1953 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Feb. 18, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, November 1st, 1953, the 1953 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Herb Thomas defeating Lee Petty by 646 points to win the fifth championship in Cup Series history. It was the second (and final) Cup Series championship for Thomas. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

5. #14 Fonty Flock (-2286)

Flock picked up the fifth spot with four wins, 17 top-fives and 17 top-10s for an average finish of 10.5. Flock also led the most laps in four races.

4. #87 Buck Baker (-1747)

Baker got fourth place with four victories, 16 top-fives and 25 top-10s with an average finish of 7.8. Baker also had the most laps led in four races.

3. #120 Dick Rathman (-1098)

Rathman earned third in points, as he got five wins, 21 top-fives and 24 top-10s, getting an average finish of 7.8. Rathman led the most laps in two races.

2. #42 Lee Petty (-646)

Petty scored second place in points, getting five victories, 26 top-fives and 32 top-10s for an average finish of 4.8, as well as getting the most laps led in one race.

1. #92 Herb Thomas

Thomas claimed the championship victory with 12 wins, 27 top-fives and 31 top-10s with an average finish of 5.2. Thomas also led the most laps in 10 races.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

 

*Denotes driver led every lap

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1953/W