The Day Elvis Died

Like all our emotions, fear can serve a useful purpose. The sudden dread that overcomes someone in a dangerous situation is an important function of our “self-preservation” mode. On the other hand, people can also fill themselves with irrational fears, stressing themselves out over situations beyond their control.

One man who appeared not to know fear was Bobby Isaac. Isaac came from a very poor family in Catawba, North Carolina and rose to NASCAR champion. Being one of 9 siblings, Isaac’s dad died when he was 6. He did not own a pair of shoes until he was 13. This tough beginning seemed to suit Bobby Isaac as he worked his way up to the top of stock car racing. Bobby was constantly being warned by NASCAR to stop settling on-track scuffles with his fists in the pits.

When Bill Frazier became the NASCAR Chaplain, Bill would often work with various crews to earn his keep while traveling with the Gran National circuit

Bill pit crewed for Harry Hyde, acting as a jackman on Bobby Isaac's 71, (Isaac had won the 1970 NASCAR championship driving for crew chief Harry Hyde).

It didn’t take long for Bill and Bobby to quickly form a strong bond.

Brother Bill had noticed that Isaac felt uncomfortable with his lack of education. Bobby Isaac had to quit school at age twelve to go to work in a mill. He was very quiet, and would keep to himself. Bill noticed that Bobby never sat with the other drivers at Bill’s Chapel services but would always stand in the back.

Bobby Isaac had a great career, but a strange occurrence over-shadowed his racing legacy. It happened in August, 1973, while running in the front at Talladega. Isaac was driving for car owner Bud Moore, and there were only six laps left in the race. The green flag was still out, but suddenly Isaac pulled the car off of the track and brought it down pit road. While the pit crew helplessly looked on, Isaac unstrapped himself, jumped out of the car, and told Moore “I quit!” Bill Frazier was walking through the pits, when he saw Isaac in street clothes. When Bill asked Bobby what was going on, Isaac told Bill that while he was racing on the track, he heard a voice that told him if he didn’t get out of that car right now, he was going to die.

Isaac did make a comeback in 1974, racing a limited schedule. But he never won another Grand National race. He finally quit professional racing for good at the end of 1976, finishing with thirty-seven career wins.

Isaac returned to racing late model stock cars, competing on local tracks around North Carolina. But this too was not to last.

Bobby Isaac’s life came to an end on August 14th, 1977. He was racing on a Saturday night at his home track in Hickory, NC, when he again suddenly pulled into the pits before the race was over. Isaac had suffered a massive heart attack and he collapsed after crawling out of the car. He died later that night.

We all face fears in our life, but for the people who claim Jesus, the Christ, as their personal Savior, we no longer have to fear death. Jesus conquered death when He arose on Easter morning, and promised that those who believe in Him will have everlasting life. Jesus replaced fear of death with Hope.

Bill Frazier performed Bobby's funeral. A lot of people came out for the service, and the pallbearers included Bill, Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, and Bobby Allison. The grave site sat on a hill, which overlooked Hickory Speedway, where Isaac had died. When you look down from Bobby Isaac’s grave site, you can see the spot in the pits where he collapsed.

Bill said, he’d never forget the day of the funeral, for two reasons. First, he buried a good friend on that hill. And second, it was the same day Elvis Presley died.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18