Larry Thomas (NASCAR driver)
Encyclopedia
Larry Thomas was a NASCAR
Grand National (now Sprint Cup Series) driver from Thomasville, NC. Thomas died in a non-racing related car crash during the start of the 1965 NASCAR season.
. During the 1962 season, Thomas encountered a significant number of mechanical failures which marred him in seventeenth place in the standings. His 1963 campaign did not fare much better as he ended up twenty-second in the point standings. 1964 was Thomas' breakout season. Though he still suffered quite a few mechanical failures throughout the season, he finished eighth in the final point standings and earned a career-best second place finish at Hickory Speedway. Also in 1964, Thomas was involved in a significant wreck at Jacksonville Speedway when he flipped over the Younts' owned Dodge. Thomas escaped without serious injury.
in Georgia
and landed in a thirty-five foot bank killing him instantly.
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...
Grand National (now Sprint Cup Series) driver from Thomasville, NC. Thomas died in a non-racing related car crash during the start of the 1965 NASCAR season.
Driving career
Larry Thomas began his racing career in 1956 driving hobby stocks and modifieds at Bowman-Gray Stadium. He began his NASCAR career in 1961 driving for Wade Younts. His best finish was seventh at South Boston SpeedwaySouth Boston Speedway
South Boston Speedway or "SoBo" is a short track located just outside South Boston, Virginia, U.S.A.. SoBo is located approximately sixty miles east of another area familiar to most NASCAR fans, Martinsville. It is owned by Mattco, Inc, the Mattioli family trust that owns Pocono Raceway, with...
. During the 1962 season, Thomas encountered a significant number of mechanical failures which marred him in seventeenth place in the standings. His 1963 campaign did not fare much better as he ended up twenty-second in the point standings. 1964 was Thomas' breakout season. Though he still suffered quite a few mechanical failures throughout the season, he finished eighth in the final point standings and earned a career-best second place finish at Hickory Speedway. Also in 1964, Thomas was involved in a significant wreck at Jacksonville Speedway when he flipped over the Younts' owned Dodge. Thomas escaped without serious injury.
Death
Getting ready for the 1965 season, Thomas was driving to a tire test when he drove off Interstate 75Interstate 75
Interstate 75 is a major north–south Interstate Highway in the Great Lakes and Southeastern regions of the United States. It travels from State Road 826 and State Road 924 in Hialeah, Florida to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, at the Ontario, Canada, border...
in Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
and landed in a thirty-five foot bank killing him instantly.