Driver Profile

Jimmy Spencer captured his first racing win in the Late Model division at Port Royal (Pa.) Speedway in 1976, and won Rookie of the Year honors from the legendary Shangri-La (N.Y.) Speedway in the asphalt Modified division three years later.

Shangri-La became the site of his back-to-back Modified track championships in 1982 and 1983. Having already been given the nickname "Mr. Excitement" for his aggressive driving style, Spencer solidified his reputation by winning consecutive national Winston Modified titles in 1986 and 1987.

With the Modified ranks conquered, Spencer made his jump to the NASCAR Busch Series in 1989 -- the same year in which he captured his first win at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway. He won two more Busch Series races in 1992. By that time he had already established himself as one of the premier up-and-comers in the Cup circuit.

Spencer captured his first top-five finish in a Cup race in 1991, finished a career-best 12th in the championship points standings in 1993, and claimed his two wins in 1994.

Spencer earned his first win in the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway, and then backed it up with a win in the Diehard 500 at Talladega Superspeedway a few months later.

In 2003, Spencer became part of a select group of drivers who have won in all three of NASCAR's premier series: He won in his first ever Craftsman Truck Series start, at New Hampshire in September.

Despite Spencer's considerable success, he says his hero comes from off the track.

"I'd say (it's) definitely Max Helton (founder of Motor Racing Outreach). I've really grown spiritually the past few years, and Max has had a lot to do with that. I always enjoy our weekly Bible studies that Max and I have with other friends."

Spencer lives in Cornelius, N.C. with his wife, Pat and children James and Katrina.