Tag Archives: Ricky Craven

This list of drivers I never saw but wish I had is about as unscientific as you’re going to get. I’ve not restricted myself at all in terms of criteria, and in a couple of cases, I quote from sources that know much more than I. Where relevant, I’ve explained my reasoning, so you know I'm just not pulling these things right out of thin air. Some choices are obvious and others may surprise you; so if you think I’m missing someone, write in and tell me why.

More than just the Easter Bunny occupied the NASCAR fan's attention this weekend. Coinciding with the break in the Cup schedule was the beginning of the fastest-growing tournament-style sporting event to hit America each year; and as a result, race fan's minds were busy being filled with basketballs, not Goodyears, this holiday season. With the 65-team NCAA Tournament getting underway, America's productivity screeched to a halt as the first two rounds played out upon a national stage. Office pools, not office memos, become the order of business on a Thursday; and even for the most dedicated racing fan, Friday night became as much about what 12-seed was going to break through as to who's in the best position to win the Nationwide Series race the following day.

Craven began his career at Unity Raceway in Unity, Maine, where he won Rookie of the Year in 1982, following it up with a 12-win season that saw him earn track championship honors in 1983. From there Ricky would dominate at several tracks in New England before competing in the American-Canadian Tour. Craven, born May 24th, 1966, ironically shares a birthday with Muppet creator Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda from Star Wars who coined the mantra of "There is no 'Try'; only 'Do'," something Craven has taken to heart.