Once more, today, we return to North Wilkesboro track that was, by now, a paved .625 mile track, pretty much the same as it is today, although now is such a state of disrepair as to be disgraceful to the wonderful memories from there. Wonderful memories as we will share today, although there is a very sad memory attached to this particular race.
Twenty-six starters would take the FIRST green flag with Fireball Roberts on the pole in a Ford. Second place starter was Banjo Matthews in another Ford while Marvin Panch would start a Ford in third. Jack Smith, in a Chevrolet, broke up the Ford dominance by starting fourth. Jimmy Massey would start a Ford in fifth.
Before the green flag waved, there was a five car crash which resulted in a complete restart. Max Berrier, George Parrish and Roy Tyner were eliminated in the crash without completing a lap. R.L. Combs fell out on the first "official lap" of the race with transmission problems with his Ford.
This race marked the return of hometown favorite, Junior Johnson , who would start his Brushy Mountains Motors Pontiac in 11th place only to be parked on lap 102 when the engine blew in the mount. Junior had been away for 12 months serving time in a Federal Prison in Chillicotte, OH for his involvment in the manufacture of "moonshine". It is my understanding that he was NOT caught while running a load of "shine" but rather at the still when the "revenuers" came acallin. If memory serves me correctly, the Feds could never catch Junior when he was on a "run".
The race was marred with tragedy as the left rear axle broke on the Pontiac driven by Tiny Lund. The freed tire and wheel bounced over the fence into the crowd where in fatally injured spectator W. R. Thomason of Mt. Holly, NC. That event occurred on lap 118 of the 160 lap race but it appears only those fans sitting right in the area had any idea of the severity of the injuries to Mr. Thomason. The race ran its full distance.
Fireball led the first 61 laps before crashing through the rail and ending up on his roof far outside the speedway. Roberts was "shaken" but not injured. Jack Smith took over at that point for 31 laps. Banjo Matthews pushed into the lead on lap 94 and would stay there until lap 111 before Jack Smith slid around him for one lap and then it was Matthews again. With ten laps to go, Jack Smith forced his way into the lead, bringing Lee Petty along with him as they went by Banjo. I'm guessing Banjo has worn his tires with the rapid pace he had been setting while leading the race.
When the checkered flag waved, Smith had a 4 second lead over second place Petty. Banjo had faded to third. The average speed for the race was 69.902 mph , slowed by two caution flags and the complete restart of the race.
Finishing order:
1. Jack Smith, Smith Chevrolet, winning $900.00
2. Lee Petty, Petty Engineering Oldsmobile, winning $575.00
3. Banjo Matthews, Ford, winning 375.00
4. Speedy Thompson, Thompson Chevrolet, winning $280.00
5. Cotton Owens, Stephens Pontiac, winning $245.00
6. Buck Baker
7. Marvin Panch
FIRST SEVEN FINISHERS ALL ON LEAD LAP
8. Rex White
9. Bill Morton
10. Jimmy Massey
11. Brownie King
12. Dick Beatty
13. Johnny Allen
14. L. D. Austin
15. Bobby Keck
16. Jack Marsh
17. Jim Russell
18. Bill Massey
19.Tiny Lund
20. Junior Johnson
21. Fireball Roberts
22. Johnny Dodson
23. R. L. Combs
24. Max Berrier
25. George Parrish
26. Roy Tyner
Honor the past, embrace the present, dream for the future.
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What a change! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm quite surprised. It may take me awhile to figure it our but first look it's really great.
updated by @tim-leeming: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM
