That same year (1988) Rick also almost won the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte. He had the field covered and was driving away when he blew a tire in turn 2 with about 30 laps left and slammed into the wall. Darrell Waltrip went on to win. Also, 1 year earlier at the 1987 Firecracker 400 in Daytona, Rick was running a strong 2nd before blowing a right front tire with about 10 to go.
Great video and series. I knew the finish to this one was in the "photo finish" category, but did not know that Elliott was saved by a caution while on the tail end of the lead lap with Wilson leading. Hindsight is 20/20 but you have to think Rick wishes he'd have lapped Elliott there.
Agreed, in hindsight I really think it was a mistake for Wilson to leave the McClure team when he did. Things were just starting to click and that team went on to have a lot of success not long afterwards.
I live in same town as Morgan McClure but I am a huge Elliott fan I remeber this day welll Wilson dominated he broke draft an pulled away an was on Elliott bumper trying to put him a lap down an a caution came out
That same year (1988) Rick also almost won the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte. He had the field covered and was driving away when he blew a tire in turn 2 with about 30 laps left and slammed into the wall. Darrell Waltrip went on to win. Also, 1 year earlier at the 1987 Firecracker 400 in Daytona, Rick was running a strong 2nd before blowing a right front tire with about 10 to go.
I had no idea he came that close. That is heartbreaking. Wilson was so, so fast this day looking back on it, and my heart hurts for him here.
Never knew Wilson was so close to a win!
Crazy right! What a finish too!
Great video and series. I knew the finish to this one was in the "photo finish" category, but did not know that Elliott was saved by a caution while on the tail end of the lead lap with Wilson leading. Hindsight is 20/20 but you have to think Rick wishes he'd have lapped Elliott there.
Agreed, in hindsight I really think it was a mistake for Wilson to leave the McClure team when he did. Things were just starting to click and that team went on to have a lot of success not long afterwards.
he is on video saying recently that he should have never left and chased money.
@@michaelrumfelt3106 not sure if this is where you saw/heard that, but I heard him mention that on the Scene Vault podcast within the last few months.
Wow, you weren't kidding when you said "painfully close".
I live in same town as Morgan McClure but I am a huge Elliott fan I remeber this day welll Wilson dominated he broke draft an pulled away an was on Elliott bumper trying to put him a lap down an a caution came out
Had Rick Wilson stayed with Morgan-McClure after 1989, where would history be today if he had won at Daytona in July of '88?
I definitely think he would’ve had a much longer cup career had he broken through with Morgan-McClure at a plate track.
Wilson's crew chief Tony Glover always had a face that was 75% mustache.
Elliott went on to win the Championship
Prowess won Elliot this race