NASCAR Sportsman Division (1989–1995)

Did You Know?

• Tom D'Eath, who broke his neck in a Sportsman crash, was a nationally renowned hydroplane racing champion who won the APBA national championship and Gold Cup events.
• Gary Batson's car had previously been involved in the fiery crash with Phillip Ross in October 1991.

History

In 1990, the series' first fatality occurred during practice when David Gaines was struck by Steve McEachern coming off turn 4; McEachern flipped into the grass. Robbie Faggart won that race. Later that May, Ed Gartner Jr. was t-boned by Tom D'Eath, cracking his sternum and fracturing his leg; D'Eath broke his neck. Another severe crash that month saw Philip Ross spin out of turn 4 and back into the Armco pit guardrail, splitting his fuel cell and igniting the car; Ross suffered second-degree burns over 30% of his body. At the end of 1991, the Armco guardrail was replaced with a concrete barrier. The series replaced New Hampshire with Pocono; the first Pocono race aired on ESPN and was won by Kirk Shelmerdine. In 1992, the series was renamed the Igloo Sportsman Challenge and began awarding a points championship.