For NASCAR veteran, Lake Speed, the 1983 Talladega 500 was shaping to be just another race. Except this time, he was in control. Leading in the final laps, with Richard Petty and Benny Parsons chasing him down, Speed was poised for the biggest win of his career. Then, chaos struck. A late caution shuffled strategies, and a split-second decision in the pits cost him the lead. He finished third, but what happened that day was far bigger than a trophy.
Because amid roaring engines and burning rubber, Speed heard something. Something that changed his life forever! And it had nothing to do with racing.
Lake Speed’s near victory at Talladega and spiritual awakening
Despite his prowess on the track, Lake Speed remained winless in the NASCAR Cup Series during the early 1980s. The 1983 Talladega 500 presented a golden opportunity for him to change that narrative. As the race neared its conclusion, Speed led, with legends, Richard Petty and Benny Parsons, trailing closely. Speed recounted that pivotal moment, “I found myself leading the race… just a few laps left… Richard and Benny were behind me.”
However, a late-race incident led to a caution, prompting teams to make strategic pit stops. Speed recalled the confusion: “Somebody wrecked, everybody went in to get some tires… I’m going down pit lane and they said, ‘Stay out, stay out.’ I’m like, I can’t stay out. I’m already on the pit lane.”
This miscommunication resulted in Speed finishing third behind Petty and Parsons.
Beyond the race outcome, the Talladega event marked a profound turning point in Speed’s personal life. During those intense final laps, he experienced an unexpected introspective moment. He described hearing a voice questioning, “Lake, what you gonna do if you win here?” This internal dialogue led him to ponder deeper, existential questions about his life’s purpose.
Seeking clarity, Speed turned to spirituality for answers. He felt a compelling urge. “You need to pick up that book. It’s been around thousands of years. It’s the instruction book for life. You’ll find the answer.” That night, he began reading the Bible, embarking on a journey that would shape his beliefs and actions in the years to come, becoming a devout Christian.
Lake Speed heard the voice of God in the racecar while leading at Talladega
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This spiritual awakening influenced not only Speed’s personal life but also his professional demeanor. He became known for his integrity and sportsmanship on the track, embodying the values he embraced after that transformative day at Talladega. While he continued to chase victories, Speed’s perspective had shifted, prioritizing a deeper understanding of his faith and purpose.
The NASCAR veteran beyond the racetrack
Lake Speed’s Cup Series career spanned 19 years, with 402 starts, but just one victory – a win at Darlington in 1988. While he never became a NASCAR superstar, his passion for racing and the ability to put his team ahead of himself made him a respected figure in the sport. His near-win at Talladega in 1985 could have been his breakthrough moment. But instead, it led him on a completely different path.
Though his time in NASCAR ended in 1998, Speed never fully stepped away from motorsports. His roots in karting remained strong, and in 2006, the International Kart Federation established the Lake Speed Achievement of Excellence Award in his honor.
This award recognizes outstanding sportsmanship, professionalism, and racing achievement in karting, values that Speed embodied throughout his career.
Even in his later years, Speed continued to race. He competed in the World Karting Association’s National Road Racing Series, racking up wins in the Spec 125 TaG 1 and 2 classes. He also participated in Historic Stock Car Racing Association events, even taking victories at Daytona in his old No. 83 Ford.
At 75, he was still behind the wheel, racing his 1993 stock car at Virginia International Raceway in 2023.
In 2010, Speed was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy beyond just NASCAR. While he may not have had the most decorated Cup career, his impact on racing, particularly in karting, continues to inspire younger generations. His story isn’t just about racing; it’s about resilience, reinvention, and staying true to one’s passion long after the checkered flag falls.
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