'Swervin' Irvan' calls it a day

After three major crashes, the most recent being a second accident at Michigan Speedway five years to the day after one that nearly killed him, it is probably a timely decision.

In August 1994, Irvan crashed hard into the wall at Michigan Speedway during practice and remained unconscious for several days.

He was given a 10 per cent chance of survival and diagnosed with critical chest and brain stem injuries.

Irvan, however, was determined to return to the sport he dearly loved, even though the chances of another accident were always present.

In 1995, Irvan returned to Robert Yates Racing and competed in three events, earning two top-10s.

The 1996 season was proof that Irvan had not lost his edge. In the 31 races that season, Irvan is credited with one Bud Pole Award, two wins, twelve top-5s and sixteen top-10s and a 10th place standing in the Series championship points.

The next season, 1997, was not as successful, but a very emotional win at Michigan Speedway, the only win Irvan collected, was a triumphant victory in many ways.

Irvan moved to MB2 Motorsports in 1998, replacing Derrike Cope, and drove the #36 Skittles Pontiac to eleven top-10 finishes.

He missed the final three events last season after taking yet another hard hit at Talladega Superspeedway.

He tried to participate the next weekend in the rescheduled Pepsi 400, eventually allowing a substitute driver to take over before the race was finished.

Although this season has not been spectacular, Irvan has managed to collect three top-10s before the crash last month at Michigan

Again, Irvan was airlifted to the same hospital that care for him five years prior, and though the injuries this time were not life threatening, it was providential in its timing.

Named as one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers, Irvan's presence on the track will be missed.

His 'early days' of aggressiveness that caused fans to refer to him as 'Swervin' Irvan' and drew a public apology to the NASCAR Winston Cup Series community will always be remembered.

Indeed, it was a humble Irvan who swallowed his pride and ego and admitted that he had made mistakes and asked for another chance to prove the other drivers could run with him and not be fearful he would wreck them.