Born in Bessemer Alabama there was only one thing for this man to do and that was to hammer down.

There was never any doubt in what he wanted to do and that was racing. As a young man he pestered Bobby Allison wanting to work on Bobby's cars to the point that Allison tried to swat him away like a fly. To no avail he went on to become one of the great drivers and is missed dearly.

Neil Bonnett was Bobby Allison's fly and drove into our hearts. He forced Bobby to bring him in and we are fortunate to know Neil if only just a little.

Bonnett learned the Alabama Gang's deal and was on the throttle when his chance arrived. Neil was known for taking it to the limit, if the car would hold up he would win no matter what. Bonnett's talents are not well known but true. More than one track promoter called for Neil after seeing his talent on a race track.

After serving his apprenticeship with Allison Neil found himself running the Winston Cup division. It all came together late during the 1977 driving Jim Stacy's Dodge with Harry Hyde calling the shots.

Neil's first two victories were at the expense of Richard Petty as he knocked the King off at the old Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway and blew away Richard at the last race of the season in Ontario, California. Some how it seems that Bonnett knew what happened but was only concened with winning.

When we see the snake move on tracks with long straightaways like Pocono and other long tracks, think of Neil because he was the first to use this strategy.

Neil Bonnett is very much a part of this as there is no real answer, I miss him dearly. That sweet drawl and just a good guy, this man is Hall of Fame.

Neil was Dale Earnhardt's best friend as they would take hunting trips and knew other things than racing and that was friendship.

They are best friends