Just saw news that the 1974 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year, Canadian Earl Ross, has passed away at the age of 73. (S eptember 4, 1941 - September 18, 2014 )

From National Speed Sport News

DELAWARE, Ontario Earl Ross, the only Canadian driver to ever win a race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, died Thursday in Canada. He was 73.

Ross made 26 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts during his career, running 21 of 30 races during the 1974 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. He scored his only series victory on Sept. 29, 1974 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, leading the final 79 laps and beating Buddy Baker by a full lap to score the victory. He also won the 1974 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year Award.

Ross was inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2011.

NASCAR's statement:

D AYTONA BEACH, Fla. "NASCAR extends its condolences to the family and friends of Earl Ross, a true racer whose considerable on-track success helped grow the sport internationally.

"Ross was the first Canadian driver to win a race in what is today known as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and he did it at one of NASCARs most historic tracks for one of NASCAR's most historic owners. His 1974 win at Martinsville for Junior Johnson helped lay the foundation for the sport's tremendous growth in Canada, and beyond."

Almost a year ago, Dave Fulton started a post about the 1974 Old Dominion 500 at Martinsville - the one Cup race Earl won in his brief NASCAR career.

http://racersreunion.com/community/forum/stock-car-racing-history/28180/8-va-weekly-racers-1-canadian-thrilled-martinsville-cup-crowd-in-1974-hutchins-led-hensley-frammed-him-earl-ross-won-on-se

R.I.P. Earl - Listen to live MRN Radio broadcast of Earl's only Cup win at Martinsville on September 29, 1974 at the link below:

http://www.mrn.com/Media-Center/MRN-Show-Archives/Classic-Races.aspx?id=a841b251dfa24af7a66ef75f5fa67946

RIP Earl Ross i remember that race you won i think it was a JJ Chevy out of Wilksbouro NC you was driveing

Delaware Speedway

CANADIAN RACING LEGEND EARL ROSS HAS PASSED AWAY

September 18, 2014
Delaware Speedway PR

Canadian Motorsports Legend, Earl Ross of Ailsa Craig, has passed away. Delaware Speedway staff confirmed early on Thursday afternoon that Ross had passed away at the age of 73.

At Delaware Speedway, Ross is a winner of the most historic event at the track, the Great Canadian Race. He took the victory in the first McKerlie Millen event in 1982. For many at the track he is considered a hero for his accomplishments not just at the local level, but on the NASCAR stage when, in 1974, he earned rookie of the year honours in the series that would become todays NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. During that season Ross also became the first international driver to win a Cup event when he won at Martinsville speedway on September 29, 1974. Ross was inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2000.

In his later years Earl Ross quietly continued to view the races from the spectator side of the fence close to home at Delaware Speedway, favouring a viewing area in turn four. Many spectators would have been completely unaware they were rubbing elbows with one of the greatest drivers in Canadian racing history.

Ross continued to stay connected with Thompson Motorsports, mentoring driver Shawn Thompson over the years. Shawns crew chief and uncle, Jerry Thompson, was himself a former crew chief for Earl Ross.

The 34th running of the Great Canadian Race, of which Ross is a winner, is scheduled for Saturday. The track will honour Earl Rosss racing legacy during the pre-race ceremonies.

RIP Earl Moss

RIP Mr Ross

so sad to hear, My condolences to his family, friends and fans.

RIP Earl Ross... a ground-breaking individual in NASCAR.