Ricky Knotts

Ricky Knotts
Born Benny Richard Knotts
(1951-05-23)May 23, 1951
Paw Paw, Michigan, United States
Died February 14, 1980(1980-02-14) (aged 28)
Daytona Beach, Florida, United States
Cause of death Racing Accident
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career
0 races run over 1 year

Benny Richard Knotts (May 23, 1951 – February 14, 1980), was an American ASA and NASCAR Winston Cup driver. The Paw Paw, Michigan[1] driver began his career in 1974 and raced in various stock car series for 6 years before dying in a crash at Daytona in 1980. Most notably, Knotts was the winner in 1979 of the Red Bud 400 at Anderson Speedway (IN), which is now regarded as one of the nation's top Super Late Model races on the short track calendar, while scoring notable ASA wins at Toledo, Anderson, and Winchester.

Death

On February 14, 1980 Knotts was in the field for the first Twin 125 race at Daytona International Speedway, hoping to qualify for that Sunday's Daytona 500. His hopes dwindled as his Weaver powered Oldsmobile quickly lost position. On the 14th lap, Knotts hit the outside wall in the short chute just past the start finish line. His car spun off the track sideways across the infield grass and struck passenger side first against the inside concrete wall entering turn one. His seat mount broke and the 28-year-old was killed instantly.[2]

Motorsports career results

NASCAR

(key) (Bold - Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics - Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

Winston Cup Series

NASCAR Winston Cup Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 NWCC Pts
1980 Richard Knotts 31 Olds RSD DAY
DNQ		 RCH CAR ATL BRI DAR NWS MAR TAL NSV DOV CLT TWS RSD MCH DAY NSV POC TAL MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV NWS MAR CLT CAR ATL ONT - N/A

References

  1. ↑ Holliman, Ray. Desire for success kills Ricky Knotts, St. Petersburg Times, February 15, 1980, Retrieved 2010-06-25
  2. ↑ "Desire for success kills Ricky Knotts"
Preceded by
Tiny Lund		 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fatal accidents
1980		 Succeeded by
Bruce Jacobi


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