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Obituary

Former NASCAR race winner Ron Bouchard passes away at 67

Former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Ron Bouchard sadly passed away on Thursday at the age of 67.

Ron Bouchard

Ron Bouchard

Ron Bouchard
Ron Bouchard

Today, NASCAR says goodbye to another great racer -- Ron Bouchard only won a single Cup race during his career, but it is a victory that is still talked about and used in highlight reels today. 

The Fitchburg, Massachusetts native made 160 starts at the Cup level between 1981 and 1987, scoring three pole positions, 19 top fives, and 60 top tens, but it's the win he attained in his 11th start that he will always be remembered for. 

In 1981 at Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR Hall of Famers Terry Labonte and Darrell Waltrip locked horns in a thrilling battle for the win. As the duo battled towards the finish line, the yellow and white of Bouchard No. 47  Buick crept up from the third position.

Waltrip moved high in a futile attempt to block Labonte on the outside, allowing Bouchard the bottom through the tri-oval. In a stunning three wide photo finish, the then-rookie driver stole the checkered flag by the slimmest of margins.

Video of his famous upset and post-race interview can be seen below:

He went on to be named Rookie of the Year that season. Bouchard also won two Xfinity races during his NASCAR career and was a standout Modified driver with dozens of victories and several track championships.

“Ron Bouchard’s passion for racing was evident from his very early years in NASCAR," said the series in a statement. "Competition fueled Ron, whether racing modifieds at short tracks across the Northeast or winning rookie of the year honors in NASCAR’s premier series. He loved this sport, and made an indelible mark on it, one that won’t soon be forgotten.

“NASCAR extends its condolences to the friends and family of Ron Bouchard, a true racer.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Waltrip himself commented on his passing earlier today, via Twitter.

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