Synopsis
From Last to First: Neil Bonnett and Stock Car Racing by Ned Webb, published in 1979 by Strode Publishers, is a biographical account of the life and early career of NASCAR driver Neil Bonnett, a beloved figure from Hueytown, Alabama, and a key member of the famed “Alabama Gang.” Written by Ned Webb, a former chemist turned writer who raced against Bonnett and later worked on his pit crew, the book offers an intimate, firsthand perspective on Bonnett’s rise from local short-track racing to becoming a prominent figure in NASCAR’s Winston Cup Series. Drawing on Webb’s personal experiences following Bonnett from race to race to gather material, the narrative captures the grit, determination, and charisma that defined Bonnett’s journey in the high-octane world of stock car racing during the 1970s, a transformative era for the sport. The book, now a rare collector’s item, provides a snapshot of Bonnett’s career before his later high-profile victories and tragic death in 1994, making it a unique historical document of his early years.
The book begins by exploring Bonnett’s roots in Birmingham, Alabama, where he was born in 1946 and grew up immersed in the local racing scene at Birmingham International Raceway (BIR). As a young man, Bonnett worked as a crew member for Bobby Allison, a racing legend and fellow Alabama Gang member, which included Bobby’s brother Donnie, Red Farmer, and later Davey Allison. This early exposure to the sport fueled Bonnett’s ambition, and he quickly transitioned from crew work to driving, dominating short-track races at BIR, where he won approximately 80 percent of his starts in 1972 and 1973. Webb vividly describes Bonnett’s early struggles and triumphs, including his debut in the Winston Cup Series in 1974 at the Winston 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, where he started 33rd but finished 45th due to engine issues. The narrative highlights Bonnett’s resilience, as he persevered through mechanical setbacks and financial challenges to secure his first Winston Cup victory in 1977 at the Capital City 400 in Richmond, Virginia, followed by another win at the Los Angeles Times 500 later that year.
Webb’s account emphasizes Bonnett’s rapid ascent in the late 1970s, particularly his move to Wood Brothers Racing in 1979, which marked a turning point in his career. The book details his first victory with the team at Daytona International Speedway in 1979, a significant milestone that showcased his ability to compete on NASCAR’s biggest stages. Webb, who raced alongside Bonnett and other racing greats like Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip, provides colorful anecdotes about the competitive yet camaraderie-filled atmosphere of the time, including Bonnett’s epic side-by-side duel with Bobby Allison at BIR, where they raced metal-to-metal for 17 of 25 laps. The author also weaves in his own story, reflecting on his decision to leave a stable career in chemistry at age 40 to pursue writing, a move inspired by his passion for racing and his close connection to Bonnett. This personal lens adds depth to the narrative, portraying Bonnett not only as a talented driver but also as a charismatic, approachable figure who earned the respect of peers and fans alike.
While the book focuses primarily on Bonnett’s racing achievements up to 1979, it also touches on the broader context of stock car racing’s evolution, capturing the sport’s growing popularity and the challenges of competing in an era marked by limited sponsorship and fierce rivalries. Webb’s involvement in Bonnett’s pit crew offers behind-the-scenes insights into the grueling demands of race preparation and the tight-knit bonds within the Alabama Gang. The narrative does not cover Bonnett’s later career highlights, such as his back-to-back Coca-Cola 600 wins in 1982 and 1983 or his tragic 1994 crash at Daytona, as these events occurred after the book’s publication. However, it lays the groundwork for understanding Bonnett’s trajectory as a driver who combined raw talent with an affable personality, earning him a lasting legacy in NASCAR. Despite its scarcity and lack of detailed reviews, From Last to First is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of Bonnett’s early career and the vibrant racing culture of the 1970s, making it a cherished read for NASCAR historians and fans of the Alabama Gang.