Spencer looked to be on his way to a top-10 points finish last year, but he got banged up in a wreck at Indianapolis and had to miss two races. He wound up with eight top-10 finishes and a near-miss with a second at Talladega. New teammate Darrell Waltrip might be some help, especially as a drafting partner at restrictor-plate tracks.
Career
Part of the 1997 problem was that Spencer wound up in
several wrecks he had nothing to do with causing. He takes the blame. "It's
easy to say, 'Oh, I tell you, we were unlucky today."' Spencer said. "But
that's not true. I had a car capable of winning at Darlington, and I drove
it into the wall. That's not luck, that's making a mistake. The people that
make the fewest mistakes are the guys who win Winston Cup championships and
win races."
Any season with more DNFs, six than top-10 finishes, four
can't be considered great. Spencer finished 20th in points and won over $1
million, but team was never a factor -- or even headed toward becoming one.
Best finish fifth in inaugural race at California Speedway.
In 1996, finished in top 10 in nine Winston Cup races, including two top-5 finishes, capturing 15th in the season standings. Led a total of 156 laps and won the Winston Open in Charlotte. Came to Carter operation after one season with Junior Johnson.
Previously, he drove for Carter during 1991 and part of 1992. Started racing at Port Royal Speedway and won Rookie of the Year in Late Model division. Won Rookie honors at Shangri-La Speedway in Modified division in 1979. Two-time NASCAR Winston Modified national champion (1986-87) where he picked up nickname "Mr. Excitement."
Busch Grand National regular in 1988 and again in 1992. Earned first two career Winston Cup victories in 1994, taking summer races at both Daytona and Talladega in four-race span. Won first career pole in 1994, at North Wilkesboro, making him eligible for 1995 Busch Clash.
Posted three top-five finishes in final four races of 1992 season with Bobby Allison Motorsports. Finished 29th in 1994 Winston Cup standings. Struggled through 1995 finishing the final third of the season with 4 top-10 finishes and ended 26th in the final point standings. Best finish was at season ender NAPA 500 with a sixth.
Born to longtime short-tracker Ed Spencer, racing was a likely career choice for both Jimmy and brother Paul, who currently races asphalt modifieds. Wife, Pat and Children, Jimmy and Katrina. Enjoys playing golf.
Sources: NASCAR Press Guides, Star and News staff reports.
