You know what I thought was one of the best thing's about the 2012 Daytona 500?
After all the celebrity no-shows for the Monday night 500, somebody asked Leonard Wood to give the Start Engine command.
Good move.
They don't come any nicer in racing and nobody has given any more to the sport. Every time I pass the China Grove exit on I-85 north of Charlotte I just want to cry.
I can't go by without thinking of Leonard losing his wife there returning home to Stuart, Virginia from the Winston in May 1997. Their van was hit head on head on by a car that crossed the grass median. That led to cable barriers being erected on the grassy NC Interstate medians. It was too late for Betty Mae Wood, but countless lives have been saved since as a result of Leonard & daughter, Beth's loss that May night in 1997.
To me, Leonard Wood giving the "Command" was one of the highlights of the Daytona 500 telecast.
Leonard Wood Gives Start Engine Command at 2012 Daytona 500
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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM
