Finishing 2nd at Watkins Glen and a mere 79 points behind Dale Earnhardt Sr. in the point standings, Ernie Irvan and the #28 Texaco Havoline Ford were deep in the hunt for the Winston Cup Series Championship. However, those aspirations were dashed swiftly as a result of a horrific crash during practice for the 1994 GM Goodwrench 400 Dealer at Michigan International Speedway.  The crash left Irvan with massive head trauma, ruptured ear drum, double vision, memory loss, partial paralysis and a 1 in 10 chance of surviving.  A tracheotomy was performed by emergency workers on the track and Irvan was airlifted unconscious and in critical condition to a local hospital.   After many months of recovery and therapy, prayers and well-wishes, Irvan did the unthinkable….returned to the racing world.

Ernie Irvan Racing at North Wilkesboro in 1995

His initial return was at the Lowe’s 150 Craftsman Truck Series race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on September 30, 1995.  Donning an eye patch over his left eye to help with double vision still left in it from the MIS crash, Irvan impressively qualified on the outside pole in his #28 NAPA Auto Parts Ford F-150.  Irvan’s impressiveness would be inherited into the actual race as he managed to lead 24 of the opening laps. Unfortunately his luck would soon fade as sway bar problems began to plague his truck.  Attempts to fix the suspension during the halftime intermission proved to be of no use and Irvan’s day was done…finishing ultimately in 30th position.  Irvan however, successfully showed he could race competitively and safe in the Craftsman Truck Series but the next day would be his ultimate test…the NASCAR Winston Cup Holly Farms 400.

Irvan's Craftsman Truck Entry in the Lowe's 150

Irvan’s comeback to the Winston Cup circuit began with the debut of Robert Yate’s #88 Fort Thunderbird.  Donned with the familiar Texaco Havoline colors and logos he raced under before his accident, (Dale Jarrett was dubbed to drive the #28 Havoline Thunderbird after Irvan’s crash) Irvan started his weekend by qualifying his car in the 7th starting position.  His goal for this race was to finish in the top ten…. he did not disappoint.  Irvan managed to lead 31 laps that day and finished a respectable 6th.  He also managed to stay on the lead lap…being one of only seven cars not to be lapped by eventual winner, Mark Martin. 

Routine pit stop for the 88 car.

Ernie Irvan did what many people did not believe he would be able to do, survive a horrific 200mph head-on crash with a slew of life-threatening injuries, and then not only be able to recover from it, but to return to racing above all.  Although Irvan did struggle for the rest of that year, he would be redeemed at the 1996 Jiffy Lube 300 in Loudon, NH when he returned to Victory Lane.

However, history rates Irvan, it can be said that he did make his return at North Wilkesboro Speedway.