup as well as the only win for Brooks. This paint represents the car as it appeared that day in 1973 at Talladega. The 75 Years project is a series of paints dedicated to the history of NASCAR racing. Follow me for updates: twitter.com/iam27paul