Jody Ridley
May 17, 1981 was a landmark day, not just for Georgia short-track racer Jody Ridley, but also for veteran NASCAR team owner Junie Donlavey. The pairing won the Mason-Dixon 500 that afternoon at Dover (Del.) Int’l Speedway, one of the biggest upsets in track history.
Ridley ran near the front most of the day after qualifying 11th, but mechanical issues by the front running cars of Cale Yarborough and Neil Bonnett opened the door for Ridley and company to lead the final 20 laps. It was the only victory for both driver and owner in their respective careers.