Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 6, 1990 TAG: 9005060070
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: TALLADEGA, ALA. LENGTH: Medium
"I know there have been a lot of guys who have won their first Winston Cup race on this track," Irvan said.
"A lot of those same guys have never won another race," he said. "But let me get my first one here. I'll take my chances from that point."
If there is a sleeper in today's Winston 500 field, it has to be Irvan, a 31-year-old Californian who many say is destined to drive into NASCAR's victory lane soon.
"Ernie Irvan is going to win a race," said Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR's top dog. "He's a good, little race-car driver."
Irvan appreciates the kudos, especially from Earnhardt. He would appreciate a victory much more - for himself and his team, the Abingdon (Va.)-based Morgan-McClure group.
Irvan joined the Oldsmobile team March 8 when team owner Larry McClure sent driver Phil Parsons packing after three races.
It was a huge break for Irvan, who began the season driving the non-sponsored, back-of-the-pack Ford of Richmond owner Junie Donlavey.
"I love Junie and everything, but he didn't have the money to run," Irvan said. "When this opportunity came along, I had to jump on it.
"When Rick [Wilson] decided to leave the team after last year, I told Larry I was interested. He made the choice and here I am.
"The guys seemed really pumped up when I got there. It's one of the hardest-working crews in the garage.
"In my opinion, [crew chief] Tony Glover is one of the unsung heroes on this tour. And Larry, he started at the bottom and he's been building this race team."
Irvan didn't waste any time impressing his new teammates. In his debut at Atlanta, he finished a strong third, his best finish in 67 career Winston Cup starts.
Irvan qualified third at the next stop, Darlington, S.C., but had mechanical trouble early in the race. After his car lost 10 laps for repairs, Irvan triggered a huge, fourth-turn accident when he spun while racing with leader Ken Schrader.
"That was a bad deal," said Irvan, confessing to inexperience.
Irvan shrugged off the misfortune and won the pole at Bristol, Tenn., the following week.
"We got that first pole, so that first win has got to be next," Irvan said.
The fact that the Morgan-McClure team, formed in 1983, has yet to win in 149 races doesn't faze Irvan.
"Hey, this is an awfully good race team," Irvan said. "I know they haven't won yet, but you can tell they're right on the brink of winning.
"Look at that stack of tires," said Irvan, pointing toward a huge pile of rubber beside the team hauler. "We've got all the tools in the tool box. That box is overflowing with everything we need. Now, we've just got to use 'em better than anybody else here.
"This team lacks for nothing - except a win."
Irvan said he hopes to take care of that today.
"Our car is strong; our motor is strong. It can happen," said Irvan, who starts fourth in the 40-car field.
"I'm still a rookie when it comes to the drafting stuff. But I feel OK.
"We've got the car and the crew. Now we've just got to keep the driver calm."
Until victory lane can be found.
"That's when we go wild," Irvan said.
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB