Ernie Irvan decided to call it a career at Darlington. This ends an era in NASCAR and I decided to do a tribute to a deserving driver. Ernie Irvan, properly nicknamed "Swirvin Irvan" by some drivers, was one of the most competitive drivers in NASCAR Winston Cup history. When Ernie Irvan started driving for Morgan McClure in the famed Kodak Chevy, he began making a name and reputation for himself. One of my fondest memories of that time was when the boys were in Watkins Glen. Kyle Petty had just wrecked and Dale Jarrett, at the time was with Joe Gibbs, stopped to pick Kyle up since he wasn't in contention. Kyle was crouched in the "passenger side" of Dale's car when Ernie drove by. Kyle stuck his head out the window as if to ask Ernie why they call him "Swervin." Ernie grinned and side swiped Dale's car. It wasn't bad, it was funny and it showed the sense of humor Ernie had. July 13 is, in my mind, the darkest day in Winston Cup History. Davey Allison died from injuries sustained in that faithful helicopter accident. This dark day was turned into opportunity for Ernie Irvan. He was given the ride, which I hated at first, but got used to. Ernie made the most out of it and he absolutely kicked ass with that car. Then Brooklyn... Ernie slammed the wall and almost was killed on impact. He was given a 10% chance to live. Gradually, the imfamous "Swirvan Irvan" came back to much applause. He won a couple of races after that, but really didn't hang it all out like he had before. Then, much to my disappointment, Irvan was replaced by Robert Yates. Yates brought in Kenny Irwan and Irvan moved on to SB2, replacing Derrike Cope. Ernie hadn't had the best of luck in that car for whatever reason you care to say. Then Talladega last season, he was in a wreck that I gave him an award for for being the worst of 1998. He came back again after a few weeks off. Then this year, Brooklyn Michigan... the same track that nearly took his life five years before, ended his career. Testing his Busch car, Ernie slammed the wall and saw the ambulance once again. He came back again at Darlington. Not to race, but to say that he was retiring from racing. This is a sad day in motorsports. Ernie Irvan to me is not really one of my favorite drivers, but I have more respect for him than most drivers in Winston Cup. He has the guts and determination that most drivers simply lack. I do think, however, that it's the best decision for him. How many comebacks can he have left? I totally respect his decision and wish him well in the future. I speak for a ton of people when I say We'll miss you Ernie!!!! Thanks for listening
