Where Are They Now? (Ernie Irvan)

[cloverleaf]

Ernie Irvin began racing Go-karts in California at the age of nine. He won the California State Championship at the age of 15. In 1982, Irvan left California with $700 in his pocket and everything he owned loaded into his pickup truck and homemade trailer and headed for North Carolina. Irwin supported himself in Charlotte, NC by welding and other odd jobs while trying to get a ride.

In 1988, Irvin made a bid for Nascar's Rookie of the Year, driving the Kroger #2 Chevrolet. He finished second to Ken Bouchard for the award by 3 points.

Irvin was involved in a serious wreck during practice at Michigan Speedway and almost died. Exactly 5 years later, he crashed at Michigan again suffering serious injuries. Two weeks later, on September 3, 1999, Irwin announced his retirement.

Irwin finished his Nascar career with:

Starts: 252
Wins: 15
Poles: 22
Top 5s: 68
Top 10s: 124

Ernie now lives with his family on a farm in Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina. Besides running the family business, he operates a race team for his young son.

puff_>>

 

[MattyMatt]

Swervin Ervin hit everything on the track but the right line. Didn't realize he lived in SC. What is the family business, and I wonder what his son races as I've never heard talk about him around here.

 

[cloverleaf]

Swervin Ervin....I believe Dale Earnhardt gave Ernie that name. Had forgotten about that.

I believe Ervin either raises horses or stable's horses for others....not sure. His family is pretty involved in the Charleston Equestrian Club.

His son races those little cars (not sure what they are called) at Charlotte and other tracks who support that type racing. I believe his son is 14 years old.

 

[Vegasrunner]

There was a short piece on truck per race last eek with Ernie and a few others. Believe his son runs the legend cars now.

 

[MattyMatt]

Swervin Ervin....I believe Dale Earnhardt gave Ernie that name. Had forgotten about that.

I believe Ervin either raises horses or stable's horses for others....not sure. His family is pretty involved in the Charleston Equestrian Club.

His son races those little cars (not sure what they are called) at Charlotte and other tracks who support that type racing. I believe his son is 14 years old.

Legends cars as vegasrunner said. 1200cc yamaha motorcycles engines. Things are sweet to run, especially on dirt. Glad to see him doing well. He took a beating in the cars in his racing career. Glad he got to walkaway to begin with so retirement was definitely a good thing. Good time to bring up Ole Swervin Ervin's name as he has won the 500,400, and a 125 Shootout at Daytona. Let's go racing boys, I'm ready!