Why Jerry Nadeau Was Awesome (The Fury From Danbury)

[@Whitfieldmc7]

Thanks so much for putting this together, Brock! I know it means a lot to Jerry and it means a lot to me, too! I felt like I was watching my own history as I watched your video - we basically grew up together as we started our careers in NASCAR together. Would you mind if I shared this on my social media channels? Thanks again! Melanie Whitfield P.S. You know who my favorite driver is! :-)

[@LASTCARonBROCK]

Absolutely! Please do! And thank you again for all your hard work with the fan club. Those are cherished memories.

[@Whitfieldmc7]

@@LASTCARonBROCK Terrific! You are most welcome! I actually heard from Jerry this morning and he asked me to get your contact information so he could either email or call you. What's the best way for him to get in touch with you?

[@LASTCARonBROCK]

@@Whitfieldmc7 Oh now that is too cool. Follow me back on Twitter and I'll message you my contact information. Would be happy to talk. Thanks again!

[@Whitfieldmc7]

@@LASTCARonBROCK You got it!

[@davethevtwinaddict2151]

now that's the coolest thing that I've ever seen in my life someone that was putting together your fan mail letters when you were a kid reaches out to you and Jerry saw the video and now wants to talk to you on the phone that's a special moment I remember I had the 01 US Army diecast car and it was my favorite one in my whole collection I come from the Army family I hope maybe one day I can meet Jerry Nadeau because he was to one of my favorite drivers

[@BlackFlagsMatter]

Jerry was the man! No way should he considered a bust! Amazing video Brock!

[@ghostfarmer358]

I don't consider any driver that is injured a bust

[@joeyoung4871]

Racing is nothing like any other sport.... when your driver retires its over.... its so final other sports the team and spirit is there but in racing when its over it truly is over

[@DavidJameson89]

Jerry was the best performing driver the #25 had in years before he got there. Him and Joe Nemechek did better than Vickers (who was a lot younger than either of them) in that car.

[@mcj88]

♪ Jerry was a race car driver ♪ He drove so goddamn fast ♪ Never did win no checkered flags, ♪ But he never did come in last! -Primus

[@fatman1288]

fuck yeah!

[@TheSwedeJay]

This song always made me think of Nadeau even if the song is older than his cup career

[@ecardona53]

DOG WILL HUNT!

[@chrisshockey3681]

Uh, yes he did. They tell you about 2 minutes into the video...

[@gregfrith5058]

@@chrisshockey3681 uh... you know they're quoting a song, right??... Its not a song about him, so the lyrics aren't spot on, but the sentiment still rings out.

[@kevincorbat7084]

can i just say this: those 2003 Pontiacs were the sexiest race cars of the gen4 era, change my mind. that US Army scheme in particular looked amazing on that car

[@RobertCT86]

easily the best looking stock cars running in NASCAR of the last 25 years, that is for sure

[@aaronkristofer18]

Yes! Those back ends!!!

[@mohdyaminmohdzainal352]

Well for me I like the monte Carlo from the 90's and the 2000-2002 but the Pontiac is cool too I just like those rounded short front end they just look beautiful and clean

[@MrAndy9572ac]

I prefer the Cole Trickle era cars

[@forrestrobbins8074]

The 4 and 04 Kodak Pontiacs looked good that year. The Brewco Busch cars looked good too. That Timber Wolf livery on that Pontiac was killer

[@Smoothsailing93]

I cried that day in Richmond. My mom even picked me up from school early because of it She knew how bad it was and how much I loved that guy

[@bcschneider53]

Mine was A. J. Allmendinger. As a fan of the underdogs, I was fascinated by this guy as he DNQ'd literally half the races his rookie season with Red Bull. But he kept going even through the trials, tribulations, and even a failed drug test to have a modestly successful career. Like Nadeau, Allmendinger only won one Cup Series race, but it's a moment I'll never forget as a fan. Also, I have to say, it sure was nice seeing him get the win in the Xfinity race at the Roval on Saturday.

[@thethriftinglounge]

Loved racing those Vickers and dinger red bull cars in the NASCAR video games

[@N4SCARfaN]

I became a Jimmie Johnson fan as I watched him win at Texas in the 2013 AAA Texas 500. My dad found a race near our house, so we went. It happened to be my first NASCAR race I watched.

[@cobracmdr2529]

Always rooted for the dinger. Great road course racer. Loved those Red Bull Toyotas

[@BernardDelivers]

AJ was great at NHIS me and a few fans where standing in the rain outside the tunnel looking for drivers to get autographs from we saw AJ returning from dinner with friends he waved to us and said he be right back

[@BernardDelivers]

He returned and to our surprise no only signed autographs for us but gave us a full 24 pack of redbull

[@mesousagaby740]

The best thing about Nadeau for me? He drove a Powerpuff Girls paint scheme. That's just awesome.

[@Ratt2004]

One of my favorite things? Turning on NASCAR Thunder 2003 & hearing his intensity promoting the "It's in the game!" tagline...epic.

[@scottking2451]

Mine was Dale Earnhardt I was a kid and me and my dad was watching charlotte and the pass in the grass happens and me being a kid I thought that was amazing watching dale handle that car like that while bill Elliot tried his best to wreck or get by him and then the interview where he said I didn't take it talking about bill trying to turn him I was hooked now fast foward to 2001 he was my hero thru all 76 wins and 7 cup titles and I lost him that February still stings I still see pics of him brings a tear to my eye to me Dale Earnhardt was the greatest race car driver of all time but I know about meeting ur hero's to I met dale in 93 he was at my local track and I told him I was gonna be a racer too and he told me to stick with it thru the hard times and I would be fine my first win came in 95 and I dedicated it to my hero Dale Earnhardt you're video was great made the wheels start turning again thank you and have a blessed day

[@evanwilliams6406]

The man could wheel a car with the best of them, but he always had something bad happen. Jerry always gave 100 percent every lap, and sometimes you wish that he could have throttled it back to 90. Jerry was an awesome driver and a great person as well as his fan club letters showed how much he valued being a Cup driver and how grateful he was for the fan support. Jerry had a lot of tough breaks and if they had just gone his way, we might be talking about a different driver.

[@ClaptonFan91]

My first favorite driver has to be Dale jr. My dad was a Sr fan, and I remember how exciting it was to get to go to my first race as a kid at Richmond in 1998. I remember watching Dale Sr qualify. Sitting low in turn 1, I could see him wheeling that thing. I was a great race, I was 7 and remember it as well as I would today as an adult. Two cars wrecked in front of me and caught on fire andnit was so cool seeing those drivers climb out.. but what stood out was Dale Jr won the race... I mean how cool is it to have the guy you think you should pull for win at the very first race you ever went to... I saw him win his first ever race there, and saw him win his last cup race in '06 there.. and his last Xfinity win... How fitting to cycle all the way back to where it all started 20 years from the first to the last... Tears me up typing it

[@SiVlog1989]

That's the thing about Motorsport that makes me smile, the stories behind why people support a specific person. I can completely understand the appeal of Jerry from a fan perspective. I have great respect for those who support an individual or team through good and bad, less so those who jump on the bandwagon in terms of who is the best of a particular year. Adding a personal touch, it's like how I decided to cheer for my favourite driver currently (circa 2022) on the F1 grid, Pierre Gasly. I was struck by how much of a good guy he showed himself to be, although in his climb up the ladder to reach F1 he was inconsistent, he nonetheless had all the credentials necessary to reach the top with titles in each of the junior categories before F1. Whenever he achieves a good result (where he is in the points), it's a day where you can smile, when he gets on the podium, it's a day to beam with excitement and on his day of days, Monza 2020,when he claimed his first win, it was a day to shed tears of joy for him. My support for him only strengthened after his tough 2019 season. He was comprehensively outperformed by Max Verstappen at Red Bull and was by mid season demoted to Toro Rosso, based on the junior career he had, I felt that his struggles at Red Bull made no sense, a good driver doesn't become bad overnight. If that demotion wasn't bad enough, he had a tremendous personal tragedy as well as in the first weekend back with Toro Rosso, he witnessed the appalling accident that claimed the life of his best friend, Anthoine Hubert. To witness a tragedy like that was bad enough, to be there in person was bad enough, but to have to race the following day with that grife still fresh in the mind, if it was possible, I gained yet more respect and admiration for him

[@csmQueso]

I feel like it's a shame, that I never got into the sport when I was younger, but now I have come to appreciate the sport through content creators like yourself.

[@LASTCARonBROCK]

Thank you. That's extremely high praise. You would've loved it back then. I highly recommend watching any race from that time period and just imagining yourself there.

[@evannuh-koo-la4054]

Jerry Nadeau may have been a one hit wonder, but he is an awesome and respectful man, and even if fans dont remember him that well, he will certainly be remembered for that Atlanta win

[@Ultimate23Dragon]

Among my "Big 3," Bill Elliott was my first ever driver because he was the one sponsored by McDonald's when I first started watching NASCAR in the mid 1990's. Even after McDonald's transitioned to another driver, I stayed with Bill & he's still one of my "Big 3". The next driver I got interest in was Andy Houston in either 1999 or 2000. I saw him in the Truck Series with similar red & yellow colors though not sponsored by McDonald's (yet). When he started to race with Ronald McDonald House charities for a few races in 2000, that's where I got real intrigue. He had a quality to him that he still has today I felt good about. I guess that's why I stick with him while not really giving Anthony Lazarro a chance though he was in a McDonald's car before Andy. Even after Cal Wells guinea pigged him in 2001, Andy still continued with his championship dreams & did become a multi-series NASCAR Champion... Sure he did it as a spotter, but he's the one that showed me you can still accomplish your dreams, even if you have to modify them a little bit... Then there's the big dog of the "Big 3". The driver I'm most synonymous with... Johnny Benson... How Johnny became THE guy, is a strange tale. In the 2001 EA Sports 500, that race was going well, until the last lap. On the last lap, Bobby LaBonte made an ill-advised block on Bobby Hamilton Sr. while 4-wide. LaBonte wrecks himself collecting Ricky Craven, who then collected Johnny Benson, which thus triggered the last lap big one. LaBonte flipped, Craven slid into the wall, but Benson went head-on into the wall at full speed... Now just turning 11 years old & just coming off 5 drivers dying of head injuries in a year & a half, I honestly thought Johnny was killed instantly... The on-board replay with him seemingly not moving didn't help. He was interviewed last & I was just happy he was alive honestly, but he did look out of it... A few days later at Wal-Mart we were shopping & back when NASCAR items had a big sector in the toy aisle, I saw this Johnny Benson 1-64 diecast. It came with a card. I picked it up, stared right into his eyes, & felt... something... To this day, I _still_ don't know what it is, but that literally is how I became a Johnny Benson fan, & over time he became THE guy I rooted for, even more than Bill or Andy. There are other drivers that I do have interest in, but none of them will ever match my bond to those 3, & especially Johnny!

[@henriquepaladino3779]

Johnny won the 2008 truck Championship

[@jmhproductions7335]

Like you, I went from Bill Elliott until his retirement. Then it was Johnny Benson!! After that is was Juan Pablo Montoya. 2019 ( Suarez) but whoops he looks to be gone now... Ugh... So I guess I gotta decision to make. I love Ford and I have support for Penske m, and even Roush now that Stinkhouse is gone. But I kinda want to jump on the John Hunter Nemecheck wagon.

[@PaperBanjo64]

I think Johnny Benson would have won races in the 10 car after Evernham bought out MB2, Scott Riggs ran decent in it.

[@benscovil]

Absolutely wonderful piece. At age 8 I started following NASCAR in 1998. My first favorite driver too, was Jerry Nadeau. My first favorite team was Junie Donlavey's #90. I relate so much with this video. Brought a lot of emotion out in me watching it. Fortunately I was able to become friends with Junie before his passing, and I met Jerry once in 2000. Thanks for this video.

[@kevincorbat7084]

My driver was Mark Martin, as a kid i loved watching him challenge Jeff Gordon in the late 90's in the flyin V's 6, and though it wa sawkward for a kid to wear driver apparel adorning the Viagara brand, i enjoyed the succeses of mid 200's. My heart broke in 2007 when Harvick nosed him at Daytona, and once again in 2009 when Jimmie began to eat away at what was arguably Mark's best chance at that eleusive championship run. I cried tears of joy when he was inducted rightfully into the hall of fame, it was bittersweet, as i knew that meant that his days of being where most of my attention was paid to on sundays was gone. Im lucky to say that i got to see one of the sport's greats be the best he could, and get the recognition he deserves.

[@emilkataro799]

I can relate so much to this post. I remember ranting about the Eagle One paint schemes all the time. I have one on my shelf next to my blue and white Jerry Nadeau chevy.

[@Nfulks96]

Jerry Nadeau definitely reminds me of an early 2000’s Matt Dibenedetto

[@henriquepaladino3779]

Dibenedetto Will drive to wood brothers Racing in 2020

[@BloodyBoyBlue]

Noah Fulks sadly he didn’t have the full support of the media like Matty D does.

[@henriquepaladino3779]

@@BloodyBoyBlue , Nadeau had a lot of talent. But, the 2003 crash at richmond ended his carrer too soon.

[@benscovil]

Except Jerry was a winner.

[@joerywalt5852]

First I was a Jeff Gordon fan, then I transition to a Jerry Nadeau fan til he got hurt at Richmond and after that I became a Kurt Busch fan and now, I'm a huge Kyle Busch fan. I still remember that I talked Jerry Nadeau on the phone while my parents were at the Charlotte fall race with couple of family friends, and couple years later, I met Jerry at Talladega during an autograph session, and my Aunt took pictures of me and Jerry Nadeau. I'm still a huge fan of Jerry Nadeau and I still think about him til this day. Jerry Nadeau was a great driver and I hope to meet him again one of these days.

[@andrewbarker3818]

I saw this in my recommended videos because I often listen to long NASCAR mini-docs while I'm at work. I thought to myself at first "Hmm, 48 minutes on Jerry Nadeau... interesting," but I must now take time out of my work to write about how beautiful this video is! I was never that much of a diehard fan of Jerry Nadeau, but I always supported him. I own the Coast Guard diecast. I was one of those people that groaned (albeit from Massachusetts) when the rear end failed at Sonoma. I love Bobby Labonte, but also cringed when Jerry ran out of gas at Atlanta. We all know life isn't fair, but some of this stuff that happened to Jerry is absolutely heartbreaking, especially the injury. You can tell what a good man he is in his interviews. Always seemed to be saying "Hi" to his parents too. I had appreciated for Jerry Nadeau before this video, but now that appreciation is heightened. We love you Jerry! Chad Little was my Jerry Nadeau. I got a John Deere diecast for Christmas one year, but that was before I liked NASCAR. When I finally gave NASCAR a shot at age 9 and saw a car I recognized on the track, I was hooked. I followed Chad through his BACE Motorsports years in 2001 and 2002 and now I follow Jesse Little! The Littles all seem like great, genuine people. Anyway, thanks again for this effort! More drivers deserve this much attention.

[@Ratt2004]

Truly as a longtime NASCAR fan, a good moment for all. One of the feelgood moments & most popular wins. That, & Johnny Benson's win in 2002. Drivers like those 2 are once in a lifetime talents. Always loved Jerry Nadeau, one of those drivers you could never NOT like.

[@BrandonChrasta]

Absolutely beautiful job on this, Brock. I'm so proud to have ever known you, and thank you for making this, I will forever know Jerry Nadeau differently, and it's for the better.

[@swirvinirvan3789]

Nice video. This reminds me of getting my Sadler Fan Club packet every year. Miss those days. I remember laying out of school "sick" to watch that Atlanta race and seeing Jerry get that first W. I remember when my guy Elliott Sadler got that first win at Bristol the next year. It was an awesome feeling, I know what you mean by feeling a "part" of it.

[@DonkeyKongJr10]

Mine was Mark Martin. One of the big things that first got me hooked was a bugels drum we got that talks about Mark's win at Charlotte in 1998. As a kid born in 1995, and not starting to watch all the time until 2001, it kinda sucked not being able to wear merch of my favorite driver. It also doesn't help that NASCAR isn't that big in the PNW (I'm from Washington state). I remember going to school in like 4th grade and being told I had to hide my shirt because of what was on it. That was also a pretty slow period for Mark wins. Almost watching my driver win the championship in my second full year of watching was amazing, and I thought winning would become normal. A year and a half later, I remember being so giddy telling my mom with 5 laps to go that Mark was leading at Dover. It felt like I was right along side of him. I was so happy. The wins may have been few and far between, but at least he was consistent. Then, in 2006, he announced his part-time schedule. It made me sad, but at least I was still able to see him. I still wish that Daytona 500 turned out differently, though. 2009 was a breath of fresh air. After the slow start, it was so nice to see him winning again, and compete for that championship, even if he came up short. After that, it was just enjoying the last few years of his career. That one final win never came, even with incredibly fast cars. To this day, I will always say that Mark Martin is my favorite driver, and he always will be. It also helps he's an entertaining Twitter follow.

[@nileskirkaldie3351]

I still have two of those bugles drums!!!

[@kalebbacchetti3109]

My favorite drivers from day one of watching Nascar were Jeff Gordan and Mike Bliss. My mom raced Quarter Midgets with both of them as kids in California, and she remembers fondly hanging out with them between races at the track. I was the 3rd generation in my family to get into the sport starting with my grandpa in the 50s and 60s, and being born in '95, Jeff and Mike were the coolest guys in the world to me. While Mike never had the success of Gordan, I was always so happy to he him get a top 5 or 10 finish. I've always wanted to meet Jeff and see if he remembers my grandpa and mom from his days growing up. Although my life went a different direction and i picked up music, I remember dreaming of winning the Daytona 500 like my hero Jeff Gordan did. I got to go to 1 cup race at Sears Point probably around 98 or 99 and even being that young, i can remember how exciting that day was. Saw Bush races and Indy races at Nashville in 2002 and 2003 and those were some of my favorite memories growing up.

[@kyleshiflet9952]

God that ending hit me in the heart hard Jerry was an amazing driver my favorite drive of all time is Earnhardt he was my dad's and Grandpa's favorite driver I loved how he drove but I'm a huge fan of McDowell and I cried and yelled "THERE ARE STILL MIRACLES IN THIS WORLD" seeing win his first race at Daytona

[@pauleilerman3]

Liked Michael Waltrip in the Bahari Racing Pennzoil #10 but when Johnny Benson took over I was immediately a fan. He was a humble, soft spoken midwest guy who raced the right way. Got to see him win the O'Reilly 250 truck race, it was the most awesome night.

[@84Ralphyboy]

Favorite was Dale Jarrett to start in the Quality Care red white and blue. Cheered for him until the end at mwr. A little later on Sterling Marlin in the silver bullet and Stacy Compton in the melling cars were a favorite as well. Then I had a soft spot for Ken Schrader willing that poor equipment with Bam and Schwanns on the car to respectable finishes (Dave Blaney same feeling 93,77,07,22,36). Now I like Kyle Larson for his dirt background and ability to drive anything. Great video, Jerry was indeed Awesome!

[@BubbaBearGames]

The guy that got me into NASCAR was Ward Burton, when he drove that #22 Caterpillar Dodge in 2002, and when he won that season's Daytona 500, that's when he really cemented himself as one of my all-time favorites.

[@bdavis24fan]

I actually found Jerry's Michael Holigan diecast from 2000. Got it in a bundle with a bunch of other cars including Jimmie Johnson's rookie car.

[@rgii8060]

Great video man! I live about 25 min from RIR and I was out in the parking lot tailgaiting for the Busch race that Friday. We heard them practicing then we heard the impact...about a minute later there was absolute silence. It wasn't until the next day we realized how serious it was. He always seemed like he was contender but never got any recognition because he wasn't a household name.

[@joshchilds9409]

I know this was years ago. But my first favorite driver was Chad Little because I was a John Deere fanatic as a kid and came across a diecast car when Chad raced the 97 car... I just learned recently he still works for Nascar today. But yeah, I can definitely relate to this video

[@edwardsa1000]

OG truex jr fan here! but i love the rich history of the sport! great work! much appreciated!

[@CaptainTylor19]

My favorite driver was and still is Rusty Wallace. My parents bonded over racing when they were dating and went to several races before having me. One my earliest memory was when I was 3 years old living Oak Hill WV 1993. Rusty and his fan truck came to our local Pontiac dealership. I was lucky enough to get his autograph on a hat that I still have. After the autograph my parents asked me if I wanted anything from his fan truck. I told them I didn't want any beer. The first race I got to attend was the 1995 Bristol night race. I remember crying when Earnhardt spun Rusty early in that race. I saddly feel sleep before the end so I missed that iconic finish.

[@jesseemullen]

I'll never forget him. And he's from my state :)

[@MrMatthias]

That was a great, emotional video. It choked me up a little bit. I always wondered what happened to Jerry Nadeau, and I did quite liked him. I didn't realize he was that great! As a kid, I was a fan of Ricky Craven in 1997 and 98. I remember my dad printing out a page commemorating is first pole! Even as I moved on to become a fan of Dale Earnhardt and then, subsequently Kevin Harvick, when Ricky Craven got that win at Darlington, I felt that very pride you spoke of in the video.

[@fubbaquestor]

I was five, so I don't remember a true moment, but Terry Labonte driving the #5 Corn Flakes car hooked me. Seeing him succeed in the mid-90's was awesome, and even loved him in the twilight years after '00.

[@j-mangaming2923]

Jeff Gordon has and always will be my favourite driver. When I played Gran Turismo 5 on the PS3 in 2010, it served as my introduction to NASCAR, and Gordon's flaming #24 car instantly endeared me. I spent hours driving that car, and eventually, I started to watch the races. Being from Australia, the races always began at inconvenient times, but I made sure to catch them when I could. The Martinsville Chase race in 2015 was the first time that I had ever cried out of joy following a sports event. Jeff's win, to me at least, was cathartic, and although he didn't win at Homestead, I was still incredibly proud of everything he had accomplished, particularly in the few years of his late career that I'd watched. It was bittersweet to see him take over for Jr. in 2016, but I was happy to see him on the track again. Nowadays I root for Blaney and Kurt Busch, but neither driver, or perhaps any other driver (maybe with the exception of Jeff's son Leo if he ever makes it to Cup in a few decades' time), will come close to receiving the admiration from me that Gordon received. I unfortunately wasn't around to see Nadeau in his prime, heck, I was born nearly 2 years after his only win, but from watching what he was able to do with a race car, I could tell that he was somebody who I would've supported if I'd been born a decade earlier. Brock, this video only emphasises this. I'm still glad that Jerry's with us, though it's heartbreaking to know that he will most likely never race competitively again. Even more so is his ESPN interview where he said that he sometimes wishes he was dead. But I must thank you for making this video, and I hope many more people can become aware of who he was. Because Jerry Nadeau was, and indeed still is, awesome.

[@masonshell1024]

For years I've had a Jerry Nadeau 2000 Michael Holigan Coast Guard 1:24 diecast. I never knew much about the driver until this video. Awesome story!

[@psychlops924]

We were Jeff Gordon fans in our house. My dad started watching NASCAR in late 92, and picked Jeff because of some stellar performances for such a young driver in 93. I remember that when Jerry came to Hendrick we would cheer for him, and kept rooting for him when he went to the Army car. I still think that’s one of the best paint schemes of all time. I was only 10 in 2003, so I never fully understood what happened to Jerry, but my dad would bring him up from time to time, and always spoke with a bit of sadness in his voice when he did. I think my dad was a bigger fan of Jerry than I realized, but since he passed away a few years ago, I won’t be able to ask him til the hereafter. Anyway, thank you for making this. It brought back a lot of good memories.

[@natalie7ds]

Great video, very well put together and a perfect tribute to a highly underrated driver. Seeing those fan club letters reminds me of all my John Andretti fan club letters and packages and gave me so much nostalgia that now I need to dig all mine out of the closet. Thanks for sharing!

[@CFreed11]

My favorite was Bobby Labonte. Ironically, it was because of that 2000 November Atlanta race. That was the first Nascar race that I watched in its entirety and with Bobby winning the championship, I thought to myself "man, he must be one good driver" and followed him ever since. Bobby is also the last driver to ever win a Nascar Winston Cup race, which is a pretty darn cool title to have!

[@Southernswag8283]

Jerry is now a instructor at Polecat racing in Lynchburg Tennessee. I just learned who he was during our 2 day driving school. Me and my brother just got done with our 2 day weekend class in baby formula cars and he was SO PASSIONATE in giving us our feedback in our turns and drive lines. He is still just as passionate about racing as he once was, except now instead of racing, he loves teaching people. What a great guy. We love you and appreciate you jerry!

[@michel311970]

Mine was Mark Martin. I saw him winning his first race while still living in Europe. It was broadcasted through Eurosport. What struck me most about Mark was how modest he was after the race and what a nice guy he was. Once I moved to the US i kept following him until he retired. I met you once Brock in Sonoma during the practice for the K&N pro series on a Saturday. I knew your website and we struck up a conversation. You were awesome and gave me plenty of time. I still appreciate that.

[@stewpuddy4161]

It is a sad story, glad you made this.

[@TotoDG]

Fun fact: Michael Holigan ran his own motorcycle team from 2004 to 2006. Alongside, he also ran a TV show called _The Reality of Speed._

[@jrand2148]

Loved this video, lifelong Jeff Gordon fan here, but Jerry was my 2nd favorite from his days in the 13. My first ever die cast car happened to be that number 13. Thank you for keeping the memories alive!

[@davidbuell7051]

Awesome video man. Nadeau was always someone who wasn't my favorite driver but was never someone I rooted against and always wanted to see him have more success. He and Johnny Benson were guys I always wanted to see win a race, glad I got to watch both break through wish they had more. I remember being very angry when he had the failure in the #44 Petty car leading that race with a few laps let at sonoma as I felt that a Petty car would never win again.

[@Turn0vers]

Tony Stewart was mine. I was about 4 or 5 we were going to a Target and at the Home Depot across the street where I was from they had a hauler and a car and memorabilia to buy. As I recall this was about early 2003 or very late 2002 celebrating the championship that was won under his belt. That's what made me love Nascar growing up. I don't recall the 2003 season of Tony's too well due to memory but the first race I watched after that was a Pocono race and Stewart had a pretty bad accident if I remember correctly. Luckily ok, but I was so disappointed when that happened. It kept me going and tuning in for each race it seemed like. The first win I remember seeing was a win at Atlanta of his. He was successful over the years and won plenty of championships. The thing that glared at me every damned year that kept breaking my heart is how close he could've won the Daytona 500 multiple times. I always wanted to see him win one of them. When I saw that 05 championship and 11 championship that really didn't matter to me as much. Even though they were great feelings. But the 500 is like the crown jewel for every career. People gave him crap for his personality. I loved it. I thought he was one of the funniest guys in the field. He eventually channeled his fiery personality to a good level. I always thought he was the most passionate one and he literally was a lifer to the art of racing. I just wish that I could've met him at a race and actually been able to see a cup race. I live in the NW. There's no sign that Nascar will bring cup to a track here. I wish I always had the chance to experience it. It's something that I wish I could've taken advantage of. I had an opportunity but I wasn't able to take that and run with it sadly. It was sad to see the injuries basically take his career away. Main regret of mine to not be able to see it. But it was damn fun growing up. My interest totally died off when he was off track and didn't race. I just can't attach to anyone else. Such an attachment like you said to the first one.

[@sk8terboi10003]

When Regan Smith was doing well he became my favorite driver. I was so pumped when he finally won at Darlington about 10 years ago. Its so exciting when an underdog wins a race.

[@CSDonohue11]

Dude this was really cool. I never realized Nadeau actually ran so well. May not have had the finishes but he ran strong and I forgot all about that. Great video. Salute to a real deal fan.

[@sportstrap4285]

My favorite driver has always been Jeff Gordon and Chase Elliott when he took his seat. However the underdog I ended up falling in love with was David Ragan, my first year watching a full NASCAR season was 2013 and the first time I ever saw an upset live was his miracle at Talladega I’ll never forget cheering so hard for a driver who wasn’t Jeff Gordon as I’d always loved underdogs. Later that year I went to my then hometown track New Hampshire and met all my favorite underdogs, Joe Nemechek, JJ Yeley, and even Morgan Shepherd (I don’t believe he was racing that day tho) but I remember fondly meeting Ragan telling him how big a fan I was and him saying that his fans are what keep him going signing my program and then surprising me by giving me an authentic team hat. I still have that hat today

[@troytheboy9144]

As a Hendrick fan I always wanted to know about Jerry since I wasn't alive to watch him (born in 04). I always wondered what happened to him and just automatically thought of him as a bust that couldn't perform In HMS equipment. But wow this video is amazing! Thank you for making this and giving me all I wanted to know!

[@LASTCARonBROCK]

You're very welcome. Hendrick has a fascinating history in the years they've been around, and this is one of the stories that's not often told.

[@diegoalmeidaaraujo]

Man... this is so emotional!! Greetings from Brazil! You're a real Jerry fan👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🤝🏼 This means a lot for you both, i can be sure about it

[@DonderNashawk]

November 20, 2000 Good news: Jerry Nadeau wins his first race Bad News: I was born

[@megabutters9144]

Oof

[@CSDonohue11]

Lol That’s awesome All Great news

[@samharris3508]

So sorry to hear that.

[@N4SCARfaN]

I wish you a great 19th birthday! I know it’s a bit early, but it’s better than being too late, isn’t it?

[@degabruh_]

*insert stop motion random cuts transition*

[@kenzschueler]

What a throwback....this was fantastic Brock. After watching two videos of yours, I am a proud subscriber of yours. Thanks for all your efforts in helping me and countless others go back and relive these special moments in our lives. I associate my young life with NASCAR, I could tell you what I did throughout the week after a certain race. It was my calendar so to speak. It was my life. Again, thank you !

[@AlanNadeauIII]

I picked up a #25 Jerry Nadeau Coast Guard 1:24 scale diecast/bank at the 2019 NSRA Northeast Street Rod Nationals in Burlington, Vermont a couple weeks ago.

[@dadman9799]

Your use of music in the clips from some of Jerry’s impressive runs during races is perfect. Awesome job

[@GGRTL1]

I love this video very touching. Jerry was one hell of a driver. He had a lot of heart. I have his 2001 1:64 diecast. My driver was Jeff Gordon, it was when I sat down and watched the 2001 brickyard 400 from start to finish. I never got a chance to go to the races and watch him. I finally met him at Sonoma in 2017 just in front of the Hollywood Hotel when he was about to do rehearsals and every year I go to that spot or the near the commentator booth and see him and DW.

[@bobnadeau2636]

Thanks Brock. Great video and memories. As fellow Nadeau's, and New Englanders, my son and I saw the Nadeau name flash on the screen during a race in the 13 car and said, what is that? We were hooked instantly, by name and followed him for the next decade as he had success and through his recovery efforts. Met him in CT one year which was great for my young son. A part of our life we still think about and are grateful for. Thanks Hotshoes!!

[@Josxyz74vvTV]

So cool to see such passionate fans of drivers who aren´t top tier dominating drivers {earnhardts, gordons, buschs, etc.}. As a child I was more a bandwagon fan unfortunatly I liked Gordon and Dale Jr. Now looking back I like to see all these other drivers who were interesting.

[@emilkataro799]

I don't remember where I was or why my 8 year old self attached to Mark Martin but I don't enjoy it like I used to without him. Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for being an excellent fan.

[@mikepriceup]

Thankyou so much for sharing your story. Like you jerry was my favorite driver as well. This video put a smile on my face as 2020 as a whole have left us smiling very little! 12/18/2020 mike price from lincoln ca.

[@CBright7831]

44:36 - That's a kickass picture to end things with. My favorite driver congratulating your favorite driver on his big victory.

[@aaronbermudez7719]

Awesome video. I never knew that much about Nadeau. I was a huge NASCAR fan until 1995. My driver (Harry Gant) retired in 1994 and I just never found another driver that made me passionate about the sport since. Jerry was just the type of driver that may have kept me interested. I guess I missed him by about two years. The shot of The Intimidator driving beside him to congratulate him on his first win speaks volumes about the kind of respect he must have had in the garage area. I occasionally watch NASCAR highlights now, and special moments like that just seem to no longer occur. Thanks again for the video. Oh yeah, BTW, you mentioned that Jerry was a spotter for Richard Jackson.... Did he spot when Rick Mast drove the car? If so, it means he was essentially part of Harry Gant's team... Harry Drove for Leo Jackson (Richard's Brother) ...Makes me like Jerry even more..lol

[@StevenCityChevy-Fusion]

Great job, as usual, Brock. Very nice to hear someone's heartfelt feelings about their idol and how it's simply in their soul... I first became a DW fan around 1989-1990 when I was about nine as I asked my dad "who drove the orange car". It was the immediate kind of kid connection as the orange Tide car was a fairly close orange to the school color of my dad's Alma Mater the Tennessee Volunteers. I didn't become "obsessed" with his career though until I was slightly older in 1991 around the time I truly fell in love with the sport. It also didn't hurt that in 1991 he unveiled that all time favorite Western Auto paint scheme with those incredible chrome numbers. I'll never forget listening to the MRN radio call of "my" first win being a true fan in April of 1991 at North Wilkesboro. It was one of five that I got to enjoy from 1991-92, but uniquely different circumstances (traveling, family get togethers at houses without cable, etc.) in all five prevented me, as a kid, from seeing the victory live on t.v. I had to catch highlights later in the night and then finally years later KZbin allowed me to see the recordings of the final stages of those victories. I got to be a loyal fan of his full time career for nine years from 1991-2000 and for most of those years(especially 1994-2000) the successful races were FEW and far between. I cried as a kid at 10 years old when I thought I'd watched his death in that barrell role down the backstretch in the Pepsi 400 at Daytona. Cried many happy tears seven years later in 1998 after that incredible run at the June Pocono race as he gave his most emotional, powerful interview of his career. He left it all on the track for that sixth place run while leading 10 laps in the final stages. I hoped a win was around the corner, but it wasn't to be. I was asked many times in middle and high school why I cared about a driver that never won any more. Honestly, I didn't have a good answer other than I am just a loyal type person. Sometimes to a fault. Thanks again for this video. As silly as it can sound to some it spells out well how a person will only have one true "first" when it comes to their hero/idol. Simple as that.

[@vincentpellegrino789]

Really enjoyed this. I could tell your heart was in the making of this video.

[@jdhaase1417]

Awesome job on this vid! The moment in NASCAR that hooked me was when Dale SR hooked DW at the old Richmond Fairgrounds around 84 or 85. Been a DW fan ever since.

[@brendenpavao2071]

This is such a great video. I always liked Jerry Nadeau after getting a 1:64 diecast of his first car for Christmas, and being told that he was from Connecticut. I'm from Massachusetts, so it comes natural to pull for anyone from the Northeast. I got to see him get a top 5 at New Hampshire, and I was at Daytona and Dover in 2001 for Junior's wins. I unfortunately never realized how well he'd done in both of those races for obvious reasons until now. On a fan level, I can relate to Jerry's fans. I grew up watching my family race pro stocks while marveling at the modifieds and supermodifieds. Mike Stefanik was a friend of the family, and naturally my favorite driver, rest his soul. My first favorite driver who I picked was Steve Park. The two of them were dominant in modifieds, and they both ran the pro stocks often too. They were real racers. I'll never forget my grandfather telling me that Earnhardt was giving Park a shot in a Busch car. Watching him succeed at it, and eventually in a Cup car was something else. After his career was cut short, I lost a lot of interest in NASCAR beyond its weekly tracks. It hurt seeing someone that close to us showing the world that he had what it took, and then losing it in a freak accident. I finally started paying more attention again when Ryan Preece was able to stand up and grab an opportunity that he deserves.

[@mattepple6759]

I had come back off of a hiatus away from nascar and went to the bristol race in 2016. There i saw a soft spoken, easy mannered driver driving the 83 bk racing machine crank outba top ten. And rather then complain about what went wrong he focused on what went well and appreciated everything he had accomplished up to that point. Ever since then i have been a die hard dibenedetto fan and will till the day i die. That kind of character is hard to find in anyone nowadays

[@joshdickens3974]

My first favorite NASCAR driver I still like him he don't leave anymore he has retired was marked the kid Martin because he was the big underdog that's my favorite driver then followed him all through most of his career and tell he retired and now I am a Kyle Busch fan

[@TheIceman13]

This video was amazing, I wish someone would do something equally as deserving for a driver like Brian Vickers who in my eyes was a modern Nadeau if there ever was one.

[@DarthMatt0387]

Anyone who gave this INCREDIBLE video a thumbs down clearly has their head firmly planted directly up their own A#%! Such a great video that was filled with so much passion and heart. I became a NASCAR fan in 1999 at the age of eleven right as they were gearing up for that years Brickyard 400. I can still picture watching qualifying for the race and the Brickyard 400 itself so clearly even all these years later. The first race I ever attended was the 2000 Coca-Cola 600 that Jerry dominated. I was a Bobby Labonte fan back then but I was certainly well aware that anyone that drove for Rick Hendrick Motorsports was one hell of a race car driver.I can still remember thinking that Jerry was clearly the man to beat that night and definitely deserved to win. That was such a special and magical time to be a young NASCAR fan and I will always cherish those memories. I was at home watching the day Jerry pulled the 25 car into victory lane in Atlanta. I remember thinking how great it was to have a fresh face in victory lane and how Jerry and the entire 25 team certainly deserved that win. Your video helped me remember such a special time in my life that brought me so much pure joy and happiness. I want to seriously thank you for that and wish you continued success with your amazing channel. I'm from North Carolina and I just want you to know that I fell in love with Sears Point Raceway the first time I saw the track on television. I'm about to watch your video on the track as soon as I finish this. Thank you so much once again for this video and the great work that you do.

[@kurtfoulke5130]

Nadeau Nadeau ! I haven't said that for a long time. Jerry, Kenny Erwin & Steve Park were 3 of my favorites, great talents with terrible luck. Thank you Brock for another fine ride down Memory Lane

[@Smoothsailing93]

So glad someone acknowledged this man. I loved the CN cars but the moment at Sears point was my favorite

[@ernestdougherty3162]

Thank you for sharing that Jerry was the man and still is so thank you for sharing and God bless

[@joetorres632]

I was a Jerry fan as well. Due to cartoon network. The video and photos from sears point reminded me I was there too from the mid 90s to mid 2000s. I got to see the same highlights you did. Awesome video !

[@MrTecAut]

Absolutely amazed with this video! It reminded me of my youth. I've recorded that last 2000 race because it was going to be the last one transmitted to my country (Brazil) by ESPN. Nice memories! Congrats for the video and be sure that Nadeau was a heck of a driver!

[@JasonRatcliff7896]

Wow man great video!!!...im an elliott fan since 85 I was 7....pull for chase now...followed Jerry after he drove for Bill an dan...miss the good on days!!!! Amazing job best independent NASCAR vid I've seen on Utube!

[@chronodriver]

Great video, it really took me back. I knew and raced against Jerry back in our Skip Barber days, he was always as fast and fierce on the track as he was approachable and friendly off the track. I always knew he would make it, that rare combination of fierce competitor in the car that was charming and friendly when he got out. His crash was heartbreaking but it's great to see him now, recovering from injuries that most people couldn't. Fierce competitor as always and still a great guy.

[@ottovollmerhousen9055]

Really enjoyed. the video. I forgot that the Atlanta win was the last race on ESPN, but I remembered the rain delay. Brought. back a pleasant memory. I’m a fan also so I’m familiar with the feeling you mention, the sincerity is apparent in the narration. I was pulling for him too!

[@afp5013]

My first favorite driver was Rusty Wallace. My parents owned a bar when I was growing up, and they would get a lot of Rusty items from the beer distributor. I knew who Rusty was because of that, but had never watched or had been to a race for years after that. Once I finally got into racing I pulled for Rusty through his last race even though I was also a Gordon fan. I also loved watching underdogs give it to the big names, and I pulled for Nadeau quite a bit. It still breaks my heart what happened to him. Very well put together video. Great job man.

[@Ally_Rayne6]

Current favorite driver. April 26th, 2009. Aaron’s 499. Brad Keselowski was running for Phoenix Racing and it was an amazing sight. I really didn’t know much about Keselowski even though he was driving for my mom’s favorite driver’s xfinity series team. His move on Carl in the tri-oval was a scary move but Brad held his line. When Brad was going to Penske in 2010 I was pleased with the move since I loved my mopar products. The next year he was driving the iconic blue #2 that I loved deep down! Christmas of 2011 was special! I got a tee-shirt dual signature from both Brad and Kurt! The next year, in 2012 following my last year as a freshman in high school I had the privilege to go to New Hampshire and I met Brad in person, that was phenomenal! I told him he was going to win the title he signed me a hat that day and that hat is still in my possession. When Homestead came around I was nervous as hell but I knew something special was going to happen. Brad delivered Roger Penske championship #2 in NASCAR. Brad has been my favorite now for 11 years since he started in Jr Motorsports it’s a day I’ll never forget

[@SteelQueens]

Great video. I was a huge fan of johnny benson from 1996 on and your video reminds me of me with him. I pulled for Kasey Kahne, Brad Keselowski, and now Ryan Blaney since, but there will never be another driver like your first favorite. I think theres something about liking an underdog as your first favorite that draws you to the sport forever. Love your work!

[@christopherbosak8402]

What a cool tribute to your favorite driver. It baffles me how you don’t have more subscribers.

[@badbooking3221]

26:50 or so, if Nadeau had foresight, there would have been EASY sponsorship money from Cartoon Network for that team. In regards to my favorite driver, Dale Jarrett in 1997 was the freaking man. That brilliant mullet/mustache combo along with Robert Yates horsepower in a red white and blue Ford Thunderbird is a major piece of what made that era epic in NASCAR. However, if you were a fan around Speedweeks 1990 and were told Jarrett would be a Cup champion by the end of the millennium, you'd get smacked.

[@benjaminwitte5184]

This was such a great video. I too was a jerry fan. When he made those few starts in that R&L carriers pontiac all those years ago. I remember seeing a sticker on the back of their trucks and trailers with that race car on it. I remember feeling so awful when he blew that turn at sears point, and then loving that Cartoon Network scheme, fantastic. His days at HMS could’ve been so great, but the 25 seemed to always be a revolving door until they finally did away with it. The first driver I became a fan of was davey Allison, and then Ernie irvan, but in 98 it was jerry. I remember in 2000 rushing home after school on that Monday, wanted to watch espn’s final race, and being so excited to see that 25 car leading and then winning, and beating the best of the best, that black 3. Jerry nadeau’s career/life is an example for us all, of how things can look great and not pan out, or look bad and become something. Lots of could’ve, would’ve, should’ve for him. I never joined the fan club like you did, but I was definitely a big fan.

[@Smoothsailing93]

he was and always will be my favorite driver. Awesome video

[@jacquesdresang1923]

Awesome tribute- One of America's best Formula Ford drivers. I was always a fan.

[@Nickearl1]

That was so cool Brock! Thanks fort sharing all that with us!!

[@Razz415]

Wow, thanks algorithm for pointing me here. I was a high school kid when Nadeau was running, crazy the bad luck he had. Hope life now is going well now. He had some cool rides.

[@larson5fan790]

Marty Snyder in the 90's that's awesome

[@joeyoung4871]

Geez him and mike joy been there forever

[@doubleutubefan5]

As a 5 year old kid I saw my first NASCAR race. That was in 2000. in 2002-2003 I got a PlayStation and a copy of NASCAR Thunder 2003. I distinctly remember that Black and Gold AUW-Delphi car. I even had a model of that car. I think 1/32 scale. I never actually knew what happened to him. I appreciate this video though, as the whole time watching this reminds me of my own go-kart career in the past years. I always qualified well but could never finish well. What a beautiful compelling video that was put together so well. Jerry was a great driver it seems. A driver that could have easily gotten a championship. Uncontrollable circumstances prevented that though. Ah I almost forget to say my favorite driver. Kevin Harvick. He took over for the Dale Sr. team and to this day he is the only NASCAR Driver I have met in person and have a signed autograph. He was doing a promotion at a local Ollie's bargain outlet store and I drove over by myself at 18 years old and stood in line. It was a bit awkward, most people there had a friend or family member to tale a photo with him. Not me. Just a signed card and I left. Anyway I'm sure glad Jerry got better and survived that wreck. Somehow I don't remember it. Nowadays NASCAR is unfamiliar to me. I haven't had TV service in years and for the first time in a long time, while on vacation, I watched this weeks race at a track I never knew existed. The Charlotte Roval. There is only about half a dozen drivers I even recognize, let alone ones that are still racing from when I followed the sport more closely. The race was amazing to watch. It had drama, cautions, and a comeback victory. Do I like this stage racing format? IDK. Doesn't matter I guess. Kevin Harvick's #4 Jimmy Johns car was oh so close to a victory. He was just on 30 lap old tires and had several fresh tires guy behind him. Anyway, thanks for reading my long comment, I hope you do more videos like this. I found this video by sheer chance while trying to look up a history on Steve Park, a driver who had my favorite paint scheme of all time and who wrecked in the 2003 Pocono 500, a race I have recorded on VHS to this day. Tony Stewart won that day. As a rookie. I remember it well.

[@bryanadair6130]

Great video I was a fan to he was awesome.thank you for your time and passion. I miss the good days of our sport and I hope we can get it back.

[@ottovollmerhousen9055]

Really enjoyed the video. I’m a fan also so I know the feeling you describe, and the sincerity is obvious in your video. I forgot that the Atlanta win was the last race on ESPN. Brought back a pleasant memory, I was pulling for him too!

[@MrMiD.Life.Crisis]

brilliant video. Seeing you open the fan club envelope gave me a lump in my throat. Such a huge shame how things turned out. Thank goodness for the COT, hans devices (no matter how much ppl didn't want them), SAFER walls, modern seats and seat positions - also the sheer size of the cars, modern helmets, etc. I wonder how big a step back they've made with the newest car and what they'll do to rectify the current situation.

[@river86012]

Mine was Sterling Marlin. In 2002 in leading the points for most of the year. The #40 Coors Light Silver Bullet was also my favorite paint schemes. I got to meet him in 2015 and it was great moment for me. Great video! How doing one on Carl Edwards or Sterling Marlin?

[@tannerensign5055]

When I was 5 years old my dad was a die-hard Earnhardt fan, I remember when Dale died me Kevin harvick took over, my dad just embraced him as the next but the 01 Atlanta race edging gordan to the line made him my hero and I've stuck with him through think and thin ever sence

[@lilwill6985]

This was a great video... funny really. I lost my first favorite driver... twice... due to horrible crashes. Long story short... my dad was a huuuuge Allison fan. My first greatest memory of NASCAR was watching my father in complete tears in 1992 when Davey had that horrible crash in the Winston. The year he died my dad and I took the trip to Talladega mostly just see the memorial that Yates had put together to honor his memory. After the Memorial my dad and I lingered while he talked to other fans and this driver by the name of Ernie irvan walked up to seven year old me and started talking... He asked me who my favorite driver was and I told him I didn't have one yet... He gave me the Hat off his head and said I hope you root for the 28 car today. I find it kind of fitting watching this video that your driver replaced mine in his final accident in Michigan.

[@edwardogle2458]

The first race I remember watching was the 1993 Bud Shootout. I picked Rookie Jeff Gordon as my first driver, and followed him all the way to the announcers booth. I pull for Chase Elliott today on track, but will always be a Gordon fan for life.