Neil Bonnett through the years

By Staff Report | Published: July 23, 2019 17

ISC Images & Archives | Getty Images

1 of 17

ISC Images & Archives | Getty Images

This summer, NASCAR.com is taking a look at every number in NASCAR history and picking the best or most emblematic driver in Cup Series history. Neil Bonnett is our pick for the No. 75. Bonnett had 18 NASCAR premier series wins over the course of 18 seasons. Scroll through to see the highlights.

2 of 17

ISC Images & Archives | Getty Images

1979: Neil Bonnett with his family. His son, David, did some late model racing.

3 of 17

ISC Images & Archives | Getty Images

1979: Neil Bonnett poses with the Wood Brothers Purolator Mercury after he took over the ride from David Pearson.

4 of 17

Dozier Mobley | Getty Images

1979: Neil Bonnett celebrates with bikini clad Hawaiian Tropic girls after winning the Firecracker 400 in his No. 21 Wood Brothers Purolator Mercury on July 4, 1979 at Daytona International Speedway.

5 of 17

ISC Images & Archives | Getty Images

1980s: Neil Bonnett talks with his car owner, Junior Johnson, at a Cup Series race. Bonnett drove Budweiser-sponsored Chevrolets for Johnson from 1984-86 as a teammate to Darrell Waltrip and scored three wins, along with finishing in the top ten 44 times.

6 of 17

ISC Images & Archives | Getty Images

1980: Neil Bonnett takes a break next to his Wood Brothers Purolator Mercury at a Cup Series race.

7 of 17

Racing Photo Archives | Getty Images

1980: Neil Bonnett poses for photos in Victory Lane after winning the Talladega 500 on Aug. 3, 1980.

8 of 17

ISC Images & Archives | Getty Images

1982: Neil Bonnett drove for the Wood Brothers Team out of Stuart, Virginia, from 1979-82.

9 of 17

ISC Images & Archives | Getty Images

1982: Neil Bonnett poses before the Daytona 500 with the Hodgdon-sponsored Wood Brothers Ford Thunderbird. Bonnett finished 25th after crashing out on the 104th lap.

10 of 17

Racing Photo Archives | Getty Images

1982: Neil Bonnett takes a few of his own pictures.

11 of 17

ISC Images & Archives | Getty Images

1983: Neil Bonnett waves to the crowd during Victory Lane ceremonies after his win in the World 600 Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

12 of 17

ISC Images & Archives | Getty Images

1985: Neil Bonnett is joined by Miss Winston in Victory Lane at North Wilkesboro Speedway after Bonnett won the Northwestern Bank 400 Cup Series race.

13 of 17

Racing Photo Archives/Getty Images

1988: After a winless 1987, Neil Bonnett won the second race of 1988 at Richmond Raceway.

14 of 17

Racing Photo Archives/Getty Images

1988: At age 41, Neil Bonnett would win the next week at Rockingham Speedway in the No. 75. It was just the second time in his career Bonnett won back-to-back races.

15 of 17

Bill Hall | ALLSPORT

1988: Neil Bonnett celebrates winning the Goodwrench 500 with his No. 75 car, our pick for the Driver by Number series.

16 of 17

Dozier Mobley | Getty Images

1991: Known as the Alabama Gang, Davey Allison (center left) poses with father Bobby Allison (center right), uncle Donnie Allison (right), and Neil Bonnett (left) before the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17, 1991.

17 of 17

Dozier Mobley | Getty Image

1993: Neil Bonnett poses for a portrait before the Daytona 500 on Feb. 14, 1993 at Daytona International Speedway.