Bill Elliott - The Last American Hero

By M.L. Morgan

(May 29, 1999)

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Well, race fans, I remember 1985 like it was yesterday. Bill Elliott won the million-dollar bonus for the first time it was ever awarded. He won 11 races. "Million-Dollar Bill" and "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville". Many accolades - and he deserved them all. He was already documented as being the most popular driver in the history of Nascar, succeeding Richard Petty. I always had a little trouble with that because I have seen Richard Petty stay way past dark to sign autographs. Richard never told a fan 'No' . Richard will always be the "King". But Bill Elliott also deserves a special spot in motor racing history.

Bill Elliott didn't win the Championship in 1985. Major travesty. Lost by a few points to some kid from the mid-west. Don't remember his name. In 1987 he ran 212.809 mph at Talladega. Fastest speed ever recorded for a stock car. Made Nascar change a lot of rules. He won 40 races, the last win coming in 1994.

But where has Bill Elliott gone? When we look at the Top 10 each race we don't see his name any more. But he is still out there competing in each race.

He now campaigns the McDonald's #94 Ford Taurus, but McDonald's has said it will leave as sponsors of the car after this season. It's not a pretty picture.

Elliott has just topped 20 million dollars in career earnings - he doesn't need to do this for the money. I hope he can do what Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip refused to do: retire with some dignity. Then he will truly be a hero in my book.

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