In this first of two interviews, Ned Jarrett recalls his driving career in stock car racing during the 1940s through 1960s. He talks about his experiences growing up on a farm in Catawba County in North Carolina. Mr. Jarrett explains that he learned the strategies of the business world by overseeing the the bookkeeping at his father's sawmill. He describes his introduction to racing, including competing under his partner's name, John Lentz, so that his father would not know that he was racing. As Mr. Jarrett rose through the ranks of NASCAR, he worked to improve his public image and sought to strengthen the business operations of his race team. Other topics discussed include memories of Mr. Jarrett's competitors, which tracks he enjoyed racing at the most, and safety developments in NASCAR in the wake of major accidents.