Jimmy Pardue
James "Jimmy" Pardue (October 26, 1930 – September 22, 1964) was a NASCAR race car driver who lived in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, USA.[1]
| James Pardue | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born | October 26, 1930 North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, United States | ||||||
| Died | September 22, 1964 (aged 33) Concord, North Carolina, United States | ||||||
| Cause of death | Race car crash | ||||||
| NASCAR Cup Series career | |||||||
| 217[1] races run over 8[1] years | |||||||
| Best finish | 5th - 1964 Grand National season[1] | ||||||
| First race | 1955-42 (Martinsville) | ||||||
| Last race | 1964-55 (Hillsboro) | ||||||
| First win | 1962-18 (Southside) | ||||||
| Last win | 1963-32 (Dog Track) | ||||||
| |||||||
Summary
He made his debut in 1955 at Martinsville, where he finished 28th after suffering hub problems in his Chevrolet Bel Air vehicle. He made his first full-time attempt in 1960 where he had eleven top-tens. In 1963, he won his first race at Richmond, followed up by another win the following year at Dog Track Speedway.
Pardue's car number was 54. A part of his career was during the same time that the popular television show, "Car 54, Where Are You" was running on network television. On the door of his car, he added a small "Car" above the number, and "Here I Am" below it.
In 1964, he was doing a tire test for Goodyear at Charlotte Motor Speedway, when a tire blew and caused him to lose control. The car went through the guardrail in Turns 3 and 4 and came to rest outside the track. The 33-year-old Pardue did not survive the wreck. Despite his season being cut short, he still finished 5th in points.
Items from Pardue's career, including a door from his car and Burton & Robinson Racing Team apparel, are on display at the Wilkes Heritage Museum in Wilkesboro.