Ned Jarrett was a titan of the NASCAR world, having served as both an elite driver and broadcaster. Gentleman Ned, as he was often called, hung up his helmet in 1966, still the only driver in NASCAR Cup Series history to voluntarily retire as the defending series champion.
Once he was no longer racing, Jarrett worked for many years in radio and as a television pit reporter for CBS. In 1984, he moved to the booth as a color commentator, calling a multitude of exciting and historic finishes. But it was on Feb. 14, 1993, when Ned earned a place in the hearts of millions of race fans.
During the pre-race show for that afternoon’s Daytona 500, Jarrett walked the backstretch with Richard Petty, father of pole winner Kyle Petty. He talked to Richard about how much it would mean to him to see Kyle win the 500. The two legends joked about whose son was faster, as Dale Jarrett had qualified second.
Ned had already seen his son win a Cup Series race, as he was on the broadcast team for the 1991 Champion Spark Plug 400 at Michigan International Speedway. That day, Dale Jarrett had edged out Davey Allison by a nose to claim his first victory. But Dale hadn’t won in the year and a half since, and even starting second, he was hardly considered one of the favorites for the 500.
His new team, owned by NFL Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs, had managed just two top-five finishes in 1992 with Jarrett behind the wheel. However, in an easily-overlooked moment of foreshadowing, Jarrett earned one of those top fives at Daytona in July, leading 26 laps and finishing third.
As the race unfolded, attrition began to thin the field of competitors as it so often does at Daytona. Mechanical issues sidelined both Ricky Rudd and Bill Elliott while 1991 500 winner Ernie Irvan crashed about three quarters of the way through the race. Kyle Petty may have started up front, but an accident on lap 157 ensured that he would not finish there. Finally, Rusty Wallace went airborne in a wild series of flips down the backstretch just 12 laps later.
So it came down to the final handful of cars grouped together up front. Jarrett trailed Dale Earnhardt, as did Jeff Gordon, Hut Stricklin and Geoffrey Bodine.
With 16 laps to go, the CBS broadcast showed a quick glimpse of Martha Jarrett, Ned’s wife and Dale’s mother. She was sitting in the front seat of a van alone, clearly in the grip of intense nervousness.
It was Earnhardt who held the lead as the final laps clicked off. Then, the black No. 3 car drifted high in turn 4 as the field thundered towards the white flag. Jarrett snuck to his inside and suddenly the battle was on. Earnhardt led at the line, but just barely.
As fellow broadcaster Mike Joy revealed later, CBS-TV producer Bob Stenner then pushed the ‘all call’ key, which allowed him to communicate to the entire broadcast team. He said, “Everybody lay out! … Ned, be a dad and call your boy home.”
Jarrett then morphed from an impartial commentator to a proud father instantly as he shared his excitement with the millions watching on television, uttering words that still ring in the ears of many who heard them.
“Come on, Dale! Go, baby, go! All right, come on. I know he’s got it to the floorboard. He can’t do any more. Come on, hang it to the inside, don’t let him get on the inside of you coming around this turn. Here he comes, Earnhardt … it’s the Dale and Dale show as they come off of turn 4 … you know who I’m pulling for, it’s Dale Jarrett. Bring her to the inside, Dale, don’t let him get down there. He’s going to make it! Dale Jarrett is going to win the Daytona 500! All right!”
The camera cut back to Martha, who looked more relieved than excited, as if the most harrowing moment of her life was finally over. She threw her hands into the air as the sound of her husband clapping came over the television audio.
The winning driver was handed an earpiece in victory lane and the world was able to witness the utter joy as father and son shared in the excitement of winning the biggest single=day prize in NASCAR.
Ever the consummate professional, Ned Jarrett was somewhat embarrassed by his actions and approached Earnhardt the following week at Rockingham to apologize for his clear on-air bias. The seven-time champion dismissed any notion of impropriety, telling Jarrett “Don’t forget, Ned. I’m a father too.”
Frank Velat has been an avid follower of NASCAR and other motorsports for over 30 years. He brings a blend of passionate fan and objective author to his work. Frank offers unique perspectives that everyone can relate to, remembering the sport's past all the while embracing its future.
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i remember this. ned jarrett was a gentleman all around. every time i met him at a track, he was polite and took the time. he and benny were a great team. now they’re calling heavenly races.
condolences to the jarrett family.