1964 – Petty a Winner at Ona Track

 

Richard Petty flashes a winner’s smile after winning the Mountaineer 500 late model stock car race. Presenting the trophy is “Miss Huntington” June Patton.

Ona, W.Va. (August 16, 1964) – Richard Petty of Randleman, N.C., wheeled his 1964 Plymouth to victory Sunday in the Mountaineer 500 stock car race at West Virginia International Speedway.

Petty had an average speed of 70.48 miles per hour over the 7/16-mile racetrack to finish three laps ahead of Junior Johnson of Rhonda, N.C., who drove a 1964 Ford. The time was 3 hours, 6 minutes, and 12 seconds.

First place was worth $2,500 to Petty, the high point man and the leading money winner of the NASCAR Grand National circuit this season. It was his eighth win of the season.

Johnson earned $1,500 for his runner-up finish. Ned Jarrett of Camden, S.C., finished third in his 1964 Ford and took home $1,200. Jim Paschal of High Point, N.C., driving a 1964 Plymouth, finished fourth and collected $1,000.

The caution flag was out six times, although there were no serious accidents or injuries. The flag was displayed for 13 laps when David Pearson of Spartanburg, S.C., hit a guardrail on the backstretch and gasoline flowed down over the track from his 1964 Dodge.

A crowd of about 12,000 – the second largest crowd in the two-year history of the track – watched the race under overcast skies. Of the 31 starters, 15 finished the race. Most of the drivers that dropped out had either engine trouble or blown tires.


Results –

1. Richard Petty
2. Junior Johnson
3. Ned Jarrett
4. Jim Paschal
5. Earl Balmer
6. Billy Wade
7. Darel Dieringer
8. Larry Thomas
9. Bunkie Blackburn
10.Buddy Arrington