Rick Wilson (NASCAR driver)

Rick Wilson (born January 31, 1953 in Bartow, Florida) is a former NASCAR Winston Cup driver. He began racing in 1980, and posted 23 top-ten finishes over his career. NASCAR's website says that he is probably best known for his "close, side-by-side second to Bill Elliott in Daytona's summer event in 1988." He was also known for taking over Richard Petty's car at Petty Enterprises after Petty retired in a car numbered 44.

Career

His most successful reign came from 1986 until 1989, driving the #4 car for Morgan-McClure Motorsports, when he was a consistent top-20 driver and won his only pole position at Bristol Motor Speedway. He later drove for RahMoc Enterprises, Stavola Brothers Racing and Petty Enterprises and was an Oldsmobile driver until the brand left NASCAR following the 1992 season. Wilson was the first driver chosen to replace Richard Petty after Petty's retirement—the car's number temporarily changed to #44 at that time. Rick also raced several years in the Busch Series driving for the Abingdon based Food Country #75 Oldsmobile operated by Henderson Motorsports. He won 2 races, Bristol, and Dover, both in 1989. The Bristol race he won was postponed due to snow, and ran on Monday. Wilson led 161 of the 200 laps ran on his way to victory. Wilson started 2nd in 1989...
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