Name Bill Dennis Role NASCAR Driver | Children Ricky Dennis | |
Born December 9, 1935 (age 88) ( 1935-12-09 ) Awards 1970 Grand National Rookie of the Year Best finish 18th - 1971 Winston Cup Series season Last race 1981 World 600 (Charlotte) | ||
First race Federated Auto Parts 400 | ||
Bill Dennis (born December 9, 1935) is a former NASCAR driver and rookie of the year in the Grand National Series (now Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series).
Contents
Racing career
Dennis made his debut at age 26 at the 1962 Capital City 300 in the #98 and finished 15th. After three part-time seasons, he attempted a full-time schedule in 1970 and he had five Top 10 finishes for Donlavey Racing. He was given the NASCAR Rookie of the Year award in 1970. He competed full-time for the last time during the following season for Donlavey and had ten Top 10 finishes and a pole position. In 1972 he competed for three teams and earned two Top 5 finishes. He competed in a few races until his last start came in the 1981 World 600.
Accomplishments
Dennis won the Permatex 300 at Daytona three consecutive years (1972–1974), a feat matched only by Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr, and later surpassed by Tony Stewart, who won four consecutive from 2008-2011.
Personal life
Bill's son Ricky Dennis is the founder of Arena Racing USA and also a former stock car driver.