J. D.: The Life and Death of a Forgotten Nascar Legend

by Brock Beard

August 11, 1991. Watkins Glen, New York. 52-year-old John Delphus "J.D." McDuffie, Jr. climbs aboard his No. 70 Pontiac, lined up 35th on the grid for NASCAR's Budweiser at the Glen. For the 653rd time, he pinches a cigar between his teeth and fires the engine. Few take notice of No. 70 as it rolls onto the 2.428-mile road course - only a small group of volunteers, fans, and family back home in Sanford, North Carolina. Even they know McDuffie has never won a NASCAR race, and likely never will before the big-money teams squeeze him out of the sport.
But no one knows that just five laps later, McDuffie will be dead, his No. 70 wrecked at the fastest spot on the track.
The Life and Death of a Forgotten NASCAR Legend tells the true story of J.D. McDuffie, one of stock car racing's most beloved underdogs. Extensively researched with interviews from dozens of fans, friends, and family, the book chronicles McDuffie's rise from dirt track champion to NASCAR mainstay. Included is the most complete account of that tragic weekend at Watkins Glen, the investigation that followed, and the legacy McDuffie has left behind. Top to bottom, The Life and Death of a Forgotten NASCAR Legend stands as one of the most comprehensive stories of any race car driver, and a tribute to NASCAR's blue-collar past.

280 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2018