Wood Brothers Racing claims Guinness record

Nov 2, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Trevor Bayne (21) during the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Wood Brothers Racing’s tenure as the oldest active race team at NASCAR’s top level has been recognized within the NASCAR community for years, now that tenure is being recognized in a more mainstream arena — the Guinness Book of World Records.

Former NASCAR driver and third-generation Wood racing family member, Jon Wood, is responsible for getting his family’s team the mainstream recognition for its longevity. His efforts to get Wood Brothers Racing in the Guinness Book of World Records was inspired by a childhood goal of trying to be recognized in the Book for something.

"“From the beginning I have been fascinated with the Guinness Book of World Records,” Wood said. “I remember thinking that one day I would figure out a way to do something worthy of being in the Book. I think that’s just part of a child’s fairytale-like thought process.”"

Wood Brothers Racing was founded by now-NASCAR Hall of Famer Glen Wood in 1950 and the team has fieled its famed No. 21 entry every year since.

"“This is a huge accomplishment when you take a step back and really digest it,” Wood said. “To be able to say that you have been able to have that level of consistency is pretty outstanding.”"

After Wood submitted an application for consideration, he was told to get verification of Wood Brothers Racing’s status as NASCAR’s longest-tenured team. He was able to get that verification from NASCAR Hall of Fame Historian Buzz McKim.

"“I realize that when it comes to the Book, the first thought in some people’s minds are some of the wacky, crazy records, like one for the most sneezes in one minute or something,” Wood said. “But on the flip side to that, whether it’s a record of a silly nature, or serious ones like land-speed records, there is only one global authority, and that is the Guinness Book of World Records. My goal was to both validate the claim that Wood Brothers Racing is the longest active team in NASCAR and also honor my grandfather (Glen Wood) and his brother Leonard for what I believe to be an astounding accomplishment.”"

Wood Brothers Racing hasn’t just been around since 1950; the team has experienced rousing success during its lengthy tenure in NASCAR

Brothers Glen and Leonard Wood are both in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, as are several drivers who have driven the team’s No. 21 over the years, including (also listing 2015 inductees who’ll be added Jan. 30) Junior Johnson, Frend Lorenzen, Cale Yarborough, Dale Jarrett, David Pearson, Bill Elliott. Those drivers, along with several others have combined to give Wood Brothers Racing a tally of 98 wins at NASCAR’s premier level. The most recent of those came on NASCAR’s biggest stage when Trevor Bayne drove the No. 21 to victory lane after the 2011 Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

In 2015, Wood Brothers Racing plans to run a partial schedule with Ryan Blaney as driver and Jeremy Bullins atop the pit box as crew chief.

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