Sunday, April 17, 2005
First Timer-Novice Takes NASCAR
Fort Worth, Texas - Leaving professionals, amateurs, on-lookers, and participants stunned and with their jaws on the asphalt, veteran actor and race car first-timer George Kennedy, had the crowd at the Samsung/RadioShack 500 shocked in silence as he roared across the finish line in his 1972 Buick Riviera. 
"I was bored to death when I woke up this morning," said Kennedy. "I really didn't have anything planned for the day, so I made a few calls to some people I know, and asked them if I could enter the race. Well, the rest is history."
Kasey Kahne, who finished third today was both impressed and happy to see Kennedy win. "It just goes to show you that this is a sport for everybody, and on any given Sunday, anyone can win."
George Kennedy
Kennedy, whose films include "Cool Hand Luke", "Dirty Dingus Magee", and the "Airport" and "Naked Gun" films and their sequels, decided to enter the race using his normal, everyday car. "The biggest trouble when we'd pit is readjusting the lumbar back support," Kennedy laughed. "Actually, I wasn't sure I'd be able to make up the laps I lost when I pitted for those roast beef sandwiches, but I was really hungry and knew I couldn't make it to the end without eating."
Asked if he has any plans to continue racing Kennedy replied, "no, once is enough. I won today and that was great. I had a good time. But I want to leave racing to the Jeff Gordons and the Jimmie Johnsons."
© 2005
"I was bored to death when I woke up this morning," said Kennedy. "I really didn't have anything planned for the day, so I made a few calls to some people I know, and asked them if I could enter the race. Well, the rest is history."
Kasey Kahne, who finished third today was both impressed and happy to see Kennedy win. "It just goes to show you that this is a sport for everybody, and on any given Sunday, anyone can win."
George Kennedy
Kennedy, whose films include "Cool Hand Luke", "Dirty Dingus Magee", and the "Airport" and "Naked Gun" films and their sequels, decided to enter the race using his normal, everyday car. "The biggest trouble when we'd pit is readjusting the lumbar back support," Kennedy laughed. "Actually, I wasn't sure I'd be able to make up the laps I lost when I pitted for those roast beef sandwiches, but I was really hungry and knew I couldn't make it to the end without eating."
Asked if he has any plans to continue racing Kennedy replied, "no, once is enough. I won today and that was great. I had a good time. But I want to leave racing to the Jeff Gordons and the Jimmie Johnsons."
© 2005
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