Herb Thomas was NASCAR's first two-time champion, winning titles in 1951 and 1953 along with 48 Grand National races. Driving his own 'Fabulous Hudson Hornet,' he was the sport's first true superstar driver-owner.
A devastating crash at Shelby, North Carolina, late in the 1956 season effectively ended his prime, though he raced on for years. Thomas died in 2000 at 77, finally enshrined among the sport's immortals in the Hall of Fame's early classes.
At a Glance
- Born: April 6, 1923, Olivia, North Carolina
- Died: August 9, 2000, Sanford, North Carolina
- Age: 77
- Cause of death: Heart attack
Final Resting Place
Buffalo Cemetery, Sanford, North Carolina.
Photo: ladyclegane via Find a Grave
From the Book
This profile is adapted from Legends at Rest: NASCAR Legends by Howard Wear.
Grave photo: Photo: ladyclegane via Find a Grave.