Throwback Thursday – September 29

– Bob Senneker won the Winchester 400 on this date in 1974 at Winchester Speedway (IN). Not only was this Senneker's first of an impressive 85 wins with the American Speed Association, it was also the first of five straight wins for Senneker in the crown jewel Winchester 400. He would later win twice more to hold the record at seven Winchester 400 wins. In the 1974 race, he won by two laps over Larry Phillips and Tom Maier.

THE THIRD TURN: 1974 Winchester 400 at Winchester Speedway

– Also on this date in 1974, Joe Shear won the National Short Track Championships at Rockford Speedway (IL). This was Shear’s second win in the race, which he won a record eight times tied with Steve Carlson. In 1974 he beat Dick Trickle and Dave Watson for the win, both former winners.

THE THIRD TURN: 1974 National Short Track Championships at Rockford Speedway

– The two-time Snowball Derby winner Freddy Fryar won the All Pro race at Five Flags Speedway on this date in 1984. Fryar beat local driver Junior Niedecken for the win. Jody Ridley, Darrell Brown and Jimmy Cope made up the top five. Butch Lindley would lead 75 laps that day before finishing 21st. He would return to win the Snowball Derby that December.

THE THIRD TURN: 1984 All Pro Super Series at Five Flags Speedway

– The 1985 Fall Final at Stafford Motor Speedway, Charlie Jarzombek spoiled a "George and George" show by cashing in with the win. George Brunnhoelzl, Jr was second, Brian Ross third and George Kent, Jr. had to settle for fourth.

THE THIRD TURN: 1985 Fall Final at Stafford Motor Speedway

– Also on this date in 1985, Mark Martin won the Winchester 400 for the first time in his career. He did the honor from the pole and he led 188 laps to score the victory. Martin was second the year before, thus getting revenge on the high banks. In 1986 Martin won the race again from the pole.

THE THIRD TURN: 1985 Winchester 400 at Winchester Speedway

– The 1991 NASCAR Winston Cup Season saw a magical run in September that saw Harry Gant win four-straight races beginning on September 1. When the series got to his home track on September 29th, it almost seemed like he was a shoo-in to win at North Wilkesboro. Gant won the pole and led 350 laps before Dale Earnhardt snuck by with nine laps to go to end the streak. The win by Earnhardt also put the championship battle back in the spotlight as he picked up a bunch of points on Ricky Rudd and he would cruise to his then fifth NASCAR Cup title.

THE THIRD TURN: 1991 Tyson Holly Farms 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway

– Speaking of North Wilkesboro, this date was also known for the sad finale that saw Jeff Gordon lead 207 laps to beat Dale Earnhardt in the final NASCAR race at the venue. Or so we thought. Of course, NASCAR will be returning to North Wilkesboro, as the 2023 NASCAR All Star Race will be held there in May.

THE THIRD TURN: 1996 Tyson Holly Farms 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway