The Winner: A Neil Bonnett Story | FOX SPORTS FILMS

[@luecreative]

They packed every allergy known to man and every cut onion in Alabama into this thing... Beautiful.

[@robinlanier6886]

I'm not crying, you're crying. 😭 God bless him and Dale Sr. and Davey. 💔✝🏁

[@roxstrongo8961]

I miss the throwback racers like Neil, its what NASCAR needs today.

[@Evan_Moore61]

February 11, 1994. February 18, 2001. July 13, 1993. April 1, 1993. These are the dates that we lost legends. Neil Bonnet was undoubtedly a loving and caring father, husband, and friend to all. This is probably the best short story FOX Sports has put together yet.

[@dannycoker6439]

Evan Moore Evan Dale &Neil lost there lives in same corner.Adam&Kenny Irwin died same corner of New Hampshire.

[@craigheil7044]

Alan & Davey both lost their lives in an aircraft

[@James10000]

August 13, 1989 We lost Tim Richmond

[@ervinthompson6598]

ReyReyCraze ......Tim’s lifestyle killed him - not a race car. After weeks of mysterious sickness , he attempted a comeback but he clearly wasn’t the same and he couldn’t conceal it.

[@frankcastle5294]

And all from exactly the same injury. Disgusting.

[@cliffthelightning]

I was born in 1992, live on the other side of the Atlantic in the netherlands, only been following and learning about Nascar history for a couple of years. Yet i still miss Neil Bonnett dearly. A great man

[@jasonjackson5493]

The sport is starving for these guys......all of them were unique. What a legend

[@fredcomella2931]

It's just not the same....

[@tommyreed3527]

You want hungry drivers? Lower their paychecks and make them hungry again. The drivers nowadays don't care about money; they have tons of it. They care about points, championships, notoriety, and becoming a staple in the Nascar history books. Make the cars more mechanically harder to drive vs. aerodynamically harder to drive, lower the pay and purse size, and you'll see a style of this breed again.

[@rocknroll7316]

Little did Earnhardt know he would die in the same manner

[@nickzaidel8428]

Remember my name I'll give y'all something to watch

[@TheMemeBorrower.]

You won’t get these guys when the sport becomes more and more polished.

[@jaredkinneyjr]

This video was a perfect way honor & remember the life & times of Neil Bonnett! FOX just did such a service to Neil & the Bonnett family!

[@paweldziurawiec1078]

I'm glad that Neil's story is getting attention in 2019.

[@BaumannJA]

I hope that when I get to Heaven, I can find the place where all the Great Race Drivers are Hanging out. Guys like Neil, Dale and Alan are the ones I want to shake their hands and thank for so much joy and a lifetime of memories they were kind enough to give us.

[@mah6227]

Dont forget Davey

[@billlee923]

@@mah6227 they'll all be on the most beautiful dirt track, trying to catch davey

[@Josey_Wales]

This was beautiful. I hate to pile on but this is what Nascar is really missing today. All of the characters of stock car back then, the charisma, the coolness, they really had it. I was just a kid growing up through the 90s but the older I get I really appreciate witnessing it.

[@JasonNation72]

It still makes me sigh that Bonnett and Earnhardt are no longer with us but take great solace in knowing they're hanging out, racing and fishing amongst the clouds.

[@richardsoutdoorworld5284]

I know you meant it in a good way saying they are hanging out racing and fishing (and I mean no disrespect ) ......... But what I believe , once they passed they then knew all the answers to everything and even though racing was everything to them while living , they now realize Racing is such a little thing in scope of all they now know !

[@jacksonmanley3307]

@@richardsoutdoorworld5284 that’s not to say they still wouldn’t enjoy racing and fishing

[@staceyaukamp3957]

Yes sir

[@Halfstep2024]

What I love is the now OBVIOUS little things between him and Dale, like Dale gets a deal with Gambler bass boats to make the Intimidator series and what does Neil do? Why he’s fully representing team bullet.. the only brand gambler never outshined in that era. It’s beautiful really

[@jesse-ll3dh]

Really? That's weird. In the clouds... 😅

[@kevinb1418]

Neil Bonnett was the reason i started watching Nascar in 1982.You will not find a more southern gentleman than Neil Bonnett!

[@n.w.owhoknowstheshadowknow58]

There isn't a driver today with the charm and character of anyone in this video Neil, Dale, Davey and Bobby all lived great but sad lives all at the same time.

[@davidmarlowe7205]

I met Neil a few times at Pocono. He was great to talk to. He made you feel welcome!!!? !🙏

[@dustyburner]

Really miss seeing Neil, Davey, Alan and Dale race. Shame they were gone before their time.

[@dannycoker6439]

Todd Rall Todd if Davey was wearing a helmet he would of lived Neil severe brain trauma Dale basil skull fracture if he wore hans he too may have lived.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

@@dannycoker6439 I was a young teenager when Davey died, I didn't realize the circumstances surrounding that crash. Youre right,a helmet very well may have saved him.

[@aaronkristofer18]

@@dannycoker6439 Wow, I never knew he wasn't wearing a helmet. Thank you for the information.

[@jeremyfisher8782]

@@dannycoker6439 What the heck are you talking about? Who wears a helmet when they are flying their personal helicopter? Makes no freaking sense.

[@The_Lincoln_Penny]

Race in Peace both Neil and Dale

[@hayden4597]

I remember when I got home from school that day, my father staring at a wall, and I asked him what was wrong. And when he said that Bonnett had been killed, I remember being so incredibly shocked I didn’t even know what to do. That was a bad day.

[@CrewsOfficial]

This was fantastic. Hope to see more docs like this.

[@superbird4351]

We need drivers with that good, pure personality that Neil had. The newer drivers are like robots.

[@Suzanne-t3l]

Well put. Where's the King!

[@victoruribe2465]

Neil and Dale Sr were great friends on and off the track despite various feuds.

[@Mechaxthemaskedgamer]

Now they're hanging out for eternity and we're sadly killed basically in the same spot 😞

[@thefonz2854]

I had no idea that Neil tried to pull Davey to safety, what a hero not only to NASCAR but to me.

[@ryanwinkelman1781]

I know Nascar wants it to go away, but I believe the second "tire war" is what killed Neil Bonnet. There was a tire controversy early on in Daytona that year with Goodyear and Hoosier involved and they were pushing the tires to the limit of staying together. There were several hard crashes and I think another (less well known) driver died also earlier on in speedweeks that year. Some drivers were even talking about boycotting the race. Witnesses said bonnets car inexplicably blew out a tire entering turn 3 and that's what lead to the fatal impact. Most people can agree he would not have lost control and crashed the way he did entering 3 UNLESS it was a tire or mechanical failure. I was almost 9 years old when Neil Bonnet died at Daytona and I remember crying about it for a long time. The year before my favorite driver and hero Davey Allison got killed at Talladega, but I tried my hardest not to get too upset when my dad told me Davey had died, and I didn't want to cry in front of my Dad. But I remember vividly my dad telling me Neil had died and I just said ok, walked into my room and closed the door, then proceeded to cry for what seemed like hours. I wept for Davey and Neil both that night. Those are 2 guys who should still be here today. For a while it seemed like the Lord was taking all the best people from us, and it wasn't fair. Nascar hasn't been the same since Dale died and I don't think it ever will. Thanks foxsports for the video. It was great and brought a tear to my eye.

[@rkendsley7561]

@James Williams Your source?

[@rkendsley7561]

@James Williams www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1994-06-26-9406240737-story.html

[@dannycoker6439]

Ryan Winkelman Ryan great job I do recalect tire war Goodyear didn’t have the sport sewed up yet but Hoosier &Firestone wanted in NASCAR I do remember Geoff Bodine run Hoosiers keep up the good work.

[@WatcherMovie008]

@@rkendsley7561 You can read the official NASCAR report of the incident. The only reason why most drivers blamed Hoosier as the cause is purely due to coincidence. Just a few days later, Rodney Oar, a rookie driver, suffered a similar fate, same place, same turn, same corner, did not survive his crash. At the time NASCAR was still investigating the cause of the crash, but NASCAR investigators were pretty adamant that the tires were not responsible for the accident. That didn't stop the majority of NASCAR drivers who all pointed at Hoosiers for being responsible for "killing a legend". Even when reports came out that it was the shock mount that failed on both cars, no one was having a hear of it. For all they knew, both Neil and Rodney died driving Hoosier tires. Hoosier almost went bankrupt due to the severe false and bad publicity it received from the media and NASCAR drivers, and while Hoosier like to say that they left NASCAR to no longer wanting to compete against Goodyear, I get the feeling they also left because the hostility was too much for them to bear.

[@rkendsley7561]

Checked link and the Orlando Sentinel web site now doesn't appear to allow searches or access to this article unless you have a login.

[@delandcamargo5732]

I was just starting get into racing when i heard him describe loose and tight as it applies to a racecar in that voice of his "if it's loose the wreck will sneak up on ya if its tight you'll see it coming" he put things in a way a regular fan could appreciate

[@tomanderson6335]

Yeah, it's a bummer this piece didn't really touch on his commentary career other than him going into the CBS booth after his Talladega wreck. He was a natural.

[@delandcamargo5732]

@@tomanderson6335 yeah him. Ned Jarrett and Buddy Baker called some really good races together

[@GregAllenF1]

I remember arriving in Daytona in 1994 to the news of Neil’s death in practice. I had started racing a year earlier as a seven year old at Wall NJ, but we still made the trip to Daytona every year for the 500. My parents were left with the impossible task of having to explain death to me for a 3rd time in a year due to NASCAR losing Davy, Alan and Neil so close to each other. This one hurt differently though because it was the first time for me to experience a driver who had died in the car on track. It was a bitter reality check to a young driver. Unfortunately, I would be at the track sitting close to turn 4 in 2001 when we lost Dale too. As I reflect all these years later, I am amazed at how these events shaped my life and also about how much I still miss these guys in the sport. Thank you for this documentary, it was beautiful and while it still hurts, it is wonderful to remember this man’s contributions to racing and the community.

[@wards1fan]

I was the Captain of the firefighters @ Daytona that responded to all track incidents. Fortunately, I was on duty for the city that day 😢. I had taken some pictures during a test session when Dale E. & Neil were on the track together in the #3 cars. I took a pic of them crossing the start finish line together. The next time I saw Neil, he asked if he could have the negatives so that his daughter could sell the pic's in his souvenir store. Of course I gave them to him! I'm now 70 yoa & when I watch these videos, those memories come flooding back & I shed a tear 😢 for all of my heros that I've lost.

[@emeyer6963]

One of the greats both on the track and off the track.Hard to believe it was 25 years already that he was taken from this earth.Still miss his racing and his great work on TV.Continue to RIP Neil.Gone but not forgotten!

[@foxsports]

What are your thoughts on Neil Bonnett's story?

[@thesource8741]

Awesome story True racer Real racer

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

I was a big fan of Neil's. This story was short and sweet.. RIP Neil

[@bryonkidder6199]

One of the best stories in racing history!

[@ryanurtz7715]

I'm big a fan of the history of NASCAR. I love watching the older races from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Neil Bonnett was a great driver and a great man. I enjoyed watching this, but it gets really sad at the end. RIP Neil Bonnett

[@billlowe6883]

Excellent.

[@superkryp13]

What a legend! Fantastic driver, fantastic human! I love how he stuck it to Earnhardt and Bobby Allison. “You’re both in my house, sitting on my couch, wearing my sweaters and watching my old wrecks and getting a kick out of it!”

[@NHHalKnowsHow]

This is a fitting tribute to a great man, driver, husband and dad. The world became a darker place the day Neil Bonnett was taken from us.

[@michaelscott1862]

Great work, Fox Sports. I'm so grateful you guys are remembering the other hero's we all grew up with aside of Dale Sr. I absolutely LOVED the Alabama Gang growing up and use to watch Winners with my Dad Sunday mornings before Inside NASCAR with Ned Jarrett on TNN. Man....these days seems so long ago but the nostalgia is running heavy right now....and the shedding of a few tears. What a lovely tribute. RIP as always Neil. #TheWinner

[@dannycoker6439]

Scott FromGA Scott I wonder how many would know TNN was the Nashville network devoted to motorsports.

[@michaelscott1862]

@@dannycoker6439 I was inadvertently on TNN once when I was a kid. They did a Trucks and Tractor Power taping at our old mud racing track in Coweta County, GA. My grandfather's truck and uncles were shown on there and they showed a "Future Stars of Racing" segment where it showed a kid pushing a toy truck around. I was that kid. Lol. The episode is actually on KZbin....check it out sometime.

[@Nick_2K2_9]

Rest in peace Neil Bonnett 1946-1994 you are a legend of NASCAR history

[@KK-ex5zu]

This video is probably the greatest tribute to Neil Bonnett ever, great job Fox Sports! Excellent job on paying homage to an almost forgotten in modern times once great driver and racing personality.

[@dmc31405]

R.I.P. Neil Bonnett. What a class act. My condolences to his family, and numerous friends. I hope God has built a lot of Race Tracks in Heaven. The sound of the V-8 turning 8-9000 RPM's on a NASCAR Track is like no other.

[@nurzrachit7133]

The letter to his wife was tremendous. Alot of these drivers are egomaniacs who refuse to acknowledge what their families have to endure. Neil was always one of my favorites because he always seemed so genuine. I think once a driver has a few bad wrecks, or ages enough they start to get it that the fame and glory is fleeting, but their beautiful families are forever. Great tribute, I'm glad they showed the friendship between Neil and Dale as well, I believe that the two of them had a positive effect on one another. Thanks for the video, awesome!!!

[@AustinHunter8]

This is the best piece I have seen on any driver. As a lifelong Earnhardt fan, I've obviously seen some excellent documentaries and shows. Up until this, the "DALE" movie by CMT was the best. But I really believe this is the best one ever right now.

[@the_road__warrior6185]

I was bornt in 89’, Growing up all I heard from my grandpa was how awesome Neil was. We need more videos of Neil on YT, I can’t get me enough of learning about Neil Bonnet.

[@Evaunit98]

Dale and Neil’s friendship was just so nice to watch, they were just the best of friends, it’s just a shame it didn’t last as long as it should’ve

[@murdiesel]

I am in tears remembering all my heroes! It is how they carried themselves and never forgot where they came from! Hard work, sacrifices, and no fear! This was awesome and I have a letter to in case anything were ever to happen to me due to what I do. Thank you for this. It was so cool to see how things were and good memories from back in the day!

[@gsmith207]

Love Mrs. Bonnett. I cried too. So sweet to read that personal letter from her husband. But we got the memories. Was not a big NASCAR fan back then, but we all knew Neil Bonnett...

[@davidh1249]

Very touching and appropriate tribute to Neil,who was a helluva race car driver,and even better father and husband.R.I.P. Neil.

[@baghdadwarrior039]

There is just so much history at Daytona! You can feel it! Every time I’ve been to that track there’s just a feeling, I can think of a word!

[@Wickedmind34]

Neil Bonnett drove my dad‘s late model at Race Way park in blue Island, Illinois,got pictures of it..

[@brianbooher7318]

Should be in the hall of fame

[@jldog134]

Racers like Neil Bonnett and Dale Earnhardt were both class acts, and it's so sad how similar they both died.

[@dannycoker6439]

jldog134 Dog134 it’s ironic that they both crashed in the exact same spot. I was devisttated over Neils loss

[@nazcarcup]

I lost it at the end. I'm so grateful that the letter was written

[@JohnBritt-b8j]

Just a great man Neil Bonnett rip

[@giorgiosardanelli6458]

Dale Is a real FRIEND.

[@Holden308]

One thing that Neil Bonnett will always have is that he won the first ever NASCAR race held outside of North America. In February 1988 just a week after winning the Richmond 400, Bonnett raced in and won the Goodyear NASCAR 500 (KM) race at the Calder Park Thunderdome in Melbourne, Australia. He beat Bobby Allison by a car length (Dave Marcis finished 3rd). Bonnett also qualified his Pontiac Grand Prix (a 1987 model as opposed to the 1988 model he drove in Winston Cup) on pole for the race. For those who don't know, the Calder Thunderdome was the first ever high banked NASCAR style oval built outside of the USA and was basically a scaled down version of Charlotte. 1.1 miles long (about the same length as Rockingham) and with 24 degree banking in the turns. Sadly today (June 2019), while the Thunderdome still stands it is no longer open for racing.

[@Holden308]

That race (or at least, highlights) is here on KZbin. Just search for the race name or Calder Thunderdome and it'll be there

[@MrRhino10]

Pity Calder is rooted now.

[@Holden308]

@@MrRhino10 agreed.

[@dannycoker6439]

Holden308 Thank you 308 I can’t believe I didn’t know that TU.

[@robertmagnuson8068]

Neal was a great guy who was not to good to talk to you. i saw him start his career here in bham and talked to him many times around hueytown and he was very down to earth. he was always a crowd favorite.

[@Pwg1985]

Should be in the HOF already 🙄

[@bryonkidder6199]

For broadcasting as the very least

[@noezrider6361]

@@bryonkidder6199 If Mark Martin, Davey Allison and Buddy Baker can go in, then Neil should have already been in there.

[@ant340]

NoEZRider 18 wins and no rings? No not a HOF level driver.

[@brianbooher7318]

@@ant340 that shouldn't be why you are in the hall of fame. Had he not been in so many bad wreacks he might have won a championship. He had more hard crashes than anyone. I saw him hit the wall harder than I've ever saw anyone hit at Bristol in 86 i think he had a stick throttle and prolly woulda won that race. He was always up front. Definitely a of Fame driver

[@ant340]

Brian Booher definitely not 19 wins not near enough they need to put Harry Giant in before Bonnet he just didn’t do enough if he ran up front enough then maybe his stats would reflect that

[@greggolden2242]

I SURE MISS NEIL. WAS ALWAYS THE KIND OF MAN YOU COULD LOOK UP TO. HE SURE COULD WHEEL A RACECAR. GOD BLESS NEIL BONNETT.

[@baghdadwarrior039]

There is just so much history at Daytona! You can feel it! Every time I’ve been to that track, there’s just a feeling, I can’t think of the word!

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Right at the beginning fishing scene: 'Ole Neil using an original Lew's BB1 Speed Spool reel.......yeah man.

[@RichCommander]

NASCAR brings me to tears like nothing else man.

[@chrisweimer937]

A Winner in every way Neil was the definition of commitment ❤

[@jrmustang9496]

Neil and Dale are fishing in heaven now

[@bcfmef]

It seems like after he left Junior Johnson racing in the late 80s, Neil's success on the track really started to go down. RayMock racing and the Wood Brothers were not the racing Giants like they were in the earlier years. He was a better driver than what his equipment showed. He was a humble man, a great driver and his type is what is missing in racing today.

[@dannycoker6439]

Brian F Nicely done!

[@lewisr993]

Beautiful. I came into the sport that year, that was the first 500 I can remember.

[@jaredkinneyjr]

TYSM for this video FOX! My uncle's always liked this guy but I never knew much about him at all,..... until this video! So THANK YOU!

[@erikscherer22]

I wish Winners was uploaded somewhere, I'd love to go back and watch all those old shows.

[@DavidJameson89]

It's great that pieces like this are made to honor the great drivers of NASCAR's past

[@artieboyd1257]

Man I teared up when his wife read the letter Neil wrote I miss Neil dale davey and Alan nascar hasn’t been the same since

[@rodneydockins3485]

Class act

[@johnnystek6900]

loved the 51 paint job, my fav diecast

[@nazcarcup]

I'm so grateful to whoever shot this footage

[@michaelbayne2315]

This was amazing. Thank you, Fox Sports for this.

[@holladay40]

the letter kills me every time.

[@WestcoastWallyDriver]

I'm 41 and that made me tear up. Good job Fox

[@Unique_Racing]

Both are legends, thank you for this upload 😊

[@devinwarren8376]

Dale backing that nice Chevy truck up with the boat on it sheesh 2🔥🔥🔥

[@dalegroves1918]

His personality was a winner. Him and Earnhardt were like brothers so does that make Dale a secret member of the Alabama Gang

[@susanwahl6322]

Men like Neil and Dale were what made NASCAR great. Junior learned it from his father and so did a lot of other drivers whose fathers were racers. Unfortunately, too many other younger drivers only care about themselves and winning. Not the fans.

[@robertbradford2734]

He and number 3 are sorely missed I don't believe they would agree with the rules today ...RIP👍👍

[@justinrouse8107]

These are great but need to be longer...Lots of important details of Neil's life left out but great job..

[@swoopa2284]

Dale Earnhardt- "Neil's Friend" Funny to see that as his description but very true and very much a compliment. Excellent mini-doc.

[@coloneljan]

Gets this Alabama boy teary-eyed

[@bryonkidder6199]

Neil was the best colorman in the business! He was the only one that could see things I couldn't.

[@GARYMANDIEVAN]

That’s when racing was at it Best because of Men like Neil

[@mikeacklin4046]

Where are these guys today? Neil came up and learned as he went. Drivers today come with a sponsor and get a ride whether they can drive or not. Love Alabama gang.

[@Billyboy4209]

This is crazy! Days of thunder will never look the same...

[@jamiesmith143]

I always liked Neal Bonnett, Now I like him even more. Great job.

[@nickcrim6735]

This is so wholesome. RIP Neil

[@mikewood1566]

Those were the days.

[@stevencurtis3693]

DALE, NEIL AND DAVEY 3, OF THE GREATEST PEOPLE WHO DROVE STOCK CARS

[@dragonzord18]

Miss him alot he was a great person. I wished i met him sadly i didn't

[@aricsnyder5882]

I'm glad this is out.. So many people didn't get to know what a pure racer he was and like Earnhardt I respect that he died doing what he loved..

[@malikdigger4544]

4:35 Hanns Device hadn't came into NASCAR yet then Neil Bonnet was very strong in #75 Vavoline Pontiac GP also was good friend of Dale Sr it's crazy how both died same track & spot .

[@TheJer1963]

Neil was suppose to test what was called the White device that was like the Hans the day he died.

[@FloridaManRacer]

I remember watching Neil on Winners after his accident. I always looked forward to it. I was so excited for Neil when he got to drive again. It actually angers me that his life went the way it did. For such a good person, it was INCREDIBLY unfair.

[@tritontransport]

Him and his good friend Dale lost their lives very close to the same location on the same race track in basically rhe same way……it’s quite eerie but a higher power needed Dale to be back with Neil 😞

[@michaelm2998]

What a great man and great driver

[@shawnooweldsparks4202]

wore my sweater to watch

[@aaronkristofer18]

My favorite Bonnett moment was in Dega in 93 when he took that horrible horrible crash and during the red flag it caused after he was released from the care center, he made his way into the booth and helped the boys call the rest of the race.

[@gosmo4504]

The pain in Doc Punch...

[@reginaldhall6871]

If Neil had been able to make his comeback sooner it would've been fitting to allow him to drive Davey's #28 after he was lost at Talladega.

[@feeshtacos]

It was my favorite show ...

[@v73c]

Neil sang a song my dad wrote about racing many years ago. I was fortunate enough to be in the Birmingham studio the night that magic happened. They are both gone now. But, "The Men Who Race For The Checkered Flag" lives in Heaven today! Bobby Allison was supposed to sing the song. He had to cancel and told Pop that Neil would sing it. He didn't mention that Neil was tone deaf. After many, many hours in the studio (with the talented Johnson Sisters backing him up), they had a song for sure. The race car sound effects were made with a razor blade on electric guitar strings. The producer panned the guitar from one side to the other. You will notice one car panned the wrong way. Neil jokingly said that was Dale. One day, while promoting the record, he came by my shop in Huntsville. I asked him what I could do to make my car faster. He asked if I was winning. When I answered yes, Neil said, you already have it figured out; I'd probably just slow you down. Those were HUMBLE words from a NASCAR Legend!

[@4nik8uobama]

terrific cool guy and dale earnhardts huntin buddy love their hunt vids awesome

[@ervinthompson6598]

Neil’s bass boat was clocked at 105 mph . He was asked why he needed such a thing and in his typical nonchalant Neil way , he answered “ ‘cause when you hook a bass at a hundred and five , it takes all the fight out of him “ !!!!

[@rajcam80]

Love that Man Neil!

[@Buschfanforlife333]

February 18th 2001 February 11th 1994 July 13th 1993 April 1st 1993 We lost legends on these days. Rip Alan Davey Dale and Neil

[@sametozkan9175]

October 4th 2001 October 15th 2000 July 7th 2000 May 10th 2000 We have lost them too.

[@mashmore98]

Exceptionally well done.

[@twiconnor643]

Please keep doing these mini-docs.