NASCAR: Ron Bouchard dies at 67

Ron Bouchard, winner of the 1981 Talladega 500 (ABOVE, ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images) and NASCAR Rookie of the Year that same season, passed away Thursday. He was 67.

"Ron Bouchard's passion for racing was evident from his very early years in NASCAR, the sanctioning body said in a statement. "Competition fueled Ron, whether racing modifieds at short tracks across the Northeast or winning rookie of the year honors in NASCAR's premier series. He loved this sport, and made an indelible mark on it, one that won't soon be forgotten.

"NASCAR extends its condolences to the friends and family of Ron Bouchard, a true racer."

A native of Fitchburg, Mass., Bouchard pulled off one of NASCAR's most stunning victories when he shot from third to first on the final lap at Talladega (then known as Alabama International Motor Speedway), passing Darrell Waltrip and Terry Labonte to score his lone premier series victory. The win came in his 11th career start.

He was driving the Jack Beebe-owned Race Hill Farm No. 47 Buick, with crew chief Bob Johnson. Bouchard had taken over the ride earlier in the season following the departure of driver Harry Gant.

Source: NASCAR