1 minute read
Never To Be Forgotten
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Over the years, many competitors have left their marks on the sport through perseverance, dedication, desire and even antics, and each of them deserves to be remembered as a part of NASCAR history.
BY BEN WHITE
A. JOHNNY MANTZ: California native Johnny Mantz recorded one victory during his four-year career, that being the inaugural Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in 1950. He only had 12 NASCAR starts.
B. FONTY FLOCK: From 1949 to 1957, Fonty Flock was a fun-loving prankster who was serious on the track, scoring 19 wins, 72 top-five results, 83 top-10 finishes and 33 pole positions during his career.
C. SPEEDY THOMPSON: From 1950 through 1971, Alfred “Speedy” Thompson drove for some top team owners, including Carl Kiekhaefer and the Wood brothers. He logged 20 NASCAR victories and 19 pole positions.
D. AL UNSER: Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser entered five NASCAR Cup Series races over three years – 1968, 1969 and 1986. He logged two top-five finishes and three top-10 results during his brief stock car career.
E. JIM REED: From 1951 through 1963, Jim Reed made 106 NASCAR starts, logging 38 top-five finishes, 48 top-10 results and five poles. Ironically, he logged seven wins, the same as his car number.
F. RED BYRON: Known as NASCAR’s first champion, Alabama native Red Byron entered 15 races in 1949 and 1950 and won two twice – Daytona and Martinsville – while driving for Raymond Parks.
G. TIM FLOCK: The NASCAR Cup Series champion in 1952 and 1955, Flock enjoyed 39 victories during his 13-year career. His best year of racing was his second title season when he won 18 races.
H. MARTY ROBBINS: During his Cup Series career from 1966 to 1982, award-winning country music icon Marty Robbins drove in 35 races. He scored one top-five result and six top-10 finishes.
A.
