Rick Wilson wins legends race at Bristol; Larry Pearson, Glotzbach taken to hospital

Rick Wilson beats Phil Parsons to win legends race

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Rick Wilson passed Phil Parsons with two laps to go to outlast 11 other retired NASCAR drivers Saturday in a non-sanctioned exhibition race organized by Bristol Motor Speedway.

Wilson, best known as the driver who took over the No. 43 following Richard Petty’s 1992 retirement, dominated the race but lost the lead late to Parsons. Wilson passed Parsons shortly after a restart following a lengthy red-flag for a frightening accident between Charlie Glotzbach and Larry Pearson.

A track spokesman said Pearson, the son of three-time NASCAR champion David Pearson, was awake and alert at Bristol Regional Medical Center and that his family confirmed he broke his lower left ankle, pelvis and right hand. He was set to have surgery Saturday night on his ankle.

Glotzbach was listed in good condition.

Pearson spun into the outside wall with five laps remaining. As his car slid down the banking, Glotzbach rounded Turn 2 and ran directly into Pearson’s driver-side door.

Glotzbach gingerly walked from his car, but the roof had to be cut off Pearson’s car. He was placed onto a stretcher, and was moving his arms as he was loaded into an ambulance.

Pearson, the winner of consecutive titles in what’s now called the Nationwide Series in 1986 and 1987, was immediately transported to the hospital. Glotzbach, who won a caution-free Cup race at Bristol in 1971, was seen first in the infield care center before leaving for the hospital.

David Pearson did not continue the race after he’s son’s accident. He drove his car off the track and stopped racing after the ambulance left so that he could travel to the hospital.