The 1950 NASCAR Grand National Series, the second season of professional stock car racing, was marked by a series of compelling races that shaped the championship narrative. Beyond the initial contests, the mid-season brought forth unique events, dramatic incidents, and shifts in the points standings, captivating audiences and solidifying the sport's growing appeal. From a race dubbed the "Poor Man's 500" to significant first wins and unexpected challenges,
these events were crucial in defining the competitive landscape of the year.
The Fifth Race: The "Poor Man's 500" at Canfield Speedway
The fifth race of the 1950 season, held on May 30 at Canfield Speedway in Canfield, Ohio, earned the distinctive title of the "Poor Man's 500." This moniker arose because the event was staged on the same day as the prestigious Indianapolis 500. Jimmy Florian secured the pole position for this 100-mile race. Bill Rexford of Conewango Valley, New York, demonstrated remarkable patience, stalking Curtis Turner for over half the race before taking command to claim the victory. Rexford seized the lead on the 121st lap and ultimately beat runner-up Glenn Dunnaway by two laps.
Lloyd Moore finished third, and his performance was significant as it propelled him into the lead of the Grand National point standings, holding a 36.5-point advantage over Tim Flock, who finished ninth in this race. Lee Petty crossed the finish line in fourth place, with Bill Blair taking fifth. The promoters of the "Poor Man's 500" offered lap money, with $5 awarded to the leader of each lap from the 101st through the 200th. Rexford's earnings, including this lap money, totaled $1,400. Curtis Turner, who had led the first 120 laps, was forced to retire after 133 laps due to engine trouble, finishing 19th. A crowd of 11,000 attended the Memorial Day event, witnessing a dramatic incident involving Al Gross, a former stunt car driver for the Jimmy Lynch Thrill Show, who flipped his Oldsmobile on the ninth lap. Gross suffered a broken back and required an extended hospital stay. Frank Canale, who posted the second-fastest qualifying time, was forced out after 74 laps due to overheating problems. The race also featured Joe Merola with a radically designed 1948 Tucker Torpedo, though the car went out before Merola could complete a lap. This event was notable as the first NASCAR race to be given a specific name.
The Sixth Race: Bill Blair's First Grand National Win
On June 18, the sixth race of the 1950 season took place at Vernon Fairgrounds in Vernon, New York. Chuck Mahoney won the pole position for this event. Bill Blair of High Point, North Carolina, took the lead on the 25th lap and maintained it for the remainder of the distance, securing his first Grand National win at the Vernon Fairgrounds. Blair's Mercury was comfortably ahead of Lloyd Moore at the finish of the 100-mile race. Moore's second-place finish further extended his point lead to 216.5 points over Tim Flock, who did not participate in this race. Chuck Mahoney finished third, Dick Burns came in fourth, and Lee Petty secured fifth place.
A crowd of 15,000 spectators gathered to celebrate the one-year anniversary of NASCAR Grand National stock car racing. Pole sitter Chuck Mahoney led the first 18 laps but encountered misfortune when his Mercury hit a loose wheel on the track, resulting in a blown tire and a bent axle. Despite the damage, his pit crew performed an excellent repair, and Mahoney made an incredible drive back to finish third. Bill Rexford finished sixth, moving him into the top ten in the points standings. This race also saw Ann Chester become the fourth female driver to compete in the Grand National ranks, though her Plymouth suffered early problems, leading to a 22nd-place finish in the 23-car field.
The Seventh Race: Jimmy Florian's Ford First and a Shirtless Celebration
The seventh race of the 1950 season was held on June 25 at Dayton Speedway in Dayton, Ohio. Dick Linder won the pole. Jimmy Florian, driving a Ford, muscled past Curtis Turner with 32 laps remaining to win the 100-mile event. This victory was historic for two reasons: it marked the first win in Grand National competition for the Ford nameplate, and it was the first NASCAR race held entirely on pavement. The lead changed hands six times among four different drivers, with Florian holding the advantage on two occasions for a total of 40 laps.
Florian's win also brought a memorable moment in victory lane. The 27-year-old Cleveland mechanic climbed out of his car wearing only his white pants. He explained that he decided not to wear a shirt due to the hot weather and the absence of a NASCAR rule requiring one. "It was awfully hot and I knew I'd be more comfortable without a shirt," Florian stated, adding, "I've done it several times before, but not in the Grand Nationals." Dick Linder, who started on the pole, led for 35 laps on two occasions and eventually finished second, with Buck Barr coming in third. Turner finished fourth, and Art Lamey was fifth. Lloyd Moore finished 23rd out of 25 cars, failing to earn championship points, but he still maintained a significant 202.5-point lead over Lee Petty, who finished eighth. Florian's win propelled him to third in the standings, 171.5 points behind the leader. Frank Mundy drove a Nash Ambassador but retired early with mechanical problems, while Herschel Buchanan drove another Nash to a sixth-place finish.
