March 29, 1953
“Wilkes 200”
Top 5 finishers…..
After leading just 18 laps, the first car to reach the checkered flag was the #92 Hudson Hornet driven by Herb Thomas. It was Thomas’ third consecutive win at North Wilkesboro Speedway, and it would be his last at the track. It would also be the last race in which Thomas would lead any laps. Thomas started on the pole thanks to his record setting qualifying speed of 78.424mph on the dirt surface.
After starting from the third spot and leading 70 laps in the race, second place went to Dick Rathmann. It was his second consecutive NWS top 5 finish.
Starting from the 4th position, Fonty Flock managed to be the front runner for 3 laps during the race. Flock came in third place at the end of the day. In the middle of a stretch of 6 straight races at NWS, this would be Flock’s worst finish--that's how much of a roll he was on at NWS at the time.
Patriarch Lee Petty started the race from the 12th spot. A strong showing landed him in fourth place at the end of the day. It would take Petty several more years before taking his first checkered flag at NWS.
Fifth place went to Jimmie Lewallen. It was his best finish in 12 attempts at NWS. Lewallen started the race from the 12th spot. Lewallen never saw victory lane in his Grand National career, but he enjoyed much success in NASCAR’s Modified and Sportsman divisions, winning numerous times. Prior to his NASCAR career, Lewallen was a decorated soldier. He served in General George S. Patton’s 3rd Army. He received the Purple Heart for the wounds he suffered in WWII. He was also the recipient of the Silver and Bronze Stars.
A reported 7,500 fans showed up to watch the 34 car field this day. They saw 5 different drivers exchange the lead a total of 6 times. Outside pole sitter, Tim Flock, led the first 100 laps before experiencing engine problems. Curtis Turner took the lead on lap 101 and led for nine laps before suffering from engine troubles also.
Not quite a part of NWS history, but starting the following week at Charlotte, Tim Flock’s next 8 races would involve having a passenger with him. As a publicity stunt, Flock drove with a Rhesus monkey in the car with him. “Jocko Flocko” was his name. Jocko came complete with his own #91 uniform, matching Tim’s car number. Tim and Jocko finished in the top six in 6 of the 8 races, and were victorious at Hickory. A freaky situation occurred at Raleigh in the 8th race. Jocko got loose from his seat belts and went a little crazy. Flock had to pull into the pits unscheduled to pretty much “get the monkey off his back.” Jocko was retired immediately and was overlooked by NASCAR when it announced the Top 50 Greatest Drivers of all time.
