September 17, 1983 - Sam Ard's Amazing Win Streak Begins, Culminating with 1st Championship
Stock Car Racing History
Virginia's Old Belt tobacco market of South Boston has been the scene of numerous historic events, many of them centered around the famed South Boston Speedway. South Boston was one of those venues that attracted the very best drivers in NASCAR. It was always said that if you could win at South Boston, you could win anywhere - such was the caliber of the competition and the toughness of the track.
Whereas Harry Gant earned the moniker "Mr. September" for winning 4 straight NASCAR Winston Cup races in September 1991, on September 17, 1983, at South Boston Speedway, Sam Ard began a streak every bit as memorable.
1983 was the 2nd year of the touring NASCAR Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series - today's Xfinity Series.
Driving the iconic white with red numbers #00 Thomas Brothers Country Ham entry, Sam cleaned house at South Boston on September 17, 1983, beginning one of NASCAR's best touring streaks.
Following the SoBo win, Sam would also win on September 24 at Martinsville. A week later, he'd be first to the checkers on October 1 at Orange County. Seven days later at Charlotte, the #00 again crossed the finish line first for his 4th consecutive series win.
A week later, at Hickory, Iron Man, Jack Ingram broke Sam's streak. Sam would finish 2nd.
There was one race remaining following Hickory, the big season ender at Martinsville. When the dust settled and the final checkers flew at Martinsville, it was again Sam Ard out front.
The spectacular showing by Sam in 1983 earned him his first Series Championship, a feat he'd repeat in 1984. The ten wins racked up by Sam Ard in 1983 remains the gold standard for the Xfinity Series, a record that could possibly stand for all time.
I haven't attempted to go into any detail here about Sam's season or the fabulous streak. There are members much better suited for that task. Bobby Williamson is quite a historian of all things Sam Ard and Jan Woodberry is a dear family friend with photos and memories of those special times.
As they get a chance, maybe Bobby and Jan can jump in with some Sam Ard stories and pictures from that very special year of 1983 and the streak that began at South Boston on September 17.
Sam's profile page here at RR is found at the following link: http://stockcar.racersreunion.com/profile/SamArd
updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM
