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{{Portal|Sports}}
{{Portal|Sports}}


The '''1952 NASCAR Grand National Series''' was the fourth season of the premier [[stock car racing]] championship sanctioned by [[NASCAR]]. Once the season was concluded, driver [[Tim Flock]] was crowned the Grand National champion after winning 8 of the 33 events that he competed in. This was the first year that NASCAR scheduled its events to avoid the conflicts of having two races, at two different tracks, on the same day. The only exception was on June 1, when races were held at both [[Toledo Speedway]] in Ohio, and [[Hayloft Speedway]] in Augusta, Georgia. [[Herb Thomas]] finished second to Flock after competing in 32 races, and [[Lee Petty]] finished third in the standings that year.<ref name="2004 Fan Guide">{{cite book|last1=Fleischman|first1=Bill|last2=Pearce|first2=Al|title=The Unauthorized NASCAR Fan Guide 2004|editor=Visible Ink Press|publisher=Checkered Flag Press|location=Canyon, Michigan|year=2004|edition=10|pages=[https://archive.org/details/unauthorizednasc00/page/139 139–141]|chapter=At a Glance: Year-By-Year Summaries|isbn=0-681-27587-1|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/unauthorizednasc00/page/139}}</ref> Throughout the 1952 season, a total of 261 drivers entered at least one of the 34 events.<ref name="race-ref-info-52standings">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet?yr=1952&series=W|title=Grand National standings for 1952 |publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03}}</ref> Virtually every American car manufacturer had at least one of their cars start that season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/season-recaps/1950s/1952-nascar.htm|title=1952 NASCAR Grand National Recap|author=Auto Editors of Consumer Guide|website=HowStuffWorks|access-date=December 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601192640/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/season-recaps/1950s/1952-nascar.htm|archive-date=June 1, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
The '''1952 NASCAR Grand National Series''' was the fourth season of the premier [[stock car racing]] championship sanctioned by [[NASCAR]]. Once the season was concluded, driver [[Tim Flock]] was crowned the Grand National champion after winning 8 of the 33 events that he competed in. This was the first year that NASCAR scheduled its events to avoid the conflicts of having two races, at two different tracks, on the same day. The only exception was on June 1, when races were held at both [[Toledo Speedway]] in Ohio, and [[Hayloft Speedway]] in Augusta, Georgia. [[Herb Thomas]] finished second to Flock after competing in 32 races, and [[Lee Petty]] finished third in the standings that year.<ref name="2004 Fan Guide">{{cite book|last1=Fleischman|first1=Bill|last2=Pearce|first2=Al|title=The Unauthorized NASCAR Fan Guide 2004|editor=Visible Ink Press|publisher=Checkered Flag Press|location=Canyon, Michigan|year=2004|edition=10|pages=[https://archive.org/details/unauthorizednasc00/page/139 139–141]|chapter=At a Glance: Year-By-Year Summaries|isbn=0-681-27587-1|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/unauthorizednasc00/page/139}}</ref> Throughout the 1952 season, a total of 261 drivers entered at least one of the 34 events.<ref name="race-ref-info-52standings">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet?yr=1952&series=W|title=Grand National standings for 1952|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423161138/https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet?yr=1952&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref> Virtually every American car manufacturer had at least one of their cars start that season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/season-recaps/1950s/1952-nascar.htm|title=1952 NASCAR Grand National Recap|author=Auto Editors of Consumer Guide|website=HowStuffWorks|access-date=December 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601192640/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/season-recaps/1950s/1952-nascar.htm|archive-date=June 1, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>


This was also the first season that sponsors such as Pure Oil Co (which later became Union 76, and eventually [[Unocal]]), and [[Champion (spark plug)|Champion Spark Plug Inc.]] started paying contingency award monies in exchange for the publicity they received by drivers sponsoring their products.<ref name="2004 Fan Guide" /><ref name="LONTeague-">{{cite web|url=http://www.legendsofnascar.com/marshall_teague.htm|title=Driver: Marshall Teague|publisher=LegendsofNascar.com|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819102509/http://www.legendsofnascar.com/marshall_teague.htm|archive-date=2006-08-19|url-status=dead}}</ref>
This was also the first season that sponsors such as Pure Oil Co (which later became Union 76, and eventually [[Unocal]]), and [[Champion (spark plug)|Champion Spark Plug Inc.]] started paying contingency award monies in exchange for the publicity they received by drivers sponsoring their products.<ref name="2004 Fan Guide" /><ref name="LONTeague-">{{cite web|url=http://www.legendsofnascar.com/marshall_teague.htm|title=Driver: Marshall Teague|publisher=LegendsofNascar.com|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819102509/http://www.legendsofnascar.com/marshall_teague.htm|archive-date=2006-08-19|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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The 1952 NASCAR Grand National season was dominated by Hudson automobiles, winning 27 of the scheduled 34 races. No other make won more than three times.<ref name='howstuffworks-1952'>{{cite web | url = http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/season-recaps/1950s/1952-nascar-results.htm | title = 1952 NASCAR Grand National Results | access-date = 2009-05-04 | author = the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide | work = HowStuffWorks | publisher = Publications International, Ltd. | archive-date = 2011-04-23 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110423122026/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/season-recaps/1950s/1952-nascar-results.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref> The reason the Hudson Hornet was so successful, winning over 80 NASCAR races between 1951 and 1955, has been attributed to its low center of gravity, "mono-built" body and center point steering system. The center point steering system contributed to the car's superior handling and cornering abilities; allowing the vehicle to excel on the [[dirt track racing|dirt-covered race tracks]] of the day.<ref name="conceptcarz">{{cite web|url=http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9134/Hudson-Hornet-NASCAR.aspx |title=1952 Hudson Hornet NASCAR: NASCAR Information and History |publisher=Conceptcarz.com |access-date=2009-05-04 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5glw0Bx2y?url=http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9134/Hudson-Hornet-NASCAR.aspx |archive-date=2009-05-14 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The 1952 NASCAR Grand National season was dominated by Hudson automobiles, winning 27 of the scheduled 34 races. No other make won more than three times.<ref name='howstuffworks-1952'>{{cite web | url = http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/season-recaps/1950s/1952-nascar-results.htm | title = 1952 NASCAR Grand National Results | access-date = 2009-05-04 | author = the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide | work = HowStuffWorks | publisher = Publications International, Ltd. | archive-date = 2011-04-23 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110423122026/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/season-recaps/1950s/1952-nascar-results.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref> The reason the Hudson Hornet was so successful, winning over 80 NASCAR races between 1951 and 1955, has been attributed to its low center of gravity, "mono-built" body and center point steering system. The center point steering system contributed to the car's superior handling and cornering abilities; allowing the vehicle to excel on the [[dirt track racing|dirt-covered race tracks]] of the day.<ref name="conceptcarz">{{cite web|url=http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9134/Hudson-Hornet-NASCAR.aspx |title=1952 Hudson Hornet NASCAR: NASCAR Information and History |publisher=Conceptcarz.com |access-date=2009-05-04 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5glw0Bx2y?url=http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9134/Hudson-Hornet-NASCAR.aspx |archive-date=2009-05-14 |url-status=live }}</ref>


[[Palm Beach Speedway]] in West Palm Beach, Florida, was a half-mile, dirt track that saw its first NASCAR event when it opened the 1952 NASCAR season on January 20, 1952. The 100-mile event was slowed by two caution flags, and was won by driver Tim Flock. Six-thousand fans were on hand to see Flock capture his first of eight victories in the 1952 season.<ref name="race-ref-info-WPalmBeach">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/tracks?id=033 |title=Palm Beach Speedway: W. Palm Beach, FL |publisher=racing-reference.info |access-date=2009-05-03 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5glw0dKru?url=http://www.racing-reference.info/tracks?id=033 |archive-date=2009-05-14 |url-status=live }}</ref> Flock started on the pole, and drove his No. 91 1951 Hudson, sponsored by Ted Chester, to victory. He claimed his $1,025 winnings with only five drivers still running at the end of the race.<ref name="race-ref-info-1952WPalmBeach-1">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-01&series=W|title=1952-01|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03}}</ref> Flock captured the pole position for the race in 27.78 seconds, with an average speed of 64.79&nbsp;mph.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motorsportsalmanac.com/result.asp?s=nascar&j=qualify&id=1866 |title=NASCAR 1952 Round 1 Starting Grid |publisher=motorsportsalmanac.com; BM Web Services |access-date=2009-05-04 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5glw11NKw?url=http://www.motorsportsalmanac.com/result.asp?s=nascar&j=qualify&id=1866 |archive-date=2009-05-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The second event of the 1952 season took place on the famed 4.1 mile road course of [[Daytona Beach Road Course|Daytona Beach Speedway]], and driver [[Marshall Teague (racing driver)|Marshall Teague]] took the victory in a 1952 Hudson. [[Herb Thomas]] led the first lap of the event, but Teague managed to lead laps 2 to 37. Twenty-thousand spectators witnessed 61 drivers start the event; but at the end of the race, only 10 cars were still running. The race was eventually halted on lap 37 due to the incoming tide which encroached on the beachfront straight of the track.<ref name="race-ref-1952.02">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-02&series=W|title=1952-02|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03}}</ref> The third event of the season took place at the half-mile dirt track of Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Florida. Marshall Teague won his second race in a row in the 200 lap, 100 mile contest, defeating the other 28 drivers.<ref name="race-ref-1952-03">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-03&series=W|title=1952-03|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03}}</ref>
[[Palm Beach Speedway]] in West Palm Beach, Florida, was a half-mile, dirt track that saw its first NASCAR event when it opened the 1952 NASCAR season on January 20, 1952. The 100-mile event was slowed by two caution flags, and was won by driver Tim Flock. Six-thousand fans were on hand to see Flock capture his first of eight victories in the 1952 season.<ref name="race-ref-info-WPalmBeach">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/tracks?id=033 |title=Palm Beach Speedway: W. Palm Beach, FL |publisher=racing-reference.info |access-date=2009-05-03 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5glw0dKru?url=http://www.racing-reference.info/tracks?id=033 |archive-date=2009-05-14 |url-status=live }}</ref> Flock started on the pole, and drove his No. 91 1951 Hudson, sponsored by Ted Chester, to victory. He claimed his $1,025 winnings with only five drivers still running at the end of the race.<ref name="race-ref-info-1952WPalmBeach-1">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-01&series=W|title=1952-01|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195815/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-01&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref> Flock captured the pole position for the race in 27.78 seconds, with an average speed of 64.79&nbsp;mph.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motorsportsalmanac.com/result.asp?s=nascar&j=qualify&id=1866 |title=NASCAR 1952 Round 1 Starting Grid |publisher=motorsportsalmanac.com; BM Web Services |access-date=2009-05-04 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5glw11NKw?url=http://www.motorsportsalmanac.com/result.asp?s=nascar&j=qualify&id=1866 |archive-date=2009-05-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The second event of the 1952 season took place on the famed 4.1 mile road course of [[Daytona Beach Road Course|Daytona Beach Speedway]], and driver [[Marshall Teague (racing driver)|Marshall Teague]] took the victory in a 1952 Hudson. [[Herb Thomas]] led the first lap of the event, but Teague managed to lead laps 2 to 37. Twenty-thousand spectators witnessed 61 drivers start the event; but at the end of the race, only 10 cars were still running. The race was eventually halted on lap 37 due to the incoming tide which encroached on the beachfront straight of the track.<ref name="race-ref-1952.02">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-02&series=W|title=1952-02|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423161112/https://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-02&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref> The third event of the season took place at the half-mile dirt track of Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Florida. Marshall Teague won his second race in a row in the 200 lap, 100 mile contest, defeating the other 28 drivers.<ref name="race-ref-1952-03">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-03&series=W|title=1952-03|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195817/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-03&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


On June 29, NASCAR traveled to Detroit, Michigan, for a scheduled 250-mile event, dubbed the "Motor Sports 250".<ref name="race-ref-17">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-17&series=W|title=1952 Motor City 250|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-04}}</ref> The race was held at the [[Michigan State Fairgrounds Speedway]]; a one-mile dirt oval built in 1899.<ref name="motorsportsalm-msf">{{cite web|url=http://www.motorsportsalmanac.com/history.asp?s=nascar&j=track&id1=220|title=Michigan State Fairgrounds History in NASCAR|publisher=motorsportsalmanac.com; BM Web Services|access-date=2009-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195821/http://www.motorsportsalmanac.com/history.asp?s=nascar&j=track&id1=220|archive-date=2012-03-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> NASCAR offered its first five-figured purse, of $11,675, to the contestants, and driver Tim Flock came away with the winner's share of $5,050. Fans watched as Flock led laps 88&nbsp;– 110, until driver Buddy Shuman took the lead for one lap on the 111th circuit. Flock, with the fourth and final lead change, on the next lap, went on to lead the remaining laps of the event. Shuman finished the event in second place, capturing a total of $2,225. The event concluded after four hours, with over half of the 47 contestants still running at the drop of the checkered flag.<ref name="race-ref-17" />
On June 29, NASCAR traveled to Detroit, Michigan, for a scheduled 250-mile event, dubbed the "Motor Sports 250".<ref name="race-ref-17">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-17&series=W|title=1952 Motor City 250|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-04|archive-date=2007-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070331082012/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-17&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref> The race was held at the [[Michigan State Fairgrounds Speedway]]; a one-mile dirt oval built in 1899.<ref name="motorsportsalm-msf">{{cite web|url=http://www.motorsportsalmanac.com/history.asp?s=nascar&j=track&id1=220|title=Michigan State Fairgrounds History in NASCAR|publisher=motorsportsalmanac.com; BM Web Services|access-date=2009-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195821/http://www.motorsportsalmanac.com/history.asp?s=nascar&j=track&id1=220|archive-date=2012-03-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> NASCAR offered its first five-figured purse, of $11,675, to the contestants, and driver Tim Flock came away with the winner's share of $5,050. Fans watched as Flock led laps 88&nbsp;– 110, until driver Buddy Shuman took the lead for one lap on the 111th circuit. Flock, with the fourth and final lead change, on the next lap, went on to lead the remaining laps of the event. Shuman finished the event in second place, capturing a total of $2,225. The event concluded after four hours, with over half of the 47 contestants still running at the drop of the checkered flag.<ref name="race-ref-17" />


For the 25th race of the season, fans and drivers assembled at the [[Darlington Raceway]] on September 1. The purse for the 400-lap, 500-mile event was $23,855; after six lead changes, and seven caution flags, [[Fonty Flock]] took home the winner's trophy with an average speed of 74.5&nbsp;mph.<ref name="race-ref-info-52standings" /> Over 32,000 fans watched as Flock's victory in his number 14, 1952 Oldsmobile, netted him a $9,430 check for over 6.5 hours of driving. Flock started on the pole, and led the first 17 laps before the first lead change between four drivers. Flock recaptured the lead for the final time on lap 185.<ref name="race-ref-race-25">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-25&series=W|title=1952 Southern 500|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05}}</ref> Eventual season champion Tim Flock and his No. 91 Hudson were involved in an accident on lap 321, but Flock stepped in and replaced driver [[Jack Smith (American racing driver, born 1924)|Jack Smith]] in the No. 9. While Flock drove the No. 9 Hudson to an 11th-place finish, he was credited with finishing 34th of the 66 starters, and Smith was awarded the 11th place points.<ref name="MotorsportsAlmanac-race25-Darlington">{{cite web|url=http://www.motorsportsalmanac.com/result.asp?s=nascar&j=result&id=1890|title=NASCAR 1952 Round 25 Race Result|publisher=Motorsports Almanac; BM Web Services|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195822/http://www.motorsportsalmanac.com/result.asp?s=nascar&j=result&id=1890|archive-date=2012-03-02|url-status=dead}}</ref>
For the 25th race of the season, fans and drivers assembled at the [[Darlington Raceway]] on September 1. The purse for the 400-lap, 500-mile event was $23,855; after six lead changes, and seven caution flags, [[Fonty Flock]] took home the winner's trophy with an average speed of 74.5&nbsp;mph.<ref name="race-ref-info-52standings" /> Over 32,000 fans watched as Flock's victory in his number 14, 1952 Oldsmobile, netted him a $9,430 check for over 6.5 hours of driving. Flock started on the pole, and led the first 17 laps before the first lead change between four drivers. Flock recaptured the lead for the final time on lap 185.<ref name="race-ref-race-25">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-25&series=W|title=1952 Southern 500|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-date=2007-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070323164948/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-25&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref> Eventual season champion Tim Flock and his No. 91 Hudson were involved in an accident on lap 321, but Flock stepped in and replaced driver [[Jack Smith (American racing driver, born 1924)|Jack Smith]] in the No. 9. While Flock drove the No. 9 Hudson to an 11th-place finish, he was credited with finishing 34th of the 66 starters, and Smith was awarded the 11th place points.<ref name="MotorsportsAlmanac-race25-Darlington">{{cite web|url=http://www.motorsportsalmanac.com/result.asp?s=nascar&j=result&id=1890|title=NASCAR 1952 Round 25 Race Result|publisher=Motorsports Almanac; BM Web Services|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195822/http://www.motorsportsalmanac.com/result.asp?s=nascar&j=result&id=1890|archive-date=2012-03-02|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Palm Beach Speedway both opened and closed the 1952 NASCAR season when it held the 34th and final event on October 30, 1952. Herb Thomas won three of the final four races in the season to finish second in the final standings.<ref name="race-ref-info-52standings" /> Thomas claimed the final victory of the season, winning the event with a two lap advantage over second-place Fonty Flock.<ref name="race-ref-1952-34">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-34&series=W|title=1952-34|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03}}</ref>
Palm Beach Speedway both opened and closed the 1952 NASCAR season when it held the 34th and final event on October 30, 1952. Herb Thomas won three of the final four races in the season to finish second in the final standings.<ref name="race-ref-info-52standings" /> Thomas claimed the final victory of the season, winning the event with a two lap advantage over second-place Fonty Flock.<ref name="race-ref-1952-34">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-34&series=W|title=1952-34|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03|archive-date=2007-07-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701084438/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-34&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


== 1952 Race schedule and results ==
== 1952 Race schedule and results ==
*<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/raceyear?yr=1952&series=W|title=1952 Grand National Results|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03}}</ref>
*<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/raceyear?yr=1952&series=W|title=1952 Grand National Results|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03|archive-date=2007-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302055600/http://www.racing-reference.info/raceyear?yr=1952&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
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==== North Wilkesboro, NC; [[North Wilkesboro Speedway]] ====
==== North Wilkesboro, NC; [[North Wilkesboro Speedway]] ====
;Race (4) Top 10 finishes; ''[[Wilkes County 200]]''<ref name="race-ref-1952-04">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-04&series=W|title=1952-04|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05}}</ref>
;Race (4) Top 10 finishes; ''[[Wilkes County 200]]''<ref name="race-ref-1952-04">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-04&series=W|title=1952-04|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195824/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-04&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>
# 92 Herb Thomas
# 92 Herb Thomas
# 14 Fonty Flock
# 14 Fonty Flock
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==== Martinsville, VA; [[Martinsville Speedway]] ====
==== Martinsville, VA; [[Martinsville Speedway]] ====


;Race (5) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-05">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-05&series=W|title=1952-05|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03}}</ref>
;Race (5) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-05">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-05&series=W|title=1952-05|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-03|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195825/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-05&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>
# 120 Dick Rathmann
# 120 Dick Rathmann
# 2 Bill Blair
# 2 Bill Blair
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==== Columbia NC.; [[Columbia Speedway]] ====
==== Columbia NC.; [[Columbia Speedway]] ====
;Race (6) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-06">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-06&series=W|title=1952-06|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05}}</ref>
;Race (6) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-06">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-06&series=W|title=1952-06|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-date=2007-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070308072856/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-06&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


# 89, Buck Baker
# 89, Buck Baker
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==== Atlanta, GA.; [[Lakewood Speedway]] ====
==== Atlanta, GA.; [[Lakewood Speedway]] ====
;Race (7) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-07">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-07&series=W|title=1952-07|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05}}</ref>
;Race (7) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-07">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-07&series=W|title=1952-07|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195827/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-07&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#2, Bill Blair
#2, Bill Blair
Line 201: Line 201:


==== Macon GA.; [[Central City Speedway]] ====
==== Macon GA.; [[Central City Speedway]] ====
;Race (8) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-08">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-08&series=W|title=1952-08|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05}}</ref>
;Race (8) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-08">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-08&series=W|title=1952-08|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195828/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-08&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#92, Herb Thomas
#92, Herb Thomas
Line 215: Line 215:


==== Langhorne, PA; [[Langhorne Speedway]] ====
==== Langhorne, PA; [[Langhorne Speedway]] ====
;Race (9) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-09">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-09&series=W|title=1952-09|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05}}</ref>
;Race (9) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-09">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-09&series=W|title=1952-09|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195829/http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-09&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#120, Dick Rathmann
#120, Dick Rathmann
Line 243: Line 243:


==== Dayton, OH; [[Dayton Speedway]] ====
==== Dayton, OH; [[Dayton Speedway]] ====
;Race (11) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-11">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-11&series=W|title=1952-11|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05}}</ref>
;Race (11) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-11">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-11&series=W|title=1952-11|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195833/http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-11&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#120, Dick Rathmann
#120, Dick Rathmann
Line 257: Line 257:


==== Canfield, OH; [[Canfield Speedway]] ====
==== Canfield, OH; [[Canfield Speedway]] ====
;Race (12) Top 10 finishes; ''[[Poor Man's 500]]''<ref name="race-ref-1952-12">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-12&series=W|title=1952-12|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05}}</ref>
;Race (12) Top 10 finishes; ''[[Poor Man's 500]]''<ref name="race-ref-1952-12">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-12&series=W|title=1952-12|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195834/http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-12&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#92, Herb Thomas
#92, Herb Thomas
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==== Augusta, GA; [[Hayloft Speedway]] ====
==== Augusta, GA; [[Hayloft Speedway]] ====
;Race (13) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-13">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-13&series=W|title=1952-13|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05}}</ref>
;Race (13) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-13">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-13&series=W|title=1952-13|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-date=2007-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325050633/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-13&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#51, Gober Sosebee
#51, Gober Sosebee
Line 285: Line 285:


==== Toledo, OH.; [[Fort Miami Speedway]] ====
==== Toledo, OH.; [[Fort Miami Speedway]] ====
;Race (14) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-14">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-14&series=W|title=1952-14|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05}}</ref>
;Race (14) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-14">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-14&series=W|title=1952-14|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195836/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-14&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#91, Tim Flock
#91, Tim Flock
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==== Hillsboro, NC.; [[Occoneechee Speedway]] ====
==== Hillsboro, NC.; [[Occoneechee Speedway]] ====
;Race (15) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-15">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-15&series=W|title=1952-15|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref>
;Race (15) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-15">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-15&series=W|title=1952-15|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195836/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-15&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#91, Tim Flock
#91, Tim Flock
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==== Charlotte, NC; [[Charlotte Speedway]] ====
==== Charlotte, NC; [[Charlotte Speedway]] ====
;Race (16) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-16">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-16&series=W|title=1952-16|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref>
;Race (16) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-16">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-16&series=W|title=1952-16|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195837/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-16&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#92, Herb Thomas
#92, Herb Thomas
Line 327: Line 327:


==== Detroit, MI; [[Michigan State Fairgrounds Speedway]] ====
==== Detroit, MI; [[Michigan State Fairgrounds Speedway]] ====
;Race (17) Top 10 finishes ''[[Motor City 250]]''<ref name="race-ref-1952-17">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-17&series=W|title=1952-17|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref>
;Race (17) Top 10 finishes ''[[Motor City 250]]''<ref name="race-ref-1952-17">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-17&series=W|title=1952-17|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07|archive-date=2007-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070331082012/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-17&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#91, Tim Flock
#91, Tim Flock
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==== [[Niagara Falls, Ontario]], Canada; [[Stamford Park]] ====
==== [[Niagara Falls, Ontario]], Canada; [[Stamford Park]] ====
Seventeen cars competed in the event, only three were running at the end.<ref name="race-ref-1952-18">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-18&series=W|title=1952-18|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref>
Seventeen cars competed in the event, only three were running at the end.<ref name="race-ref-1952-18">{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-18&series=W|title=1952-18|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07|archive-date=2007-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070401131629/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-18&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


;Race (18) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-18" />
;Race (18) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-18" />
Line 358: Line 358:


==== Owego, NY; [[Shangri-La Speedway]] ====
==== Owego, NY; [[Shangri-La Speedway]] ====
;Race (19) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-19">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-19&series=W|title=1952-19|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref>
;Race (19) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-19">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-19&series=W|title=1952-19|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07|archive-date=2007-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070316183305/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-19&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#91, Tim Flock
#91, Tim Flock
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==== Monroe, MI; [[Monroe Speedway]] ====
==== Monroe, MI; [[Monroe Speedway]] ====
;Race (20) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-20">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-20&series=W|title=1952-20|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref>
;Race (20) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-20">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-20&series=W|title=1952-20|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195840/http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-20&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#91, Tim Flock
#91, Tim Flock
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==== Morristown, NJ; [[Morristown Speedway]] ====
==== Morristown, NJ; [[Morristown Speedway]] ====
;Race (21) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-21">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-21&series=W|title=1952-21|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref>
;Race (21) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-21">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-21&series=W|title=1952-21|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07|archive-date=2007-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070305105954/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-21&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#42, [[Lee Petty]]
#42, [[Lee Petty]]
Line 400: Line 400:


==== South Bend, IN; [[Playland Park (Indiana)|Playland Park]]====
==== South Bend, IN; [[Playland Park (Indiana)|Playland Park]]====
;Race (22) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-22">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-22&series=W|title=1952-22|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref>
;Race (22) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-22">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-22&series=W|title=1952-22|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07|archive-date=2007-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325235433/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-22&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#91, [[Tim Flock]]
#91, [[Tim Flock]]
Line 414: Line 414:


==== Rochester, NY; [[Monroe County Fairgrounds]] ====
==== Rochester, NY; [[Monroe County Fairgrounds]] ====
;Race (23) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-23">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-23&series=W|title=1952-23|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref>
;Race (23) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-23">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-23&series=W|title=1952-23|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195842/http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-23&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#91, [[Tim Flock]]
#91, [[Tim Flock]]
Line 428: Line 428:


==== Weaverville, NC; [[Asheville-Weaverville Speedway]] ====
==== Weaverville, NC; [[Asheville-Weaverville Speedway]] ====
;Race (24) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-24">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-24&series=W|title=1952-24|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-09}}</ref>
;Race (24) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-24">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-24&series=W|title=1952-24|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-09|archive-date=2007-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325125340/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-24&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#7, Bob Flock
#7, Bob Flock
Line 442: Line 442:


==== Darlington, SC; [[Darlington Raceway]] ====
==== Darlington, SC; [[Darlington Raceway]] ====
;Race (25) [[Southern 500]] Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-25">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-25&series=W|title=1952-25|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-09}}</ref>
;Race (25) [[Southern 500]] Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-25">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-25&series=W|title=1952-25|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-09|archive-date=2007-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070323164948/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-25&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#14, Fonty Flock
#14, Fonty Flock
Line 456: Line 456:


==== Macon, Ga; [[Central City Speedway]] ====
==== Macon, Ga; [[Central City Speedway]] ====
;Race (26) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-26">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-26&series=W|title=1952-26|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-09}}</ref>
;Race (26) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-26">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-26&series=W|title=1952-26|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-09|archive-date=2007-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325125351/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-26&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#42, Lee Petty
#42, Lee Petty
Line 470: Line 470:


==== Langhorne, PA; [[Langhorne Speedway]] ====
==== Langhorne, PA; [[Langhorne Speedway]] ====
;Race (27) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-27">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-27&series=W|title=1952-27|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-09}}</ref>
;Race (27) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-27">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-27&series=W|title=1952-27|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-09|archive-date=2007-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070330000301/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-27&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#42, Lee Petty
#42, Lee Petty
Line 484: Line 484:


==== Dayton, OH; [[Dayton Speedway]] ====
==== Dayton, OH; [[Dayton Speedway]] ====
;Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-28">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-28&series=W|title=1952-28|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-09}}</ref>
;Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-28">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-28&series=W|title=1952-28|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-09|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195845/http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-28&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#120, Dick Rathmanns
#120, Dick Rathmanns
Line 498: Line 498:


==== Wilson, NC; [[Wilson Speedway]] ====
==== Wilson, NC; [[Wilson Speedway]] ====
;Race (29) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-29">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-29&series=W|title=1952-29|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-09}}</ref>
;Race (29) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-29">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-29&series=W|title=1952-29|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-09|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195846/http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-29&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#92, Herb Thomas
#92, Herb Thomas
Line 512: Line 512:


==== Hillsboro, NC; [[Occoneechee Speedway]] ====
==== Hillsboro, NC; [[Occoneechee Speedway]] ====
;Race (30) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-30">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-30&series=W|title=1952-30|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref>
;Race (30) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-30">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-30&series=W|title=1952-30|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07|archive-date=2007-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070331175059/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-30&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#14, Fonty Flock
#14, Fonty Flock
Line 526: Line 526:


==== Martinsville, VA; [[Martinsville Speedway]] ====
==== Martinsville, VA; [[Martinsville Speedway]] ====
;Race (31) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-31">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-31&series=W|title=1952-31|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref>
;Race (31) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-31">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-31&series=W|title=1952-31|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195847/http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-31&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#92, Herb Thomas
#92, Herb Thomas
Line 541: Line 541:


==== North Wilkesboro, NC; [[North Wilkesboro Speedway]] ====
==== North Wilkesboro, NC; [[North Wilkesboro Speedway]] ====
;Race (32) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-32">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-32&series=W|title=1952-32|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07}}</ref>
;Race (32) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-32">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-32&series=W|title=1952-32|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-07|archive-date=2007-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070401131840/http://www.racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-32&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#9, Herb Thomas
#9, Herb Thomas
Line 555: Line 555:


==== Atlanta, GA; [[Lakewood Speedway]] ====
==== Atlanta, GA; [[Lakewood Speedway]] ====
;Race (33) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-33">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-33&series=W|title=1952-33|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05}}</ref>
;Race (33) Top 10 finishes<ref name="race-ref-1952-33">{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-33&series=W|title=1952-33|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=2009-05-05|archive-date=2012-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302195849/http://racing-reference.info/race?id=1952-33&series=W|url-status=live}}</ref>


#9, Donald Thomas
#9, Donald Thomas

Revision as of 16:12, 23 April 2021

The 1952 NASCAR Grand National Series was the fourth season of the premier stock car racing championship sanctioned by NASCAR. Once the season was concluded, driver Tim Flock was crowned the Grand National champion after winning 8 of the 33 events that he competed in. This was the first year that NASCAR scheduled its events to avoid the conflicts of having two races, at two different tracks, on the same day. The only exception was on June 1, when races were held at both Toledo Speedway in Ohio, and Hayloft Speedway in Augusta, Georgia. Herb Thomas finished second to Flock after competing in 32 races, and Lee Petty finished third in the standings that year.[1] Throughout the 1952 season, a total of 261 drivers entered at least one of the 34 events.[2] Virtually every American car manufacturer had at least one of their cars start that season.[3]

This was also the first season that sponsors such as Pure Oil Co (which later became Union 76, and eventually Unocal), and Champion Spark Plug Inc. started paying contingency award monies in exchange for the publicity they received by drivers sponsoring their products.[1][4]

1952 season recap

a Hudson Hornet, outfitted for racing, circa early 1950s

The 1952 NASCAR Grand National season was dominated by Hudson automobiles, winning 27 of the scheduled 34 races. No other make won more than three times.[5] The reason the Hudson Hornet was so successful, winning over 80 NASCAR races between 1951 and 1955, has been attributed to its low center of gravity, "mono-built" body and center point steering system. The center point steering system contributed to the car's superior handling and cornering abilities; allowing the vehicle to excel on the dirt-covered race tracks of the day.[6]

Palm Beach Speedway in West Palm Beach, Florida, was a half-mile, dirt track that saw its first NASCAR event when it opened the 1952 NASCAR season on January 20, 1952. The 100-mile event was slowed by two caution flags, and was won by driver Tim Flock. Six-thousand fans were on hand to see Flock capture his first of eight victories in the 1952 season.[7] Flock started on the pole, and drove his No. 91 1951 Hudson, sponsored by Ted Chester, to victory. He claimed his $1,025 winnings with only five drivers still running at the end of the race.[8] Flock captured the pole position for the race in 27.78 seconds, with an average speed of 64.79 mph.[9] The second event of the 1952 season took place on the famed 4.1 mile road course of Daytona Beach Speedway, and driver Marshall Teague took the victory in a 1952 Hudson. Herb Thomas led the first lap of the event, but Teague managed to lead laps 2 to 37. Twenty-thousand spectators witnessed 61 drivers start the event; but at the end of the race, only 10 cars were still running. The race was eventually halted on lap 37 due to the incoming tide which encroached on the beachfront straight of the track.[10] The third event of the season took place at the half-mile dirt track of Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Florida. Marshall Teague won his second race in a row in the 200 lap, 100 mile contest, defeating the other 28 drivers.[11]

On June 29, NASCAR traveled to Detroit, Michigan, for a scheduled 250-mile event, dubbed the "Motor Sports 250".[12] The race was held at the Michigan State Fairgrounds Speedway; a one-mile dirt oval built in 1899.[13] NASCAR offered its first five-figured purse, of $11,675, to the contestants, and driver Tim Flock came away with the winner's share of $5,050. Fans watched as Flock led laps 88 – 110, until driver Buddy Shuman took the lead for one lap on the 111th circuit. Flock, with the fourth and final lead change, on the next lap, went on to lead the remaining laps of the event. Shuman finished the event in second place, capturing a total of $2,225. The event concluded after four hours, with over half of the 47 contestants still running at the drop of the checkered flag.[12]

For the 25th race of the season, fans and drivers assembled at the Darlington Raceway on September 1. The purse for the 400-lap, 500-mile event was $23,855; after six lead changes, and seven caution flags, Fonty Flock took home the winner's trophy with an average speed of 74.5 mph.[2] Over 32,000 fans watched as Flock's victory in his number 14, 1952 Oldsmobile, netted him a $9,430 check for over 6.5 hours of driving. Flock started on the pole, and led the first 17 laps before the first lead change between four drivers. Flock recaptured the lead for the final time on lap 185.[14] Eventual season champion Tim Flock and his No. 91 Hudson were involved in an accident on lap 321, but Flock stepped in and replaced driver Jack Smith in the No. 9. While Flock drove the No. 9 Hudson to an 11th-place finish, he was credited with finishing 34th of the 66 starters, and Smith was awarded the 11th place points.[15]

Palm Beach Speedway both opened and closed the 1952 NASCAR season when it held the 34th and final event on October 30, 1952. Herb Thomas won three of the final four races in the season to finish second in the final standings.[2] Thomas claimed the final victory of the season, winning the event with a two lap advantage over second-place Fonty Flock.[16]

1952 Race schedule and results

Date Site Winner Make / model Miles Purse
January 20, 1952 W. Palm Beach Tim Flock 1951 Hudson 100 $3,580
February 10, 1952 Daytona Beach Marshall Teague 1952 Hudson 152 $6,110
March 6, 1952 Jacksonville Marshall Teague 1952 Hudson 100 $3,675
March 30, 1952 North Wilkesboro Herb Thomas 1952 Hudson 125 $3,550
April 6, 1952 Martinsville Dick Rathmann 1951 Hudson 100 $3,500
April 12, 1952 Columbia Buck Baker 1952 Hudson 100 $3,500
April 20, 1952 Atlanta Bill Blair 1952 Oldsmobile 100 $3,645
April 27, 1952 Macon Herb Thomas 1952 Hudson 99 $4,815
May 4, 1952 Langhorne Dick Rathmann 1952 Hudson 150 $4,745
May 10, 1952 Darlington Dick Rathmann 1951 Hudson 100 $3,550
May 18, 1952 Dayton Dick Rathmann 1951 Hudson 100 $3,325
May 30, 1952 Canfield Herb Thomas 1952 Hudson 100 $3,700
June 1, 1952 Augusta Gober Sosebee 1952 Chrysler 77 $3,575
June 1, 1952 Toledo Tim Flock 1951 Hudson 100 $3,550
June 8, 1952 Hillsboro Tim Flock 1951 Hudson 100 $3,425
June 15, 1952 Charlotte Herb Thomas 1952 Hudson 113 $3,550
June 29, 1952 Detroit Tim Flock 1951 Hudson 250 $11,675
July 1, 1952 Niagara Falls Buddy Shuman 1952 Hudson 100 $3,375
July 4, 1952 Owego Tim Flock 1951 Hudson 100 $3,600
July 6, 1952 Monroe Tim Flock 1952 Hudson 100 $3,325
July 11, 1952 Morristown Lee Petty 1951 Plymouth 100 $3,750
July 20, 1952 South Bend Tim Flock 1951 Hudson 100 $3,425
August 15, 1952 Rochester Tim Flock 1952 Hudson 88 $3,550
August 17, 1952 Weaverville Bob Flock 1951 Hudson 100 $3,635
September 1, 1952 Darlington Fonty Flock 1952 Oldsmobile 500 $23,855
September 7, 1952 Macon Lee Petty 1951 Plymouth 150 $4,865
September 14, 1952 Langhorne Lee Petty 1951 Plymouth 250 $8,225
September 21, 1952 Dayton Dick Rathmann 1951 Hudson 150 $5,550
September 28, 1952 Wilson Herb Thomas 1952 Hudson 100 $3,500
October 12, 1952 Hillsboro Fonty Flock 1952 Oldsmobile 150 $5,045
October 19, 1952 Martinsville Herb Thomas 1952 Hudson 100 $3,675
October 26, 1952 North Wilkesboro Herb Thomas 1952 Hudson 125 $3,625
October 30, 1952 W. Palm Beach Herb Thomas 1952 Hudson 100 $3,425
November 16, 1952 Atlanta Donald Thomas 1952 Hudson 100 $3,820

Individual races

1952 Grand National final standings

Further information: List of NASCAR points scoring systems
  1. Tim Flock, 8 wins in 34 races, 6,858.5 points, $22,890 in earnings
  2. Herb Thomas, 8 wins in 32 starts, 6,752.5 points
  3. Lee Petty 3 wins in 32 starts, 6,498.5 points
  4. Fonty Flock
  5. Dick Rathmann
  6. Bill Blair
  7. Joe Eubanks
  8. Ray Duhigg
  9. Donald Thomas
  10. Buddy Shuman
  11. Ted Chamberlain
  12. Buck Baker
  13. Perk Brown
  14. Jimmie Lewallen
  15. Bub King
  16. Herschel Buchanan
  17. Johnny Patterson
  18. Jim Paschal
  19. Neil Cole
  20. Lloyd Moore
  21. Gene Comstock
  22. Banjo Matthews
  23. Ralph Liguori
  24. Jack Reynolds
  25. Dick Passwater
  26. Bucky Sager
  27. Frankie Schneider
  28. Otis Martin
  29. Coleman Lawrence
  30. Ed Samples
  31. Fred Dove
  32. Slick Smith
  33. Iggy Katona
  34. Jack Smith
  35. Tommy Moon

Other notable drivers with at least one start include: Speedy Thompson, Curtis Turner, Louise Smith, Frank Mundy, Hershel McGriff, Marshall Teague, Nelson Stacy, Bill Rexford, Bob Welborn, Gober Sosebee, Bill Snowden, Fireball Roberts, George Bush, champ car racer Al Keller, Bob Flock, Cotton Owens, Joe Weatherly, crew chief Smokey Yunick, and Dutch Hoag.

[1]

References

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  2. ^ a b c "Grand National standings for 1952". racing-reference.info. Archived from the original on 2021-04-23. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
  3. ^ Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. "1952 NASCAR Grand National Recap". HowStuffWorks. Archived from the original on June 1, 2009. Retrieved December 24, 2014. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  4. ^ "Driver: Marshall Teague". LegendsofNascar.com. Archived from the original on 2006-08-19. Retrieved 2009-05-05.
  5. ^ the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. "1952 NASCAR Grand National Results". HowStuffWorks. Publications International, Ltd. Archived from the original on 2011-04-23. Retrieved 2009-05-04. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  6. ^ "1952 Hudson Hornet NASCAR: NASCAR Information and History". Conceptcarz.com. Archived from the original on 2009-05-14. Retrieved 2009-05-04.
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