NASCAR Pole Position - February-March 2022

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NASCAR HISTORY

T O N T U B E N O G TTEN

O G R FO

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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

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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.

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C. SPEEDY THOMPSON: From 1950 through 1971, Alfred ā€œSpeedyā€ Thompson drove for some top team owners, including Carl Kiekhaefer and the Wood brothers. He logged 20 NASCAR victories and 19 pole positions. F.

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.

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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.

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POLE POSITION 2022

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PHOTOGRAPHY: NASCAR HALL OF FAME


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