September 1, 1952, Darlington. Fonty Flock has put his Frank Christian #14 Air Lift Special '52 Olds 88 on the pole. Brothers Bob and Tim start further back in this 66 car field, lined 3 abreast to take the green flag for the 3rd annual Southern 500.
Joining Fonty in the front row were Joe Eubanks and Herschel Buchanan. Buck Baker was sitting in the second row with Lee Petty aand Fireball Roberts starting in row 3. Fonty jumped out to an early lead for the first 17 laps but Tommy Thompson came rumbling through the field from his 13th place start and took over the point at lap 18. His '52 Hudson was looking invincible until lap 37 when a plume of smoke ended his fast run.
With Thompson sidelined Fonty pretty much dominated the race, giving over the lead to Dick Rathman for 34 laps and Herb Thomas was able to lead three more. But from lap 185 to 400 on the original 1.25 mile Darlington track it was all Fonty. After running his victory lap he stopped at the start/finish line, climbed from his car wearing Bermuda shorts, stood on the roof of his car and led the crowd in singing a round of "Dixie", the "Southern National Anthem".
But what really made that day a "date to remember" was starting way back in 38th place in the #53 Junie Donlavey '52 Hudson was a young motorcycle racing champ. That young man ran hard for a while but finally settled for a 16th place finish after having to pit 10 times for overheating problems. Not a start to turn heads but pretty darn good for a rookie in a 66 car field. That young man went on to start 230 NASCAR races, taking 19 poles, winning 25 races, 105 top 5's, 153 top 10's and 2 Grand National (WC) championships in a row.
September 1, 1952, Darlington. First NASCAR race for Joe Weatherly.