Junior Johnson took advantage of Fred Lorenzen’s engine woes to win the NASCAR GN ‘Virginia 500’ Sweepstakes race at Martinsville Speedway, Virginia, US


Monday 30th April 1956

Junior Johnson took advantage of Fred Lorenzen’s engine woes to win the NASCAR GN ‘Virginia 500’ Sweepstakes race at Martinsville Speedway, Virginia, US. Johnson was 4 laps behind when leader Lorenzen’s Ford made a lengthy pit stop with engine trouble. Despite having a 2 lap lead and being repeatedly given a pit board reading “EZ”, Johnson refused to let up. Car owner Rex Lovette threatened Johnson with a sledgehammer during his last pit stop, so Johnson reluctantly eased his pace. Johnson’s Pontiac finished 4 laps ahead of Emanuel Zervakis in a convertible Chevy. “Sweepstakes” races were open to Convertibles and 8 started.


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