The number 19 has been around for many years in the sport of NASCAR. 68 years to be exact as Clyde Minter, Otis Martin, and Al Bonnell all piloted the number back in its inaugural year; 1949. Unfortunately for the triplets, and the number in general, 19 wasn’t in victory lane until 1960 when John Rostock won at the Arizona Dirt Track.
The History of #19
The iconic car number was in the news this offseason for a shocking announcement. Carl Edwards, a 13-year veteran and two-year driver of the 19 Arris Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, announced his retirement immediately. In his short time in the 19 car, Edwards won five races and almost pulled off a championship in 2016. Daniel Suarez Jr has taken over Edwards’ ride.
Some other notable drivers that were able to be behind the wheel of number 19 include, Jeremy Mayfield, Elliott Sadler, and Cale Yarborough. Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt and Bill Elliott found themselves behind the wheel of a car with 19 painted on the side for one race each.
As a whole, only eight races have been won by a driver piloting the number 19 car. As stated earlier, Edwards has five of those wins, the most in that car numbers history and Rostock has one. Mayfield has the other two wins.
The biggest race won in this car’s history was in May of 2015. Â Edwards would win the Coke 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Can Daniel Suarez Jr put this number in Victory Lane at the Daytona 500 in 19 days? We will have to wait and find out.
