NHRA.com photo


Terry Earwood, a versatile driver known for his accomplishments in various forms of motor racing, is making a remarkable return to the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. This week, he is seeking a victory at the 69th annual Dodge Power Brokers U.S. Nationals, fifty years after winning the Super Stock championship in the same event. Earwood will be driving a powerful hemi-powered SS/AA 1968 Plymouth Barracuda, sponsored by DensWood Sports Marketing and prepared by Barnett Race Cars.


During his illustrious career, Earwood has left an indelible mark on the racing world. He boasts victories in drag racing, road racing, and the SCORE off-road series, and has become one of the most accomplished drivers in the industry. However, Earwood’s contributions extend far beyond his achievements on the track.


For an impressive 23 years, Earwood served as the Chief Instructor at Skip Barber Racing School from 1984 to 2013. Throughout this period, he had the privilege of teaching more than 30,000 students, ranging from law enforcement officers and Special Forces troops to aspiring drivers and future racing champions. His expertise even led him to develop advanced driving curriculums for various police agencies and educational institutions, including the Georgia State Patrol and Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Fla., where he introduced Florida’s first accredited Police Emergency Vehicle Operator course.


Although Earwood first made a name for himself in drag racing, earning recognition as a member of both the NHRA’s Southeast Division Hall of Fame and Don Garlits’ International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, his accomplishments extend well beyond the quarter-mile strip. Notably, he secured a record-breaking 30 wins in the IMSA Endurance Series and claimed the Touring class championship in 1996 after four heart-wrenching runner-up finishes.





 



Earwood’s legacy in the racing industry is also deeply rooted in his contributions off the track. In addition to his extensive tenure with Skip Barber, he held prominent roles as the Competition Director and Director of Driver Development for the SCCA Trans Am Series. Moreover, he served as the Chief Steward for multiple events and series, following in the footsteps of his father, the late Charles Earwood. Additionally, he once managed NHRA’s Gainesville Raceway in Florida.


Turning attention to Earwood’s impressive track record at the nationals, in 1973, he emerged victorious for Steve Bagwell Racing, driving a Barnett Race Cars-powered 1971 hemi-Barracuda. Earwood defeated top contenders Dempsey Hardy, Dave Boertman, John Lingenfelter, and Rodney Martin. This string of victories ultimately secured his spot in the final round, where he triumphed over Bill Felker and his 1968 SS/HA Chevy Camaro, claiming his first national event win.


Lastly, it’s worth noting that Earwood shares an undeniable racing pedigree with his brother, Steve Earwood, who has also been honored with induction into the prestigious International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Steve, a former NHRA National Media Relations Director, alongside Dave Densmore, co-founded DensWood Sports. Notably, Steve’s accomplishments extend beyond his involvement in media relations, as he established himself as the owner of Atlanta Dragway and Rockingham Dragway. Presently, Steve serves on the board of Racers for Christ International, further demonstrating his enduring commitment to the racing community.









 





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DON’T LOOK NOW, THERE’S AN EARWOOD BACK AT INDY

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