Video: Ned Jarrett’s Famous 1965 Victory At Darlington Raceway

ned-jarrett-2Following World War II, Harold Brasington decided to quit his professional racing career to focus on farming and construction, ultimately leading him to buy 70 acres in South Carolina with the intent of building a race track. However, because of a deal with the former landowner that forbade Brasington from disturbing a minnow pond, the track forewent a traditional oval in favor of an egg-shaped course with a tight and narrow turn at one end, and a flat, sweeping corner at the other.

Thus was born Darlington Raceway, which soon became known as “The Lady in Black” or “The Track Too Tough To Tame”. It was here, on September 6th 1965, that racer Ned Jarrett would find himself on the cusp of a Grand National (now Sprint Cup) Championship ahead of what would become known as one of the wildest races in NASCAR history.

“One of the goals that I had set for myself when I started Grand National Racing, which is what it was called back then, was to win the Southern 500 in Darlington,” said Jarrett. “It was on a track that was built for speeds of about 70 or 80 miles an hour and here we were at that time running about 140-145 miles an hour, but that was one of the goals I set for myself.”

ned-jarrett-1The race that followed saw thrills, spills, exploding engines, a tragic death, and some of the most memorable moments that would help NASCAR become America’s favorite sport. For Jarrett, his moment to shine came when Fred Lorenzen and Darel Dieringer, who had been battling for first and second place, took to the pits with expired engines. Jarrett was able to move into first place, defying his pit crew leader and keeping his 1965 Ford Galaxie fastback out on the track.

Jarrett would end up winning the Darlington 500 by an astounding lead, finishing 14 laps ahead of second place finisher Buck Baker. In total, just 15 drivers from the 44 car field managed to complete the 345 lap race, and to this day Jarrett’s record margin of victory stands, a testament to the wild days of NASCAR and the enduring legacy of The Lady in Black.

About the author

Chris Demorro

Christopher DeMorro is a freelance writer and journalist from Connecticut with two passions in life; writing and anything with an engine.
Read My Articles

Hot Rods and Muscle Cars in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Street Muscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

We'll send you the most interesting Street Muscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


fordmuscle
Classic Ford Performance
dragzine
Drag Racing
chevyhardcore
Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • fordmuscle Classic Ford Performance
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • chevyhardcore Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading