NASCAR is not devoid of horrendous crashes, and it has cost drivers more than just race positions since time immemorial. One such episode that shook the entire racing community right from its center is Terry Labonte’s crash at the Riverside track. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic racing, Labonte was a two-time Cup Series champion, with his career showcasing over 20 wins and a reputation as one of the most iconic drivers of the 80s and 90s. However, the way he carved his way through this aggressive accident is nothing short of a testimony to his fighting spirit.

This incident, now largely forgotten, marked a turning point in his career, reinforcing the notion that Labonte’s courage and willpower defined him as a true legend of the sport. While Labonte could have ended his career having achieved quite a bit of wealth during his days, he chose to combat the same with efficacy. 

A tale of tragedy at the Riverside Park that forced facial changes for Terry Labonte

From 1979 to 2000 saw Terry Labonte in his most glorious form. It seemed as though his car was a Rocketship on the tracks, and he was meant to be at the top of the leaderboard for every race he participated in. He had competed in every points-winning race during this tenure and there were two unique reasons why it contributed to an iconic history. In the first space, he would be the 4th position holder for the number of starts had he not missed two races for his inner ear injury that got so worse that he had to be medically treated.

However, it is the second incident that almost derailed his life in 1982 and made him a ‘fighter’ in its truest sense. This happened while the NASCAR driver was at Riverside Park, steering through the final race for the season. Earlier the same year, the track had garnered quite some attention after it almost ended claiming Indy car driver Dick Simon’s life. However, Simon had walked away from the accident without much damage quite in a miraculous manner.

Later during this race, Labonte who was driving the No.44 car for Hagan Racing, suddenly found himself going out of control. It seemed as though his steering was stuck and no matter what he tried, he simply could not steer through. The No.44 car driver crashed into a wall just at the Turn nine. Labonte had shared exactly how he felt in the moments after the accident while speaking to the media. He said, “The car just wouldn’t turn. Something was making it go to the left. I had time to say to myself, ‘I’m going to hit that wall,’ and time to shut my eyes. I came to when they were carrying me out of the car”. 

Labonte ended up with major injuries – a broken leg and ankle. This was not all! He even developed multiple lacerations on his face that made it obligatory for him to get cosmetic surgery at the earliest.

He ended up spending 8 long days in the hospital and some major surgeries that could even make him give up his NASCAR career, in case his wife Kim suggested so. However, with the kind of background he shares where he already had won 300 races altogether even before he got his driver’s license, this seemed to be a tough ordeal. 

Trending

1

Ex-NASCAR Champion & Motorsports Hall of Famer’s Death Leaves Racing World Mourning

2

Fueled by Immeasurable Loss, Kyle Busch and Samantha’s Over $2 Million Donation Slowly Building the USA

3

Kyle Busch & Wife Samantha Flaunts Easter Fits for ‘Modern’ Church Visit Long After Confessing Catholic Dilemma

4

Kevin Harvick Uncertain on FOX Career, Passes 7-Word Verdict on Building NASCAR Legacy Like Darrell Waltrip

5

NASCAR Champion Goes Above and Beyond With Ailing Wife’s Life-Threatening Disease

Labonte ordered a sweet comeback over a hasty retirement

While most drivers would have gotten disheartened by the kind of consequences, the accident at Riverside Park brought in, Labonte was certainly not one of them. Instead, he ensured that he took the off-season to rest well and come back stronger for his next season run. The 1983 season saw Labonte on his feet, hitting the tracks once again, and in less than two years, he made it to the NASCAR Cup Series title with complete valor. 

Not only that, Labonte even made a comeback to the same track where he had met with the uneventful accident. Right in the year 1984, he came back again to the track and this time proved himself to be the ultimate tiger that he is. He led the most laps and even marked victory at the track where once he had to be rescued by medical professionals. This was also the time when his team received a massive sponsorship from Piedmont Airlines that had further added autonomy to his prowess on tracks. 

Terry Labonte’s encounter at Riverside Park is a testament to his resilience and unyielding determination. From the devastating crash that nearly ended his career to the triumphant return that solidified his legacy, Labonte’s journey embodies the true spirit of a champion. His unwavering resolve and victorious comeback not only enhanced his reputation but also inspired generations of racers to push through adversity and come out stronger.