Racing Figure. He started racing motorcycles in 1935, but had his racing career interrupted to serve in World War II, where he won the Silver Star and Bronze Star. He was at the invasion of Normandy. Jimmy also served in the 3rd Army under General George Patton. He drove in the first NASCAR race and was the first race car driver to go more than 200 miles per hour. He was among the 13 who founded NASCAR and attended the meeting at the Rex Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, where the NASCAR logo was born. Bill France asked Jimmy and some other drivers to help underwrite his try to get track owners interested in NASCAR. Jimmy felt it was to risky for him at that time so he did not join the effort. He was co-founder and an active member of The Old Time Racer's Club. He originally drove #43 for the Petty Garage maintained by Julie Petty. Jimmy remembered a young Richard Petty helping out in those days. When asked about safety equipment, Jimmy would just laugh and say "All we had in those days was a helmet and goggles." He retired from racing in 1972.
Racing Figure. He started racing motorcycles in 1935, but had his racing career interrupted to serve in World War II, where he won the Silver Star and Bronze Star. He was at the invasion of Normandy. Jimmy also served in the 3rd Army under General George Patton. He drove in the first NASCAR race and was the first race car driver to go more than 200 miles per hour. He was among the 13 who founded NASCAR and attended the meeting at the Rex Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, where the NASCAR logo was born. Bill France asked Jimmy and some other drivers to help underwrite his try to get track owners interested in NASCAR. Jimmy felt it was to risky for him at that time so he did not join the effort. He was co-founder and an active member of The Old Time Racer's Club. He originally drove #43 for the Petty Garage maintained by Julie Petty. Jimmy remembered a young Richard Petty helping out in those days. When asked about safety equipment, Jimmy would just laugh and say "All we had in those days was a helmet and goggles." He retired from racing in 1972.
Bio by: Judith Hester
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