September 4, 1950: Johnny Mantz Wins NASCAR’s First 500-Mile Race at the 1950 Southern 500

September 4, 1950: NASCAR’s history was forever changed on this day when the first 500-mile race took place on a paved superspeedway at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. Known as the Southern 500, this race was the longest, most grueling event in NASCAR’s early history and a test of endurance, strategy, and mechanical reliability

The track at Darlington, designed by Harold Brasington, featured a unique, egg-shaped layout to accommodate a nearby minnow pond. Its steeply banked turns and long straightaways presented drivers with new challenges, and the race quickly became a high-stakes endurance test for cars and drivers alike. The event drew over 25,000 spectators and a field of 75 cars, ranging from sleek Cadillacs and Oldsmobiles to less likely contenders like the Plymouth.

Johnny Mantz, a Hollywood stunt driver who moonlighted in racing, entered the event in a modest black 1950 Plymouth. Mantz’s car was co-owned by Bill France, NASCAR’s founder, and Hubert Westmoreland. His decision to use heavy truck tires turned out to be a stroke of genius, as other drivers on lighter racing tires frequently had to pit for replacements. Mantz’s strategy allowed him to avoid the costly pit stops that took down many of his rivals, including the race’s pole sitter, Curtis Turner, who blew 27 tires during the race.

Starting from 43rd place, Mantz patiently worked his way through the field, overtaking car after car as they faltered due to mechanical issues or frequent tire changes. His approach allowed him to lead for 351 of the race’s 400 laps. After more than six hours of racing, Mantz crossed the finish line nine laps ahead of second-place finisher Fireball Roberts.

The race highlighted not only Mantz’s skill but also the importance of strategy in stock car racing. His victory, with an average speed of 75.25 mph, demonstrated that a race could be won through endurance and planning rather than sheer speed. Mantz’s car, a black Plymouth that started as a “taxi” for race organizers before being entered in the race, became an iconic symbol of the Southern 500.

Mantz’s triumph earned him $10,510, a significant prize at the time. After the race, he famously replaced the headlights on his car and drove it back home to California, further adding to the legend of his underdog victory. His win at Darlington cemented the Southern 500’s status as one of NASCAR’s premier events and helped shape the future of stock car racing in America.