Meet L.W. Wright, the NASCAR driver that never existed

Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys

Feb 04, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 1

--:--

Listen in podcast apps:

Episode description

On May 2, 1982, the green flag flew for the NASCAR Winston 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, and among a grid of legends like Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott, Benny Parsons, and more was a mystery racer no one had ever heard of before: L. W. Wright.

Wright managed to nab a competition license, a race car, and some positive press, but there was just one problem. He wasn't a race car driver. He was a conman with a big dream and studied confidence so strong that no one much questioned this stranger. At least, not until his checks started bouncing.

Today, we're digging into the story of L. W. Wright, the NASCAR driver who never existed.

To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys: https://linktr.ee/deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Subscribe on Substack: https://deadlypassionsterriblejoys.substack.com/

Follow DPTJ on BlueSky: @deadlypassions-pod.bsky.social

Follow DPTJ on Instagram: @deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Follow DPTJ on Twitter/X: @terriblejoy_pod

Watch on YouTube: @eliz_blackstock

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on BlueSky: @elizablackstock.bsky.social

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Instagram: @elizablackstock

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Twitter/X: @eliz_blackstock

Order Racing with Rich Energy: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/racing-with-rich-energy

Episode Bibliography:

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android

Open in Metacast