This Iowa born driver posted identical 12th place Cup finishes in their two Rookie starts at my hometown Richmond track. Overall this driver was the top finishing Winston Cup Rookie in five races and once ran a 500-mile race with a broken wrist.
Who?
That'd be Janet Guthrie, 1977.
Jay, you are indeed correct with your quick response... heck I haven't even bought the cigar I was going to give the winner. Wasn't looking for a winner THAT quick!
You're in luck- I don't smoke :P
The "Iowa" thing threw me for a loop...tere were a couple of other drivers that had a pair of 12ths in their first 2 starts at Richmond too...Jabe Thomas, Jack Smith, and Elmo Langley I believe 
I figured somebody would immediately guess Tiny Lund or Dick Hutcherson with the Iowa clue.
We had Ms Guthrie as a guest on Racing Through History not too long ago.
