Roscoe Thompson is a retired NASCAR

NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...

 Grand National Series driver who drove from 1948 (at the age of 26) to 1962 (at the age of 40).

Career summary

While finishing in the top-ten only twice, Thompson was one of the earliest pioneers of the American stock car racing scene. His average start was 18th place while his average finish was 24th place. The total amount of racing that Thompson did was 3130.1 miles (5,037.4 km). Out of 2033 laps, Roscoe Thompson only managed to lead 11 (less than 1%) of them. His total career earnings were $5,440 ($ in today's money). The most notable races that Thompson attended were the first running of the Southern 500

1950 Southern 500

The 1950 Southern 500 was considered to be the inaugural Southern 500 event for the Darlington Raceway in the American community of Darlington, South Carolina.-Summary:It was also the first 500-mile race in the history of NASCAR...

,1959 Daytona 500,first on paved track and the 1961 running of the World 600

1961 World 600

The 1961 World 500 was a 400-lap NASCAR Grand National event that took place on May 28, 1961 at Charlotte Motor Speedway .-Summary:...

. Some of his earlier accomplishments are as follows:

• He was inducted into the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame 10/27/06.
• Peach Bowl Champion in 1950 and 1951.
• NASCAR's sportsman champ for Georgia in 1953
• Southeastern Modified champ in 1954.
• He started 7th in the 1959 Daytona 500. (First on the track).
• He was 10th in NASCAR'S first points standings in 1948.
• In 1964 he was inducted into the Museum of Speed in Daytona.

Thompson has traditionally used the #15 (most recently used by Michael Waltrip

Michael Waltrip

Michael Curtis Waltrip is a semi-former professional race car driver, co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, and a published author. He is the younger brother of three-time NASCAR champion and racing commentator Darrell Waltrip. Waltrip is a two-time winner of the Daytona 500; having won the race in...

) and #24 (currently used by Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon

Jeffery Michael "Jeff" Gordon is a professional NASCAR driver. He is the driver of the #24 Drive to End Hunger/DuPont/Pepsi Chevrolet Impala. He is a four-time Sprint Cup Series champion and a three-time Daytona 500 winner. He is third on the all-time wins list, with 85 career wins, and has the...

) as his racing numbers. He also had relied on Oldsmobile

Oldsmobile

Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobile produced for most of its existence by General Motors. It was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory...

engines for the majority of his career.