NHOF 2018: Red Byron

Red Byron, the first NASCAR driver to see victory lane in both the Modified Series and the Monster Energy Cup Series.

In 1941, his world changed. on his 58th mission he injured his leg in an aircraft accident during his stance in World War II. Byron’s team made for him a leg brace that would make it bearable to race while still battling the leg injury. His tough nature made him the sports 

Red Byron teamed up with Raymond Parks and those two together was a tremendous team. Winning the first modified championship in 1948 and NASCAR’s first premier series champion, Byron started where all drivers hoped to follow “victory lane.”

“In so many ways he was the perfect first champion,” the late NASCAR Chairman Bill France Jr. once said of Byron. “A guy who loved racing so much, he refused to give it up. And he loved his country so much he gave it all he had.”

Over his three years in NASCAR, Byron won two championships (Modified-1948, NASCAR-1949).

At the premier level, Byron scored two victories as-well as two poles.

His immense talent led him to success on the track and off as Byron becomes the newest member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 

 

Matthew Jackson
Follow Me