Ricky Craven - Biography

Last Editor: michaelpellis				Ricky Craven Biography -   Name : Ricky Craven Profession : NASCAR driver

Ricky Craven Trivia -

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Ricky Craven Detailed Biography -

Ricky Craven is a NASCAR driver. He last drove in the NEXTEL Cup in 2004 and raced in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2005. He does not have a job at this time. He is considered to be one of the "comeback drivers" in NASCAR. Growing up in New England, racing wasn't the first thing on Craven's mind. But at the age of 15, he began racing at Unity Raceway, winning twice as well as the Rookie of the Year award. The next year, he won 12 feature events and the track championship. After that, he began running in the Canadian-American tour, where he had rampant success. In 1986, he made his NASCAR debut at Oxford Plains Speedway in his own #12, finishing 25th after suffering engine faliure. Four years later, he began running the Busch North Series, winning the Rookie of the Year award. In 1991, he was named the champion in that series. In addition, he made his Winston Cup debut at Rockingham, starting and finishing 34th, as well as winning two races in the Busch Series running a limited schedule. He moved to the Busch Series full-time in 1992, and once again was named Rookie of the Year. In 1993 & 1994, he finished runner-up to Steve Grissom and David Green, respectively, in the championship standings. This performace caught the eye of several Winston Cup team owners. In 1995, Craven teamed up with Larry Hedrick Motorsports and Kodiak to run for Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. Craven qualified for all 31 races, finished in the top-ten four times, and was able to defeat Robert Pressley for the top rookie award. For his efforts, he was rewarded with a partial ownership share in the team. His performance improved even more in 1996, winning two poles and nailing down a 20th place finish in points. At the end of the year, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime, to drive the #25 for the premier Hendrick Motorsports team. Craven obviously signed immediately, and at first, the future seemed bright, as Craven finished in the top-five in the first two races, but it was soon disrupted. While practicing for the inaugural Interstate Batteries 500, Craven crashed hard into the wall. He missed two races due to a concussion suffered from the wreck. It didn't seem to affect him at first, as he won the Winston Open and finished a career-best 19th in points. Hopes were high in 1998, but after the season started, the side effects of the concussion began to creep out, and Craven was forced onto the sidelines until he got better. He returned at his home track at New Hampshire International Speedway later that year, and to the surprise of everyone, won the pole. After four races however, it was obvious he had rushed his return and left Hendrick permanately, and didn't return until the final three races of the season, filling in for Ernie Irvan at MB2 Motorsports.