Pearson, David (1934-2018), was one of the greatest drivers in the history of American stock car racing. Stock cars are sedans that have been modified to increase speed and power. Pearson won 105 NASCAR races, second only to the record of 200 set by Richard Petty . Pearson also won three NASCAR driving championships. NASCAR is the organization that governs the most popular form of stock car automobile racing in the United States. Its full name is the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.
Pearson and Richard Petty dominated the sport during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Their rivalry brought enormous new exposure to stock car racing, greatly expanding public interest in the sport. The two finished first or second to each other in 63 races, with Pearson winning 33 times and Petty, 30 times.
David Gene Pearson was born on Dec. 22, 1934, in Whitney, South Carolina, near Spartanburg. He began racing in 1952 and started racing in NASCAR events in 1960. Pearson was named the 1960 Rookie of the Year. He won NASCAR championships in 1966, 1968, and 1969 and led drivers in victories in 1966, 1968, 1973, and 1976. He won the NASCAR “Triple Crown” in 1976 with his victories at the Daytona 500, the Southern 500, and the World 600.
Pearson retired after the 1986 NASCAR season, having competed in 574 races over 27 years. He was inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame in 1991 and both the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1993. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011. Pearson died on Nov. 12, 2018.
