Herb Thomas was born in Olivia, NC on April 6, 1923. His racing interest began in the 1940’s. His first Grand National win was in 1950 in Martinsville, VA and his final win was at Merced Fairgrounds in 1956 before his career ended in a violent crash at Shelby N.C. later that year. His final stats at Occoneechee/Orange Speedway was 2 wins and 1 pole position. He was also Grand National Champion in 1951 and 1953. Herb died August 9, 2000 in Sanford, NC.