Stock Car History Online | Don Hunter Collection

NED

If there’s one good thing about the fact NASCAR once raced without window nets, it’s that it allowed this photograph to happen. The sense of frustration on Ned Jarrett’s face is almost palpable as he tries to steer his car after its fire extinguisher was somehow triggered.

That the race happened to be the last of his career gives the shot that much more significance. Despite the problem during the American 500 on Oct. 30, 1966 at Rockingham, Jarrett managed to finish third in his final start. He retired shortly thereafter at the relatively young age of 34, and, of course, later concentrated on broadcasting on radio and television.

In a driving career that began with a pair of starts in 1953, Jarrett won 50 times in a total of 352 starts. He also captured Grand National championships in 1961 and 1965.