49 Years Ago - September 26, 1964 - Richard Petty Wins QUALIFYING Race to Make Martinsville Old Dominion 500

I hope I am not stepping on member TMC-Chase's toes by making this post, but I think he usually deals in Petty "points" wins in his running commentary on the history of Petty victories.

We usually think of Richard Petty as a dominant force at Martinsville Speedway, holding the track's record for Cup wins and ranking second to Ray Hendrick in all-time Martinsville wins.

However, on September 26, 1964, Richard was forced to compete in a qualifying race to fill the final 20 positions for the next day's Old Dominion 500 on September 27, 1964. I don't have the account of the race itself, but a preview story in the Fredericksburg (VA) Free Lance Star explains the circumstances of Richard having to compete in the qualifier to make the big show due to an accident in practice.

Below are the qualifying race results from Ultimate Racing History which assured Petty of a 21st starting position the following day:

Old Dominion 500 Qualifying Race

NASCARGrand Nationalrace
Martinsville Speedway ,Martinsville,VA
September 26, 1964
20laps on 0.5 mile paved oval;10 miles

Notes: This non-championship race determined the final 20 starters in the Old Dominion 500.

No encroachment. Good trivia and story. Didn't know about it.

Today is also the anniversary of another problematic day for the Petty team at Martinsville. On September 26, 1993, Petty Enterprises regular driver - Rick Wilson - couldn't start the Goody's 500 because of injuries he received in the race at Dover a week earlier. Virginian Jimmy Hensley was given the keys to the 44. Unfortunately, his day ended after 292 laps with a crash. He finished 34th and dead last. (Interesting though that no other cars had fallen by the wayside more than half-way through the race.

From RANDALL's collection (Its definitely Martinsville 1993 - just not completely sure if its the spring race with Rick Wilson or fall race with Hensley.)

Petty made the most of a challenging situation that weekend. Raced in the "hooligan" event to make the main event. Then he finished 2nd in the Old Dominion 500. And with that finish, he locked up the 1st of his 7 GN/Cup series titles.

Race report from Sept 27, 1964 Spartanburg Herald

HERE'S Martinsville.Va. September 26, 1993 BRYAN HALLMAN photo IN THE BOOK: FORTY YEARS OF STOCK CAR RACING FORTY PLUS FOUR 1990-1993.

Thanks for any information or photos posted.
Dennis Garrett
Richmond,Va.USA