Jack Walker
Darlington, Speedway Car Results May 10,1952
The 1952 Speedway Car race was the first sanctions by Nascar in the new Speedway Division. These open wheel cars had US modified powered engines. Speedy Thompson of Monroe, NC won the pole with a speed of 100.835 on the first day of time trials. Bill Miller took the lead on the first lap, but was passed by Speedy Thompson 3 laps later. Buck Baker, and Thompson battled wheel to wheel for the next 25 laps. Buck Baker took over the lead with his Cadillac powered machine on lap 114, and led the rest of the way. Baker went the entire distance without a pit stop. There were 14 lead changes between 5 drivers. Lap leaders were: Bill Miller, Speedy Thompson, Buck Baker Tony Bonadies, and Wally Campbell. Baker won the 200-mile race in 2 hrs, 6 mins before 8500 fans in attendance. Baker received $2000 for the victory. The field was open to 40 cars, but only 22 showed up for time trials. Because of the short field, Nascar quickly organized a companion Grand National race for the same day. Dick Rathmann won the 200-mile GN race. This was the first time Darlington had 2 GN races in the same year.
Thanks Jack for putting these on. They are hard to find.Keep them coming.Were you at most of these races ?? ThanksHarlow ReynoldsLynchburg,Va.
Harlow,This one was a little before my time of going to the races.Jack
Qualifying report from Florence Morning News. The first round of time trials were held on May 3rd - one week before the race.
Found several pics from the race on Getty Images Bob Jeffries
Race program
Wally Campbell at speed at Darlington - from Thomas Craig's photos