1962

March 18th

The race would be a dusty one. The race was red flagged for an hour to water the track after an opening lap crash between Buck Baker and Tommy Irwin. Joe Weatherly would be dominate all day until the transmission went out on him with 8 laps to go. Richard Petty would take the lead but with 5 laps to go, Rex White slid under him to take the lead and would drive to the win by two car lengths.

1961——1963

Herb Thomas

Herb Thomas was born in Olivia, NC on April 6, 1923. His racing interest began in the 1940’s. His first Grand National win was in 1950 in Martinsville, VA and his final win was at Merced Fairgrounds in 1956 before his career ended in a violent crash at Shelby N.C. later that year. His final stats at Occoneechee/Orange Speedway was 2 wins and 1 pole position. He was also Grand National Champion in 1951 and 1953. Herb died August 9, 2000 in Sanford, NC.

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