July 30, 1946

NASCAR driver Neil Bonnett was born in Birmingham. A member of the famous Alabama Gang of drivers, Bonnett earned his start in racing as a crew member for Alabamian Bobby Allison before launching his own career as a driver. In 18 years of racing, Bonnett won 18 races and finished in the top 10 156 times. He appeared in the 1990 film “Days of Thunder” and served as a successful race commentator and television host until his death in 1994. Bonnett was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Read more at Encyclopedia of Alabama.

Ensley native Neil Bonnett (1946-1994) was a member of the Alabama Gang, popular NASCAR drivers based in Hueytown that included the Allison brothers. Bonnett won 18 NASCAR events before dying during a practice session at Daytona International Speedway. (From Encyclopedia of Alabama, courtesy of The Birmingham News)

Neil Bonnett’s race car at the 1983 Van Scoy 500. Bonnett finished seventh and led six laps. The car was owned by RahMoc Enterprises. (us44mt, Wikipedia)

For more on Alabama’s Bicentennial, visit Alabama 200.