When we first started the Celebrationof the Automobile and Racers Reunion at OCCONEECHEEORANGE SPEEDWAY an older gentleman walked into thethe tent with a box
of pictures many from that very track.There were pictures of Jane Mansfield,Bob Flock at the
very first stricky stock race at Hillsboro in 1949 and many others.I was really impressed with
what I saw.That gentlemans name was William "Bill" King.Over the next few years we became friends and he told me many stories aboutthe early days of racing.
One such story was about a modified he owned and how he became connected to a driver who became well known in those early days.Everyone is familiar with Taft Sloan and the number 91 Modified of his that Tim Flock raced very successfully out of Sanford NC.Well
Mr King had this modified that had been driven by several drivers including himself with little success.He had taken it to Mr Sloan and got him to build an engine for it.Mr Sloan told Bill he need to get someone to drive the c ar that wasn't so particular and be more agressive.One
day while he was there Mr. Sloan told him the next time he came he had someone he wanted
him to meet.Next time he came to the garage there was a man in a pair of coveralls and Mr
Sloan introduced him-I want you to meet Herbert Thomas (Herb wasn't used until later).Any way Mr KING hIred him and he drove the number 92.Eventually it became too expensive and the car was sold but we all know about the career of Herb Thomas.
During the last year Mr King had foughta battle with cancer.On November23rd he lost that battle. I am very thankful that I had the pleasure ofknowing Mr Bill King and will always
remember him.
updated by @laverne-zachary: 08/30/18 11:19:11PM
