Full Throttle

In a break from what has become my NASCAR-nomics Series
I thought a little “role reversal” would be a refreshing change. Rather than bore you with another tome on NASCAR’s personal jet squad, the lastest corporate sellout or mega-deal making someone or something the “Official Whatsit” of NASCAR a look back would stir memories - for us old timers - or give the “post Jeff Gordon Era Fan” a glimpse into what was. This story, and image, is courtesy of The Union Star of Brookneal Virgina and reprinted in full.

When NASCAR celebrated its 50th Anniversary it took time to honor what they considered the top-50 NASCAR drivers of all time. One of those men was Rex White.

Rex is hardly a household name to racing fans today but many older fans remember and respect his accomplishments, because he was Chevrolet’s best driver from the late fifties through 1963.

He began his career to the top in 1956, grabbing 14 top-ten finishes. After a part-time run in 1957, White won twice the next year. His big year came in 1960, when he won six races and the NASCAR Grand National championship.

When he retired in 1964, he had 28 career victories. Afterwards, he was inducted into the NMPA Hall of Fame.

But what makes his story interesting is that he won all his races on a shoe-string budget.

In 1950, White was still pumping gas in his hometown of Taylorsville, North Carolina. Red Byron was the first NASCAR champion, Lee Petty was second, and Bob Flock was third.

Rex White had stood it as long as he could, he was about to go racing.