Tommy and Rita Shannon of Whynot started “The Rebel” racing team back in 1968.

“The Rebel,” known for its bright red color and Confederate battle flag on the door, won countless races over the years at dirt tracks all over the country, driven by the best drivers in the nation.

Mr. Shannon died in a tragic highway accident in September of 1990. But Mrs. Shannon still wanted to stay involved with racing.

In 1991, she teamed up with Randy Thompson of Meridian and the two continued to pile up victories carrying on the the legend her husband started. She decided to end the era of “The Rebel” in 1998.

“I just wasn’t having anymore fun,” she said. “I told the other racers in the area that I did not want anyone to use ‘The Rebel’ name. And they have honored that over the years.”

Tommy Noblin, Johnny Barr, Mike Boland, Jim McDuffie, Jerry Inmon, Johnny Stokes, Billy Scarbrough, Robbie Starnes, Buddy Odom, Johnny Parham and Randy Boyd are all some of the drivers that made “The Rebel” so famous.

Most people believed “The Rebel” was gone for good since Mrs. Shannon didn’t have any reason to return to the racing world.

But in 2008 her grandson Tody Ratcliff started racing in the new Stinger division at Whynot. After just three weeks of racing, Ratcliff and his friend Shon McBrayer got together and bought a used Late Model.

“I can’t thank Shon enough for buying a Late Model for me to race,” Ratcliff said. “Without him, none of this would be possible.”

He said other friends chipped in and helped thoughout the season.

Ratcliff said he always wanted to bring back “The Rebel” — especially since his grandparents started the tradition. He knew he needed to get a season under his belt to take on the expectations that came with the car’s reputation.

Mrs. Shannon got word through one of their former drivers, Buddy Odom, of how well her grandson had done last season during his rookie year. So she decided she was ready to help and was very excited for him.

“She is helping me a lot this year,” Ratcliff said. “She let me use grandfathers race shop and bought me a new engine for this season. If I improve over last season she has mentioned buying me a new car.”

Ratcliff drove a white number 48 last year and the highlight of his season was a heat race win at Magnolia Motor Speedway in Columbus.

Local racers have helped him with advice, and he said Whynot owner Rodney Wing has taught him the most.

“The Rebel” debuted this season for the first time in more than 10 years back on March 7th — starting 10th and finishing fifth. You can find “The Rebel” racing team most regular Saturday nights all through the season at Whynot Motorsports Park.