Alan Kulwicki

Known as the “Polish Prince” and “Special K”, Alan Kulwicki, began racing at the age of 13, on karts and soon began racing stock cars, winning the 1973 Rookie of the Year award at Hales Corners Speedway. He made NASCAR Cup Series debut in 1985 and went on to win the 1992 championship title, by the closest margin in history of the series, where he knocked Bill Elliott off the top by only 10 points.

Kulwicki started his rookie season in 1986 and when he was stranded without a team mid season, he formed his own team. What started out as a one man team, with Kulwicki being everything from the driver, chief mechanic to crew chief, he finally managed two crew members, and ended the season with the Rookie of the Year award under his belt.

During his championship season in 1992, Kulwicki also had the most races led, numbering to 20. With a total of 5 wins, 24 pole positions and 75 top-10 finishes in his NASCAR Cup Series career, Kulwicki also participated in 6 races for the Nationwide Series and earned 3 top-10 finishes and one pole position.

In 1993, while returning in a Hooters corporate plane, when it suddenly slowed and crashed at the Tri-Cities Airport, killing Kulwicki. To honor this determined and immensely talented driver, he was inducted into the Bristol Motor Speedway’s Heroes of Bristol Hall of Fame, in 1997.