Tragic news hit the NASCAR community recently, as former NASCAR driver Buddy Arrington passed away on August 2. Although he had never won a Cup title in his career, Arrington was still an excellent driver. This was evident by his 103 top 10 hits during his 25-year career in motorsport’s top-of-the-line. When the news broke, Dale Earnhardt Jr. led the tribute to the late driver.
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Buddy Arrington, one of NASCAR’s most famous freelancers – for his unique style and commitment to managing Mopar products well into the ’80s. My condolences to Joey and the rest of the Arrington family.
– Brock Bird (LASTCARonBROCK) August 3, 2022
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The man who hurts him, Buddy was an independent goat of his era
– Colby Evans-ARCA / NASCAR S&P Cars (StartAndParkCar) August 3, 2022
RIP Buddy! Always bring great looking racing cars. The first racing car I saw in person. I was in his store several times and was in hospitals that were not clean. He may have never had the fastest equipment but he was always at the best quality possible.
TommyLunderwood August 3, 2022
Arrington is probably best known for being the best independent driver in the Cup series. It’s also worth noting that he often ran Mopar products and many insist the cars he drove were beautiful. Dale Earnhardt Jr. He saidAnd the “One of the true indie sports. Friends were always fun to watch. Like all freelancers of his day, you had to admire the effort and resourcefulness that it took to compete.”
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What else did NASCAR fans say about Buddy Arrington?
Few NASCAR fans had a lot of stories about the 84-year-old and how he raced in the Winston Cup era. According to some, he was known for keeping his workshops clean. Usually, people expect workshops to be a hive of activity with a big mess. However, it is said that under Arrington’s watch, she would be a hive of activity without the chaos.
Was he the one famous for stopping in the hole sometimes? Shame, what a Mopar legend. rest in peace
– RC Gartner (@rctothefuture) August 3, 2022
Before Dodge entered NASCAR again in 2001, Buddy Arrington drove the last Mopar-powered entry – the No. 67 Chrysler Imperial – in the 1985 Budweiser 400 at Riverside International Motorsport, before Mopar withdrew from the sport.
Arrington was a dedicated Mopar man, so be it RIP #NASCAR https://t.co/yiMvgwSuuv
– Jonathan Fjeld (no fee) (@Jonathan_Fjeld) August 3, 2022
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Ranor was also that on a few occasions, he would make it off during races. One thing is for sure, Buddy Arrington will be missed in the community. In his first NASCAR Winston Cup race, he broke into eighth place at Jacksonville Speedway. Meanwhile, his best career achievement was third place at Talladega Super Speedway back in 1979 for his Arrington Racing team.
Watch story: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is all of us as he reacts to a heart-rending tragedy