Harry Gant was a man with many nicknames: “Handsome Harry” for his good looks, the “Bandit” due his long-time sponsor Skoal Bandit, “Mr. September” after his four consecutive Cup Series and two Xfinity Series wins in September of 1991 and “High Groove Harry” because of his proficiency in taking the high line through the corner.
A humble man, he could wheel a race car darn well, too. Gant won 18 Cup
Series races, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. The North Carolinian also registered 21 wins in the Xfinity Series.
In the five seasons from 1981 through 1985, Gant finished in the top five in points four times, including a runner-up championship finish to Terry Labonte in 1984.
Gant maintained his racing prowess into his 50s and holds the premier series records for oldest driver to win a race (52 years old) and pole (54).
He drove the first race car with a telemetry system installed in it at Talladega in 1985 and relayed the data to CBS during its coverage of the event.
Gant was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest drivers.
