THE TOM KIRKLAND COLLECTION

CODED MESSAGE

Jimmy Thompson's Ford features a humorous play on words in the moments leading up to the Rebel 300 Convertible Series race at Darlington on May 12, 1957. Think about it ... Terrizasoff ... tear his ... yeah. You get it.

The race would not go well for Thompson, who very nearly got his own ... well ... rear end ... torn off. The car was demolished in an accident, leaving Thompson 15th in the final rundown. Fireball Roberts won by two laps over Tim Flock.

Other teams have followed in Roberts' footsteps, including jibes at either themselves or fellow competitors on their cars. After an altercation with Dale Earnhardt in the 1990s, Sabco Racing team owner Felix Sabates had driver Kyle Petty's car painted like Earnhardt's. Petty's car also featured decals with Earnhardt's famous No. 3 circled and crossed out.

Several years ago, published commentary called Busch Series competitor Larry Gunselman a weapon on the race track. His team responded to the harsh criticism by placing small "M" decals next to the numbers on both doors. His number at the time? 16.