The 1977 Washington 350 is not the most historic race of 1977, though it was the 2nd most historic. However, this race is the most historic Washington 350 of all time. This race is way too historic and is legendary. Kraig Shiftright wins with The King second and third going to Bill Shields, but this race is legendary for a three-car crash on the last lap involving Charles Johnson, William Highbanks and Cole Speedland. Chick Hicks places 4th. Rookie Sammy Smelter DNF after blowing his engine on lap 69, in which caught fire.
Even though only three cars were involved it was a historic moment for this reason. William made contact with Cole Speedland who turned left straight into Charles. Charles went airborne and into the infield in which he landed near two fans and upside down. However, Pinkie and Spike did not notice because they were focused on the leaders. They then saw James and Cole spun but they did not know about the incident of Charles until they saw the replay and the other racers did not even find out until James and Cole told them.
William missed one race, Cole missed one but Charles missed four races. Cole got replaced by John Lowtire, William by Julian Froster, and Charles by an unnamed backup.
Transcript[]
Crash and replay[]
TBA: OH AND LOOKS LIKE TROUBLE ON THE LAST LAP! COLE SPEEDLAND AND WILLIAM HIGHBANKS ARE SPINNING WITH WILLIAM FLIPPING TWICE AND COLE HITTING THE INSIDE WALL HARD!!!
TBA: Let's see a replay!
(Replay)
TBA: Looks like William got into Cole. BUT WHAT'S THIS!? COLE GETS INTO CHARLES JOHNSON! WHY WASN'T CHARLES VISIBLE IN THE WRECK!? OH, I SEE! HE GOES SUPER HIGH IN THE AIR!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! HE LANDS IN THE INFIELD SOMEWHERE BUT I DON'T KNOW WHERE!!!!!
TBA: HOW DID WE NOT NOTICE THIS!!!! POOR CHARLES MIGHT EVEN BE DEAD!!! Anyway, it's Kraig Shiftright for the win with Strip "The King" Weathers 2nd and Bill Shields 3rd!
CHARLES HAS BEEN FOUND!!![]
TBA: So as you know Charles Johnson is reported missing and is somewhere in the infield so if you have seen him please contac-
Cole: WE FOUND CHARLES! WE HAVE FOUND CHARLES JOHNSON!!!! HE IS ALIVE BUT UPSIDE DOWN!!!
William: YEAH! HE IS ON HIS ROOF AND NEEDS A HELICOPTER!!!!
Charles (extremely weak): Hey! Get me a helicopter!
TBA: OKAY! THAT IS GREAT NEWS!!!