Joe Weatherly, the 'Clown Prince of Racing,' won back-to-back Grand National championships in 1962 and 1963, driving for Bud Moore. Known as much for his pranks and partying as his 25 victories, he was one of the most colorful personalities of NASCAR's early years.
In January 1964 at Riverside, Weatherly's car hit the wall and his head struck the barrier – in an era before window nets. He died at the track at 41. His death, just months before Fireball Roberts', underscored how dangerous the sport remained.
At a Glance
- Born: May 29, 1922, Norfolk, Virginia
- Died: January 19, 1964, Riverside, California
- Age: 41
- Cause of death: Head injuries from a crash in the 1964 Motor Trend 500
Final Resting Place
Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk, Virginia.
Photo: Garver Graver via Find a Grave
From the Book
This profile is adapted from Legends at Rest: NASCAR Legends by Howard Wear.
Portrait: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Grave photo: Photo: Garver Graver via Find a Grave.