One of the founding members of the famous Alabama Gang, which played a vital role in stock-car racing history, Neil Bonnett was as beloved for his role as an analyst on television as he was as a winning race-car driver.
Bonnett made his NASCAR debut in 1974 and he posted his first of 18 victories in 1977. His last victory came at North Carolina Speedway in 1988.
A 1990 crash at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway altered his career. Serious head injuries left him unable to compete, and instead he turned to the television booth. As his medical condition improved, Bonnett returned to driving in 1993.
However, his life came to tragic end when he died in a crash while practicing for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 11, 1994. He was 47 years old.
Featured here (clockwise from top left): On the beach at Daytona in July 1976; Sharing a laugh with David Pearson; Taking a time out in 1977; Celebrating his victory in the 1981 Southern 500;  Talking to Maureen Reagan and Bobby Allison at Dover; Having fun after taking the pole for the 1977 Firecracker 400; Taking a rest in January 1994; Strapping in at Daytona in 1976. — NSSN Archives