Editor’s Note: Each month in recognition of SPEED SPORT’s 90th anniversary, the SPEED SPORT Insider will use the National Speed Sport News archives to look back at what happened in the racing world 25 years ago.
-Ernie Irvan Retires
When Ernie lrvan strolled into the media center at Darlington Raceway it marked the first day of the rest of his life.
After 313 Winston Cup starts, which included 15 victories, and several major head injuries — one which nearly cost him his life at Michigan Speedway in 1994 — Irvan decided to devote himself to his wife Kim and, their daughter Jordan and son Jared. It was a difficult decision for Irvan, who says he feels well, and very much would like to continue driving. However, it was a decision he knew he must make after his most recent head injury, again at Michigan, 3 weeks ago.
“This is really a special moment in my career,” Irvan said. “It’s probably one I thought I’d never have to face. I figure it’s smart for me to retire. There’s nothing the doctors have actually told me. They dis say if I had another accident like the one I had at Michigan earlier, it would probably be detrimental to me to be able to live a wholesome life.”
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