Ricky Knotts | |
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Born | Benny Richard Knotts May 23, 1951 Paw Paw, Michigan |
Died | February 14, 1980 Daytona Beach, Florida |
(aged 28)
Cause of death | Fatal crash |
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 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.
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 positith 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.Ricky Knotts fatal crash on YouTube
() (Bold - Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics - Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)