1951 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Feb. 14, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, November 25th, 1951, the 1951 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Herb Thomas defeating Fonty Flock by 146.2 points to win the third championship in Cup Series history. It was the first Cup Series championship for Thomas. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

5. #23 Frank Mundy (-2244.95)

Mundy took fifth place with three wins, nine top-fives and 12 top-10s in 26 races, taking an average finish of 17.7.

4. #42 Lee Petty (-1816.2)

Petty got fourth place as he scored one win, 11 top-fives and 19 top-10s, as well as an average finish of 10.9.

3. #91 Tim Flock (-485.95)

Flock took third in points as he got seven victories, 19 top-fives and 21 top-10s for an average finish of 7.7.

2. #14 Fonty Flock (-146.2)

Flock claimed the second spot with eight victories, 20 top-fives and 22 top-10s, getting an average finish of 9.4.

1. #92 Herb Thomas

Thomas earned the championship on the strength of seven wins, 16 top-fives and 18 top-10s, scoring an average finish of 11.9.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

*Denotes driver led every lap

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1951/W