1957 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Feb. 22, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, October 27th, 1957, the 1957 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Buck Baker defeating Marvin Panch by 760 points to win the ninth championship in Cup Series history. It was the second (and final) Cup Series championship for Baker. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

5. #47 Jack Smith (-2252 points)

Smith took the fifth spot in points with four victories, 17 top-fives and 26 top-10s for an average finish of 9.6, as well as leading the most laps in three races.

4. #42 Lee Petty (-2188)

Petty took fourth in points as he had four wins, 20 top-fives and 33 top-10s for an average finish of 7.8, leading the most laps in one race.

3. #46 Speedy Thompson (-2136)

Thompson grabbed the third spot with a pair of victories, 16 top-5s and 22 top-10s for an average finish of 10.2. Thompson also led the most laps in two races as well.

2. #98 Marvin Panch (-760)

Panch claimed the second spot as he got six wins, 22 top-fives and 27 top-10s, getting an average finish of 8.5. Panch led the most laps in two races.

1. #87 Buck Baker

Baker became the first back-to-back champion in the Cup Series with 10 wins, 30 top-fives and 38 top-10s for an average finish of 4.7. Baker also had the most laps led in six races.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

 

*Denotes driver led every lap

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1957/W