In the high-speed world of NASCAR, superstition is often intertwined with strategy. A chilling example occurred in 1960 during the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Crew chief Paul McDuffle, known for his meticulous nature, wore green socks to the race, a color considered bad luck in the NASCAR community. Tragically, McDuffle was killed in a pit road accident during the race, and his green socks became a symbol of the sport’s deep-seated superstitions. Amidst these traditions, one team owner’s unique approach to superstition in NASCAR stands out.
As a co-owner of Mach 1 Racing with actor Burt Reynolds, Hal Needham brought his cinematic flair into the sport. The team’s signature ‘Skoal Bandit’ car, driven by Harry Gant, became an iconic symbol of the 1980s NASCAR era. His tenure in NASCA