What Is 1959 NASCAR Grand National Series

Overview

The 1959 NASCAR Grand National Series marked a pivotal year in stock car racing history, serving as the 11th season of NASCAR's top-level competition. It was the first full season to include the newly constructed Daytona International Speedway, which hosted the inaugural Daytona 500—a race that would become NASCAR's most prestigious event.

This season introduced significant changes in scheduling, track diversity, and championship contention, setting the foundation for modern NASCAR. The competition was fierce, with drivers navigating a grueling 52-race schedule across dirt tracks, road courses, and newly paved superspeedways.

• 52 races were held from November 1958 to November 1959, making it one of the longest seasons in early NASCAR history.
• Lee Petty claimed his third and final championship, finishing 61 points ahead of Johnny Beauchamp in the final standings.
• The Daytona 500, held on February 22, 1959, ended in controversy when Lee Petty was declared the winner after a photo finish review days later.
• Bob Welborn led all drivers with 6 wins, tied with Lee Petty, but lacked consistency in finishes to win the title.
• NASCAR implemented a new points system that rewarded consistency, with drivers earning points based on finish position and laps led.

How It Works

The 1959 NASCAR Grand National Series operated under a revised structure that balanced endurance, track variety, and driver performance. The season spanned nearly a full calendar year, testing drivers’ stamina and adaptability across different racing conditions.

• Championship Format: Drivers accumulated points across all races; the highest total at season’s end won the title, emphasizing consistency over single-race dominance.
• Points System: NASCAR used a 1–10 scale for finishing positions, with additional points for leading laps and completing the race distance.
• Race Lengths: Events varied from 100 miles on short tracks to 500 miles at superspeedways like Daytona and Charlotte.
• Car Eligibility: Only factory-produced, street-legal vehicles modified for racing were permitted, maintaining NASCAR’s stock car identity.
• Track Types: The schedule included 32 dirt tracks, 17 paved ovals, and 3 road courses, demanding diverse driving skills.
• Driver Roster: Over 150 drivers competed, including legends like Lee Petty, Richard Petty (in his rookie season), and Joe Weatherly.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1959 NASCAR Grand National Series compares to previous and future seasons in key categories:

The 1959 season stood out for its expanded schedule and the introduction of Daytona, which permanently altered NASCAR’s national profile. While the number of races dipped in 1960, the 1959 season’s structure influenced future scheduling and media attention.

Why It Matters

The 1959 NASCAR Grand National Series was a turning point that elevated stock car racing from regional entertainment to national prominence. Its legacy endures in NASCAR’s calendar, traditions, and competitive philosophy.

• The Daytona 500 became NASCAR’s Super Bowl, drawing national media and establishing a signature event.
• Lee Petty’s championship solidified the Petty family as a dynasty, paving the way for Richard Petty’s future success.
• The season’s 52-race schedule tested driver endurance and team logistics like never before.
• Photo finish technology debuted at Daytona, improving race accuracy and fairness in close finishes.
• Television coverage expanded, with ABC’s Wide World of Sports airing highlights, boosting NASCAR’s visibility.
• The competition between Lee Petty and Johnny Beauchamp sparked debates that helped grow fan engagement.

Today, the 1959 season is remembered not just for its drama and innovation, but for laying the groundwork for NASCAR’s evolution into a major American sport.