Class of 2006
Born: May 11, 1924 in Fort Payne, Alabama
Category: Auto Racing
A NASCAR pioneer and one of three racing brothers, he had 40 victories over 13 years. He won the Grand National points title in 1952 and 1955. In 1955, he won 18 races in 39 starts, had 32 top five finishes, and 33 top ten finishes. He won 19 poles in one season. He is the only driver to win at Daytona in all three NASCAR divisions (Grand National, Modified and Convertible). In 1952, he was selected Driver of the Year by Speed Age Magazine. He was inducted into the Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame in 1977 and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1978. His 21.2 career winning percentage (40 wins in 189 starts) is NASCAR’s all-time best. He held five world records for the Daytona Measured Mile.
