Joe Weatherly was born on May 29, 1922. His home was in Norfolk, VA. He started his racing career in 1950 and won the very first race he entered. He was crowned Nascar’s Modified champ in 1952 and 1953. He also was also an American Motorcycle Asssociation Champ for 3 years. He entered Grand National racing fulltime in 1956. His first win came in 1958 in Nashville, TN. He would finish his career with 25 total wins with his last coming at Occoneechee/Orange Speedway in 1963. He also won two Grand National Championships in 1962 and 1963. His final stats at Occoneechee/Orange Speedway was two Grand National wins and two Convertible wins. On January 19, 1964, Joe lost his life at Riverside International Raceway in a racing accident.