Earl Brooks: The Man Behind Ricky Rudd’s Iconic NASCAR Hauler
So, picture this: all dogs go to heaven, but retired workhorses aren’t always so lucky. I mean, have you ever seen a semi-truck just left to rot? It’s a sad sight, for sure. But not all hope is lost—especially when it comes to Ricky Rudd’s iconic Tide-liveried NASCAR hauler. Earl Brooks, the man who’s been taking care of this beauty for over two decades, has quite the story to tell. And let me tell you, it’s a good one.
Who is Earl Brooks?
Let’s start from the beginning. Earl Brooks got his hands on the Tide truck thanks to his mentor, Mr. G.C. Fleig, who was big in the trucking industry and a NASCAR supporter. Through Mr. Fleig, Brooks met Buddy Stafford, owner of Piedmont Ford Trucks, and that’s where the magic happened. After NASCAR teams turned in their old transport trucks for new ones, Brooks saw an opportunity and seized it. And that’s how the Tide Ride came into his life.
The Tale of the Tide Ride
Picture this: Brooks is hanging out at the Piedmont Ford service shop when a “professional-looking gentleman” approaches him. Turns out, it’s the former driver of the Tide truck. He gives Brooks a heads up to get the truck checked out. So, Brooks asks what the deal is, and the guy casually mentions that the cruise control was set at 120 mph because they used to race each other to the next track. Classic, right? He even tells a story about getting pulled over by an Arkansas state trooper. And you won’t believe what he had to give up as a souvenir.
The Legacy Lives On
The Tide Ride now calls Roxboro, North Carolina home, thanks to Brooks. Used to transport harvested crops alongside his other trucks, this beauty has seen its fair share of miles. With a 1993 Ford Aeromax, N14 Cummins engine, and 706,733 miles on the clock, it’s a true workhorse. The vibrant orange paint job, applied by Spevco, still looks stunning after all these years. Brooks is open to selling the Tide Ride, but only to someone who will treat it right. He’s turned down offers before, like the one from a trucker planning to haul logs with it. No way, Jose.
So, if you’re in the market for a piece of NASCAR history, reach out to Mr. Earl Brooks. Maybe you’ll be the lucky one to take the Tide Ride home. Who knows? Just promise to treat it with the love and respect it deserves. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
