Who's Who in Virginia's Long Term Care Facilities
Mr. Earl L. Brooks
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Mr. Earl L. Brooks, an 80 year old Lynchburg native, joined the
United States Army right after attending high school but had to return
home to help out his parents who had health problems. He received an
honorable hardship discharge from the military since he was the only
son.
Mr. Brooks began stock car racing in 1948 at the Royal Speedway in Richmond. He won his first race at the Lynchburg Speedway (Shrader Field) in 1955 and went on to win many others throughout Virginia.
In 1968, he purchased his own Grand National car and ran 40 races that year finishing 15th in the nation in points.
Mr. Brooks became involved with movies including, “The Last American Hero” and “Greased Lightning”. He provided the stunts and spin-outs and also appeared in some of the racing footage.
Mr. Brooks had many highlights in his career such as finishing 4th in Nashville in 1971 and 6th in the inaugural Talladega 500. He drove in four Daytona 500 races and ran with the “best” which included Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip and many others.
Mr. Brooks is a resident at Lynchburg Health & Rehabilitation Center where he has resided since May 2008.
