Buddy Arrington American racing driver Date of Birth: 26.07.1938 Country: USA

1. Biography of Buddy Arrington
2. NASCAR Career
3. Memorable Race
4. Career Challenges
5. Last Chrysler Cars
6. Support From Fans and Other Teams
7. Tragedy and Legacy
8. Family and Post-Racing Career

Biography of Buddy Arrington

Buddy Arrington was an American race car driver who competed in the NASCAR Grand National and NASCAR Winston Cup (now Sprint Cup Series). He was born on July 26, 1938, in Martinsville, Virginia.

NASCAR Career

Although Arrington never had any major victories, he became the second most popular star in auto racing. Throughout his career, Arrington finished in the top ten twice: ninth in 1978 and seventh in 1982. Known as a stubborn supporter of Chrysler cars with Mopar parts until 1985, Arrington eventually switched to driving a FORD Thunderbird.

Memorable Race

Arrington's best race and finish occurred in 1979 at the Talladega Superspeedway. He drove a powerful car that allowed him to move up from last place and finish third. This race was ironic for both Arrington and Richard Petty, as they were driving "useless" Dodge Magnums, which were considered non-competitive on large tracks like Talladega Superspeedway.

Career Challenges

Arrington mostly raced in his own car, which required significant investments. His pit crew consisted mainly of volunteers. He initially bought a Dodge Magnum from Richard Petty's team before acquiring another from Harry Hyde's now-defunct team. Arrington later used various Ford cars.

Last Chrysler Cars

Arrington's two Chrysler Imperial cars were the last designs from Chrysler that participated in NASCAR Winston Cup races. He drove one of them in the first two races of the 1981 season, alternating between the Chrysler Imperial and the Dodge Mirada until April 1985 when spare parts for Chrysler cars became nearly impossible to find. Arrington sold one Chrysler Imperial to Phil Goode in April 1985 and donated the second one to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Talledega, Alabama.

Support From Fans and Other Teams

Arrington had many fans who wanted to see him race in NASCAR. Other teams and his small but dedicated fan base helped him stay in competition. In 1985, generous NASCAR star Bill Elliott sold Arrington slightly damaged Ford Thunderbird cars and parts at discounted prices, ensuring that Arrington could continue racing until 1988.

Tragedy and Legacy

In 1986, tragedy struck Arrington's team when Rick Baldwin replaced him in a race after Arrington sustained an injury at the Pocono International Raceway. Baldwin crashed into the wall head-on during the qualifying race, resulting in a coma that lasted for 11 years until his death in 1997.

Family and Post-Racing Career

Arrington's son, Joey, started working in his father's repair crew at the age of 17, helping to assemble and overhaul Buddy's engines. Today, Joey manages Arrington Manufacturing in Martinsville, Virginia. The company manufactures racing engines, primarily for Dodge, for participation in the Craftsman Truck Series and also tests engines for the Nextel Cup Nationwide racing series. Buddy often visits his son's company, sharing his experience with aspiring NASCAR drivers who want to try their luck in the sport.