Junie Donlavey - King of the Rent - A - Racers - Not Just in Cup

Most of us know that if you look at the list of NASCAR car owner Junie Donlavey drivers in his Cup cars over the years, many would fall into the category of the "Rent-A-Racer" - either the driver or the promoter paid the Richmond, Virginia car owner to furnish a car for a particular event.

BUT, did you know that Junie has also beenthe "go-to" owner of choice for promoters needing a car for the local hero to drive in the short-lived NASCAR Grand National East Series during its two year existence - 1972-1973?

During the two season span of the NASCAR Grand National East Series, Donlavey cars posted 7 Top-5 finishes, including 2 wins - all in the #90 - all entries being paid by the promoter so a local "star" with ticket selling capability could race.

In 1972, Buddy Baker won at Columbia, SC and Max Berrier won at Winston-Salem in the Donlavey #90. Cale Yarborough was 2nd at Hickory in Junie's #90 that season, also.

In 1973, Cale posted two 2nd-place finishes at Fayetteville, NC's Cumberland County track and Harry Gant had a 3rd and a 5th at Hickory, all in Junie Donlavey's #90.

Junie did whatever it took to survive. Not only in Cup, but in the Grand National East. Junie was also Big Bill France's "go-to" guy when Bill wanted a stock car at LeMans or an "International Star" like a Jackie Oliver to spice up his Grand National stock car series. When we think of teams with multiple entries in races, we think of Petty, Holman-Moody, etc. But, Junie also had his share of multiple entries back in the day, often his own driver in the #90 and another in a second rent-a-ride in the same event. We won't ever see a #90 Junie Donlavey win again, but win in NASCAR he did - too many times to count in the NASCAR Modified Division with Runt Harris and Sonny Hutchins, 1 time in Winston Cup with Jody Ridley and twice in the long forgotten NASCAR Grand National East with Buddy Baker and Max Berrier.

Hats off to Junie Donlavey, the King of the Rent-a-Racers and his operation on a shoestring!

I was at the Columbia race that Baker won. I am not positive, but either this Columbia race or one around that time Cale ran 2nd returning from his brief foray into USAC Champ car racing

Understand

Dave, Enjoying your and other stockcar racersreunion member's old auto racing history stories and old auto racing photos very much!!!

I just mailed an Christmas & Happy New Year Card to Junie Donlavey to cheer him up.

Junie would enjoyed any Christmas & Happy New Year Cards and letters from his friends and race fans.

W.C. "Junie" Donlavey

1100 German School Rd.

Apt. 117

Richmond, Va. 23225

Dennis, the recent article on the Junie Tribute night at Southside Speedway mentioned Junie was now living in a retirement village. Is that the German School Rd address?

"A busload of friends from his retirement community traveled to the Southside tribute to applaud their gray-haired buddy."

Afterhis wife, Phyllis Donlavey died, Junie moved toHeritage Oaks Retirement, 1100 German School Rd, Apt 117, Richmond, VA 23225.

Thanks, Dennis. I actually lived in an apartment on German School Road for 9 months in 1972.

Thank you, Ken Adams for correcting me on Junie Donlavey's new address: movingfrom Apt. # 117 to Apt. # 10.

The Christmas Card that I mailedto Apt. # 117was forward to Apt. # 10.

New Address:

W.C. " Junie" Donlavey

Heritage Oaks Retirement

1100 German School Rd.

Apt 110

Richmond, VA 23225