CONCORD, N.C. - There are so many unforgettable victories and paint schemes throughout the rich history of Hendrick Motorsports. So many, in fact, narrowing down a list of 40 last winter was an undertaking in its own right.
But as the NASCAR Cup Series heads to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the All-Star Race this weekend, the Hendrick Motorsports artifact of the week was a no-brainer. And it's on display for all to see.
In 1996, Terry Labonte wheeled a No. 5 Chevrolet donning a silver paint scheme to victory lane from the pole at North Wilkesboro, on the same day he matched Richard Petty for the most consecutive starts in a career, forever earning the moniker, "Iron Man". The performance will forever be etched into the memory of NASCAR fans and yes, it certainly made our list!
It's quite routine that we send our archivist and resident, "Jeopardy!" champion-in-waiting, Sam Ulrich, digging through crates and boxes headfirst in search of the rarest of items. But this one is on display in our museum, open to the public each and every week.
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Behold, the very No. 5 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that Labonte wheeled to the pole and the win that historic day, holding off teammate Jeff Gordon in a battle to the finish. Even in 41-plus seasons of liveries, Labonte's "Iron Man" car stands out as one of the most memorable.
There's our history. Now for your prizes.
That's right, we said prizes. Plural.
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By now, you know the drill. You take our trivia quiz that ol' Sam has put together from knowledge stored in the furthest recesses of his brain and if you're one of the survivors with the highest score, you're automatically entered into a drawing to win some of Sam's stuff.
This week, it's a double dip. How does a pair of autographs sound?
We thought so. The first is of course, Labonte's, adorning a hero card used going into the 2001 season. The card, fittingly enough, can be folded into an actual cereal box. We'd recommend leaving it as it is, but hey, do what you will.
Not to be forgotten in all this is former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Gary DeHart, who worked with Labonte on the No. 5 car from 1994 through 1997, including the 1996 win at North Wilkesboro. For good measure we'll throw in a signed photo of Gary, as well.
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As always, attempts to answer Sam's questions are limited to one per computer. The quiz will close on Monday, May 19 at 11:45 p.m., the day after the NASCAR All-Star Race.
Last week's winner was Arthur Mancil of Leblanc, Louisiana, who took home a No. 5 HendrickCars.com crew shirt and hat! Congratulations!
Good luck and happy quizzing!