Ex-NASCAR Driver Leads High Speed Chase, DNF’s

James Neal - Speed Demon

Under different circumstances, one could say it was a dream come true. After nearly 30 minutes behind the wheel of his Chevy, James “Jimmy” Neal was in the lead. Although, it had been some time since he had found himself in this position, he seemed to be in control. The only thing that could get between him and the checkered flag would be some type of mechanical failure. Then it happened. The engine began to sputter and miss and Neal was forced to bring the car to a halt. Another DNF. Only instead of heading down pit road and into his stall with his anxious pit crew, Neal hung a right and exited the 805 south at La Jolla Village Drive.

You see, this was no dream and Neal wasn’t back racing at Ascot Park track in Gardena. This was the 805 freeway in San Diego and the cars Neal was in front of belonged to the California Highway Patrol. Just 30 minutes earlier around 3 a.m., an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy tried pulling over a black 2003 Corvette, on Interstate 5 just north of Avenida Pico in San Clemente, that was missing a front license plate. Rather than pulling over for the fix-it ticket, the driver proceeded to lead deputies on a chase south towards the San Diego County border. After entering San Diego County, the O.C. deputies were replaced by CHP officers. The chase continued down the 5 to the 805 reaching speeds up to 140 m.p.h. before Neal blew his engine and was forced to exit at La Jolla Village Drive.

According to his website, jimmynealracing.us,

“Jimmy Neal, a 3X NASCAR champion with a record of 11 victories in a row in 1981, has come back from battling alcoholism, put his life together, and went out to race again in 2008 after 21 years off the track.”

“3X NASCAR champion with a record 11 victories in a row…” may not be the most accurate portrayal of Neal and his racing career. In reality, Neal never won a national NASCAR race. Instead, Neal spent time in the early 80′s racing in regional NASCAR race series’ like Winston West and Southwest Tour. Neal retired from racing in the 80′s but returned in 2008 after 21 years away from racing.

On Tuesday, James Neal, 56, of San Clemente pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor evasion while driving recklessly and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and three years’ probation.

More info at SignOnSanDiego.com & HuffingtonPost.com

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1. Ex-NASCAR Driver James “Jimmy” Neal Arrested Again
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