Racing History Minute - April 27, 1958

This post is about a convertible race ... that wasn't.

On Sunday, April 27, 1958, NASCAR's Grand National drivers raced at Old Bridge Stadium in New Jersey. Native New Yorker Jim Reed took the win in the neighboring Garden State.

That same weekend, the Convertible Division stayed south. Driving for Julian Petty, Bob Welborn won 150-lap race at Hickory Speedway 250 on Saturday, April 26th. Tim Leeming's RHM:

http://racersreunion.com/community/forum/stock-car-racing-history/22955/racing-history-minute-april-26-1958

The next day, the ragtops headed east for a 110-lap, 100-mile race at Orange Speedway in Hillsboro.

When the drivers arrived, however, rain met them there. Qualifying and the race were rained out, and NASCAR opted not to reschedule the race. Had the race been held and Welborn won, it would have been his sixth consecutive win across the GN and Convertible divisions.

The convertibles didn't return for another race in Hillsboro in 1958 - the only gap for the track in the four-year history of the division.

Interesting in the Hillsboro newspaper ad to see the race that never ran billed as "Battle of the Chevrolets and Fords." Also interesting in the ad to see children under 12 encouraged to bring "escorts!" For years we used to pass by a "gentlemen's" establishment near the he fringe of Durham not far fro Hillsboro on highway 70 named "Tomcats." That was probably the nearest place for the children under 12 to get their escort!

At Richmond, we always advertised free admission for children under 12 accompanied by a paid adult. No escorts needed!

I think Eileen's was across the street from Tomcats. I have now said way too much!

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