NASCAR CHAMPIONS Art Print Series by Alex Book
 
1953 NASCAR Grand National: The Championship of Herb Thomas
 
The 1953 NASCAR Grand National season established Herb Thomas as the first two-time champion in the history of the division. On March 29, 1953, Thomas competed in the Wilkes County 200 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, a 0.625-mile dirt oval in North Carolina. The circuit was characterized by a unique topographical feature: a downhill frontstretch and an uphill backstretch, which forced drivers to adjust throttle input and braking points twice per lap. Thomas operated his own team, Herb Thomas Racing, utilizing the Hudson Hornet chassis.
 
The Hudson Hornet remained the technical standard for dirt-track competition in 1953 due to its "step-down" design, which recessed the floorpan between the frame rails to achieve a lower center of gravity. The vehicle was powered by the 308 cubic inch "H-145" straight-six engine, featuring the "Twin H-Power" dual-carburetor induction system. This mechanical setup provided high torque at lower RPMs, advantageous for maintaining traction on the North Wilkesboro dirt surface. Thomas, who had previously worked as a sawmill operator and truck farmer, personally oversaw the mechanical preparation of his vehicles, focusing on chassis rigidity and cooling efficiency.
 
In the Wilkes County 200, which spanned 160 laps, Thomas started from the pole position. The race was noted for a high rate of attrition due to the abrasive nature of the red clay surface and the mechanical stress on steering components. Thomas maintained the lead for the duration of the event, finishing ahead of Fonty Flock. During the 1953 season, Thomas recorded 37 starts, achieving 12 victories and 31 top-ten finishes. These results secured him the 1951 NASCAR Championship, marking a successful campaign for the Hudson marque against increasingly competitive V8 entries from Oldsmobile and Chrysler.
 
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.