NASCAR CHAMPIONS Art Print Series by Alex Book
 
1952 NASCAR Grand National: The Championship of Tim Flock
 
The 1952 NASCAR Grand National season solidified the technical viability of the "step-down" Hudson Hornet design within the premier stock car division. On June 8, 1952, Tim Flock competed in the 100-Mile NASCAR Grand National Race at Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The venue was a 1.0-mile dirt oval situated on property formerly used as a horse racing track. A distinctive visual characteristic of the site was the dense forest located behind the Occoneechee Speedway fence, which bordered the perimeter of the circuit. Flock drove for owner Ted Chester under the Blackburn Auto Service banner.
 
The Hudson Hornet utilized in the 1952 campaign featured a recessed floorpan that lowered the center of gravity compared to the body-on-frame construction of Ford and Oldsmobile competitors. The car was powered by the 308 cubic inch "H-145" straight-six engine, producing 145 horsepower. This mechanical configuration provided superior lateral stability on the irregular dirt surface of Occoneechee. Unlike the following 1953 season, when Flock famously raced with a rhesus monkey named Jocko Flocko, the 1952 campaign was a strictly professional effort focused on the mechanical performance of the Hudson.
 
Starting from the pole position, Flock maintained the lead for the duration of the 100-lap race. The technical challenge involved managing the cooling system and air filtration against the heavy dust generated by the dirt surface. Flock completed the 100 miles to secure the victory, finishing ahead of Herb Thomas. Throughout the 1952 season, Flock recorded 33 starts, achieving 8 victories and 25 top-ten finishes. These results secured him the 1952 NASCAR Championship, marking the second consecutive title for the Hudson marque. The season demonstrated that the Hornet’s specialized chassis geometry remained the technical standard for the Grand National Division during the early 1950s.
 
Note to Collectors: This artwork is an original creative tribute inspired by the rich history of motorsport. While this print accurately depicts iconic moments, cars, and legendary figures, it is an independent artistic production. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any official racing organizations, racing series, drivers, teams, or automotive manufacturers. All trademarks and brand names mentioned are used for descriptive purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners.