The 1955 Wilkes County 360 was a NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint Cup Series) race that took place on April 3, 1955 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in the American community of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.^[1]

Summary

One hundred and sixty laps were done on a dirt track spanning .^[1] The total duration of the race was one hour, twenty-two minutes, and three seconds with no cautions.^[1] Buck Baker defeated Dick Rathmann by three feet.^[1] Ten thousand people came out to see this race.^[2] The pole speed that was accomplished by Dink Widenhouse was while the average speed was .^[1] Other notable drivers who participated included Lee Petty, Herb Thomas, Dink Widenhouse, Fonty Flock, and Junior Johnson.^[1] All twenty-two drivers who qualified were American-born.^[1] Twelve drivers failed to finish the race due to axle, spindle, coil, wheel, frame, vapor lock, tire, gasket, and bearing problems.^[1]

The total winnings of the race was $3,800 USD ($}} in today's money).^[3]

Results

1. Buck Baker
2. Dick Rathmann
3. Curtis Turner
4. Lee Petty
5. Eddie Skinner
6. Dave Terrell
7. Jimmie Lewallen
8. Gene Simpson
9. Joel Million
10. Blackie Pitt
11. Tommy Ringstaff*
12. John Dodd, Sr.*
13. Tim Flock*
14. Herb Thomas*
15. Jimmy Thompson*
16. Jim Paschal*
17. John Dodd, Jr.*
18. Junior Johnson*
19. Dink Widenhouse*
20. Fonty Flock*
21. Ralph Liguori*
22. Boyce Hildreth*

* denotes that the driver failed to finish the race
signifies that the driver is known to be deceased

References