David Pearson Passes at Age 83
David Pearson passed away on November 12, 2018, at the age of 83. Among his 105 victories, Pearson was the only living series winner at Thompson (1969). New Jersey short track driver Neil Cole and former champion Bobby Isaac won in 1951 and 1970.
The Spartanburg, SC driver was one of the best in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series history. His 3 championships were the only seasons he competed full-time. 105 wins are second only to Richard Petty.
Northeastern tracks were part of the circuit for many years, usually in July. From 1963-71, NASCAR visited Maine, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
The former Bridgehampton (NY) Raceway road course, Oxford Plains (ME) Speedway, Fonda (NY) Speedway, and Islip (NY) Speedway were part of his first title with Cotton Owens. His worst finish in that northern tour was seventh at Oxford along with a fourth at Islip and 2 wins.
Holman-Moody Racing was one of the most successful teams in their era, winning 96 races from 1958-71. Pearson won 30 races for them. He won back-to-back championships in 1968-69. He recorded four consecutive top fives in 1968 at Islip, Oxford, Fonda, and Trenton (NJ) Speedway. 1969 saw Thompson rejoin the schedule before going to Trenton. Pearson led every lap from the pole, winning by 1 lap over James Hylton and John Sears.
Taunton, MA native Ralph Moody was a Midget and Stock Car driver in the 1940s and 50s. He won a 200-lap Stock Car race at Thompson on October 8, 1950. 19 years later his next win there was as a team owner in NASCAR Grand Nationals.
by: Nicholas Teto/YankeeRacer.com
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