J. D.: The Life and Death of a Forgotten NASCAR Legend, Brock Beard

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 knew McDuffie had never won a NASCAR race, and likely never would before the big-money teams squeezed him out of the sport. But no one knew that just five laps later, McDuffie would be dead, killed in a terrible two-car accident with fellow racer Jimmy Means.
“ 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 owner-drivers. It’s the tale of a man who honed his skills as a mechanic and built his own team from the ground-up, his No. 70 banging fenders with the likes of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. It’s also about the close-knit group of supporters who came together to make sure McDuffie made it to the track in a rapidly-changing sport. And it’s about that tragic weekend at Watkins Glen, the investigation that followed, and the legacy he’s left behind. Top to bottom, it’s one of the most comprehensive stories of any race car driver, and a tribute to NASCAR’s blue-collar past.

320 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2018

Reviews

[Andrew Bullers · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the name JD McDuffie comes to the mind of we older NASCAR fans, we think of grit and determination. McDuffie was the type of driver that built the sport into the successful series that it is today with an independent style. Growing up in Sanford, NC McDuffie chased his dream of being a racecar driver for thirty years. Although never winning a race, JD won the hearts of many fans. Thank you Brock Beard for this amazing tribute to a great man.

[Johnny Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.D never won a cup series race and maybe he didn’t need to. This book is a detailed account of the always pressing forward underdog of NASCAR. It is a bit detailed and sometimes seems to drag but overall a very good book. The author did a ton of research which is much appreciated. It’s a pretty easy read and I’d say it’s a must read for any diehard racing fan.

[Cedemers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a little biased because my parents were co sponsors of JD’s car. My parents were friends with JD. My dad was at the race when JD was killed. This is a story that needed to be told. The author goes into great detail about this under appreciated driver. If you’re a fan of racing, it’s definitely worth a read.