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 David
Pearson, a native of South Carolina, has been called the smoothest driver of all
time. His 105 career wins have earned him a spot in numerous motorsports museums
as well as recognition as one of NASCAR'S 50 greatest drivers. It also gained
him the nickname of "The Silver Fox".
In 1952, at the age of seventeen, Pearson started his driving career, racing a 1940 Ford in a hobby race in Woodruff, South Carolina. He won $13, but had so much fun that he knew then racing would be his life. Pearson bought a late model Chevrolet in 1960 and headed for the high banks of Daytona, finishing 18th in his first Daytona 500. Later that year, he placed 10th in the first World 600 in Charlotte. In 1961, he became the first driver to win at three of NASCAR's Big Four tracks in the same year by posting victories at Charlotte, Daytona and Atlanta. For that he was named Rookie of the Year by NASCAR.
Pearson set the stage for his third championship in 1969 by becoming the first man to drive a stock car over 190 miles-per-hour at Daytona, grabbing the pole for the Daytona 500 with a speed of 190.029 mph. His career is perhaps best known for his wins with the Wood Brothers in the famous #21 Purolator Mercury. From 1972 thru 1978, Pearson put their cars in victory lane an amazing 43 times and was the fastest qualifier 51 times. Before he retired, Pearson entered 572 races, won 105 of them, and finished in the top five over 300 times. Congratulations David on being selected as one of two 1998 "Inactive Category" inductees into the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame. You are truly "A Fan Favorite"!
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In 1964, Pearson won eight times and grabbed a
dozen poles. Two years later, driving for Dodge, he won the first of his three
Winston cup championships by posting 15 victories. In 1968, Pearson switched to
Ford, winning 16 races and finishing in the top five 36 times en route to his
second championship.
