John Sears was a NASCAR Grand National and Winston Cup Series

NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...

 driver from Ellerbe

Ellerbe, North Carolina

Ellerbe is a town in Richmond County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,021 at the 2000 census. It is perhaps best known as the one-time home of professional wrestler André the Giant, who operated a nearby ranch/farm in his spare time and retirement. His ashes were scattered on...

, North Carolina

North Carolina

North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...

, USA

United States

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. He was nicknamed Big.

He completed in 318 Sprint Cup Series events in his career, earning forty-eight top-fives, 127 top-tens, two poles, and five top-ten point finishes. Sears was known for driving his salmon-colored #4 car that he personally owned. He debuted in Savannah driving John Black's #81 to a decent eighth place finish. The best points finish for Sears is fifth which he achieved back-to-back in 1967 and 1968. He retired after a dismal 1973 season in which he was plagued with engine and mechanical failures.