The Infamous NASCAR Scam: The Case of L.W. Wright

In April 1982, a man named L.W. Wright emerged in Nashville, claiming to be a seasoned driver with 43 Busch Grand National starts. Promoted by local resident William Dunaway, Wright announced his intention to compete in the Winston 500 at Talladega with a team called Music City Racing, boasting sponsorships from notable figures like Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. Despite skepticism from NASCAR, Wright paid the necessary fees to enter the race, which allowed him to participate if he could secure a car.

When Sterling Marlin Was Infamously Scammed by NASCAR’s Very Own ‘DB Cooper’

Sterling Marlin, a respected figure in NASCAR, became involved when Wright convinced B.W. “Bernie” Terrell of Space Age Marketing to finance the operation, securing $30,000 for a car and related expenses. Marlin sold Wright a Chevrolet Monte Carlo for $20,700, receiving $17,000 in cash and a check for the remainder. Marlin agreed to act as crew chief, believing he was aiding a fellow racer.

When Sterling Marlin Was Infamously Scammed by NASCAR’s Very Own ‘DB Cooper’

As the race approached, numerous red flags emerged. Notably, T.G. Sheppard publicly denied any sponsorship involvement, and Wright's knowledge of racing appeared lacking, as he asked basic questions typical of inexperienced drivers. Despite crashing during practice, Wright qualified for the race but was black-flagged after just 13 laps for being too slow, finishing in 39th place. Following the race, Wright vanished without a trace, leaving behind unpaid debts and unanswered questions, earning him the moniker of NASCAR's own D.B. Cooper.

When Sterling Marlin Was Infamously Scammed by NASCAR’s Very Own ‘DB Cooper’

In the wake of Wright's disappearance, several individuals and organizations were left with significant financial losses, including South Central Bell and United Trappers Marketing Association. NASCAR issued arrest warrants, and Bernie Terrell hired a private investigator to locate Wright, but for decades, he remained elusive. The story of Wright became a cautionary tale within the NASCAR community, a legend that persisted through the years.

When Sterling Marlin Was Infamously Scammed by NASCAR’s Very Own ‘DB Cooper’

The narrative took a turn in 2022 when Rick Houston of the Scene Vault Podcast announced the discovery of Wright. On April 29, 2022, the podcast aired an interview featuring Wright, marking a significant moment in NASCAR history. However, the story did not conclude there; on February 13, 2023, Wright was arrested in Knox County, Tennessee, facing charges of theft, burglary, and evading arrest. His long-evaded reckoning finally arrived after four decades of infamy.

When Sterling Marlin Was Infamously Scammed by NASCAR’s Very Own ‘DB Cooper’

Larry “L.W. Wright” Wright passed away on January 27, 2024, from colon cancer at the age of 74. While the mystery surrounding his disappearance was resolved, the legend of his con continues to resonate within the NASCAR community, serving as a reminder of the bizarre events that can unfold in the world of motorsport.

When Sterling Marlin Was Infamously Scammed by NASCAR’s Very Own ‘DB Cooper’