Wood Brothers Racing is honoring a significant milestone in its storied history by unveiling a special throwback paint scheme for the upcoming Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. The No. 21 Motorcraft Ford Mustang will feature a design inspired by the Ford-powered Lotus that racing legend Jim Clark drove to victory in the 1965 Indianapolis 500.
In that historic race, the Wood Brothers were instrumental in Clark’s success, providing their innovative pit stop strategies to the Lotus team. This collaboration not only led to Clark’s victory but also showcased the Wood Brothers’ pioneering approach to motorsports.
Leonard Wood, reflecting on the 1965 triumph, remarked, “I rate it right up at the top. It was the most rewarding thing we had ever done.”
The decision to feature this particular paint scheme at Darlington is part of NASCAR’s Throwback Weekend, an event that celebrates the rich history of motorsports. Jon Wood, the team’s president and Leonard’s grandson, explained, “What Darlington is is a celebration of not only NASCAR’s past but just motorsports’ past… this was a fun one, and I think it celebrates all different disciplines of motorsports and branches out more international than we have done in the past.”
The Wood Brothers have a deep-rooted connection with Darlington Raceway, having secured eight Cup Series victories there, including six with Hall of Famer David Pearson. The upcoming race will not only showcase the special paint scheme but also feature historic cars on display, such as a 1971 Pearson Mercury and a later-model Neil Bonnett Thunderbird, to commemorate the team’s 75th anniversary.
Driver Josh Berry, who recently clinched his first career Cup win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, expressed his enthusiasm about contributing to the team’s legacy. “It’s a great way for us to give a little back and remind people of how we got here and give guys like the Wood Brothers the opportunity to tell these amazing stories,” Berry said. “I’ve been getting [to hear] them one after another and I was lucky enough Sunday to add a little bit to that.”
The Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway is scheduled for April 6, where fans can witness the No. 21 Motorcraft Ford Mustang’s tribute to a pivotal moment in racing history.
