View source for Red Byron

{{Short description|American racing driver (1915–1960)}}
{{other people|Robert Byron|Robert Byron (disambiguation)}}
{{more citations needed|date=April 2019}}
{{Infobox NASCAR driver
|birth_name            = Robert Nold Byron
|birth_date      = {{birth date|1915|3|12|mf=y}}
|death_date      = {{death date and age|1960|11|11|1915|3|12|mf=y}}
|birth_place     = Plasterco, [[Virginia]], U.S.
|death_place     = [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]], [[Illinois]], U.S.
|death_cause     = Heart attack
|image = Red_Byron_1949.png
|caption = Byron in 1949
|achievements    = [[1949 in NASCAR|1949]] [[NASCAR Cup Series|Strictly Stock]] [[List of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions|Champion]]{{efn|name=Strict|1949 was the inaugural season of professional stock car racing in [[NASCAR]], which was known as Strictly Stock Division for that year only}}<br>1948 [[NASCAR Modified Tour|NASCAR Modified Champion]]{{efn|name=Modified|1948 was the inaugural season of the [[NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour|Modified Division]], the oldest division of [[NASCAR]]}}<br>1949 [[Daytona Beach Road Course]] Winner (Inaugural race)<br>[[NASCAR Cup Series|Strictly Stock]] in wins leader ([[1949 in NASCAR|1949]])
|awards          = [[National Motorsports Hall of Fame]] ([[United States|U.S.]]) (1966)<br>Named one of [[NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers]] (1998)<br>[[NASCAR Hall of Fame]] (2018)<br>Named one of [[NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers]] (2023)
|Total_Cup_Races = 15
|Years_In_Cup    = 3
|Best_Cup_Pos    = 1st ([[1949 in NASCAR|1949]])
|First_Cup_Race  = [[1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock Series|1949]] [[1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock Series inaugural race|Race No. 1]] ([[Charlotte Speedway|Charlotte]])
|Last_Cup_Race   = [[1951 Southern 500]] ([[Darlington Raceway|Darlington]])
|First_Cup_Win   = [[1949 in NASCAR|1949]] ([[Daytona Beach Road Course|Daytona Beach]])
|Last_Cup_Win    = [[1949 in NASCAR|1949]] ([[Martinsville Speedway|Martinsville]])
|Cup_Wins        = 2
|Cup_Top_Tens    = 9
|Cup_Poles       = 2
|updated         = February 22, 2013
|image_size=150px}}
'''Robert Nold "Red" Byron''' (March 12, 1915&nbsp;– November 11, 1960) was an American [[stock car racing]] driver, who was successful in [[NASCAR]] competition in the sanctioning body's first years. He was NASCAR's first Modified champion (and its first champion in any division) in 1948 and its first Strictly Stock (predecessor to [[NASCAR Cup Series]]) champion in 1949.  Along with [[Bob Flock]], he is considered one of the best drivers of the era.<ref name="Francis2008">{{cite book|last=Francis|first=Jim|title=The History of NASCAR|url=https://archive.org/details/historyofnascar0000fran|url-access=registration|access-date=5 January 2013|date=15 January 2008|publisher=Crabtree Publishing Company|isbn=978-0-7787-3186-3|pages=[https://archive.org/details/historyofnascar0000fran/page/4 4]–5}}</ref>  He won the first NASCAR race at [[Daytona Beach and Road Course]] and won the inaugural NASCAR Strictly Stock driver's championship.<ref name="Francis2008" />

==Background==
Born in [[Washington County, Virginia]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Virginia Is For Racers {{!}} NASCAR Hall of Fame {{!}} Curators' Corner |url=https://www.nascarhall.com/blog/virginia-is-for-racers |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Nascar Hall of Fame |language=en-US}}</ref> he moved to [[Colorado]] at a young age, and then to [[Anniston, Alabama]], which he considered his hometown. Byron began racing in 1932 and was successful in racing at [[Talladega, Alabama|Talladega]] and Anniston by the start of the 1940s.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2008-03-06 |title=Robert Red Bryon 2008 International Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee |url=https://www.motorsportshalloffame.com/robert-red-bryon-2008-international-motorsports-hall-of-fame-inductee/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=International Motorsports Hall of Fame |language=en-US}}</ref> Byron then made his way to [[Lakewood Speedway]], where he raced any ride he could find. While racing at Lakewood Speedway, he was noticed by [[Raymond Parks (auto racing)|Raymond Parks]], a former [[Rum-running|bootlegger]] and [[Illegal gambling in the Philippines|illegal gambling]] kingpin and current vending machine operator, as well as his mechanic, Red Vogt. Byron would race with Parks at Lakewood Speedway through the spring of 1941.

In the spring of 1941, Byron enlisted in the [[United States Army Air Corps]] at an enlistment station in [[Montgomery, Alabama]]. Byron was eventually stationed as a [[flight engineer]] on [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|B-24 Liberator]] bombers during [[World War II]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-11 |title=How Red Byron went from WWII hero to NASCAR's first champion |url=https://www.yardbarker.com/nascar/articles/how_red_byron_went_from_wwii_hero_to_nascars_first_champion/s1_13132_41217224 |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Yardbarker |language=en}}</ref> flying in fifty-eight missions while serving engineer duties and [[Tail gunner|tail gunning]] duties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowen |first=hr and Chris |title=Information about Red Byron from historicracing.com |url=https://www.historicracing.com/driverDetail.cfm?driverID=2966 |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=www.historicracing.com |language=en}}</ref> In 1944, Byron joined his 58th mission after subbing for a fellow serviceman whose wife was going into labor.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2012-11-08 |title=McGee: Byron was real deal |url=https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/page/veteransnascar121108/nascar-red-byron-war-time-service-nascar-prowess-stuff-legend |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> The mission was targeted for [[Paramushir]], where members of the [[Imperial Japanese Army]] and the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] were stationed. The B-24's full assortment of bombs were dropped except for the final one, which was hung on the floor of the aircraft. As the engineer, it was Byron's job to free the hung bomb from the aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mandal |first=Anirban Aly |date=2024-11-12 |title=NASCAR History: How Red Byron Went From Fighting in WWII to Winning the First Ever Cup Series Title |url=https://thesportsrush.com/nascar-news-nascar-history-how-red-byron-went-from-fighting-in-wwii-to-winning-the-first-ever-cup-series-title/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=The SportsRush |language=en}}</ref> After freeing the bomb, Byron was hit by an explosion while he was still near the open doors of the aircraft. It is speculated that the freed bomb exploded while falling out of the aircraft but Byron strongly believed that he had been hit by [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-aircraft]] fire.<ref name=":0" /> The explosion tore Byron's left leg to pieces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-18 |title=Two-time champion Red Byron laid the foundation for future NASCAR titlists |url=https://www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2018/story/_/id/22145869/two-champion-red-byron-laid-foundation-future-nascar-titlists |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> A large amount of shrapnel was removed from Byron's leg at a makeshift air base hospital, before being sent to [[Fitzsimons Army Medical Center]] where he spent 27 months in rehabilitation.<ref name=":0" />

While in rehabilitation, Byron began sketching devices that would help him return to racing despite the limited movement of his left leg.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Robert "Red" Byron |url=https://www.mshf.com/hall-of-fame/inductees/byron-robert-red-historic-2020.html |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=www.mshf.com}}</ref> In 1946, while working on ideas with Vogt, Byron fabricated two [[Stirrup|stirrup pins]] on his clutch pedal to help support his left leg. When the stirrup pins were combined with his leg brace, he was able to operate the [[clutch]] pedal.<ref name=":1" />

==Racing career==
Before World War II, Byron raced in the AAA Indy series, mainly in Sprint Cars and Midgets. He achieved his first Stock Car victory in July 1941, while on two-day liberty from training with the USAAF, and with the war intervening, did not return to racing for five years.

Following a lengthy recovery from a leg injury sustained in war, he returned to racing in 1945 and with the help of race engineer Red Vogt, was still successful.

He won the Hankinson Memorial on February 24, 1946, at [[Seminole Speedway]], beating [[Roy Halling|Roy Hall]] and [[Bill France Sr.|Bill France]]. This was his first win since returning to racing in 1945.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Hall of Famer Byron was second in first Selinsgrove race {{!}} {{!}} dailyitem.com |url=https://www.dailyitem.com/hall-of-famer-byron-was-second-in-first-selinsgrove-race/article_659d74ec-4178-11ef-b420-2b1d8ca5ba50.amp.html |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.dailyitem.com}}</ref>

On July 20, 1946, Byron finished 2nd in the inaugural race at [[Selinsgrove Speedway]]. The race was part of the [[1946 AAA Championship Car season|AAA Big Car Championship]]. The race was won by [[Bill Holland]].

'''<big>NASCAR Modified</big>'''

'''1948'''

In 1948, Byron became a part of the newly-formed [[NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour|NASCAR Modified Series]] racing with [[Raymond Parks (auto racing)|Raymond Parks]]' team. He won the Rayson Memorial, the first NASCAR sanctioned race. The race took place at the [[Daytona Beach and Road Course|Daytona Beach Road Course]], where Byron beat [[Marshall Teague (racing driver)|Marshall Teague]] and [[Bob Flock]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Brandon |date=2023-02-08 |title=Where it all began: Modifieds continue to thrive in NASCAR after 75 years |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/02/08/where-it-all-began-modifieds-continue-to-thrive-in-nascar-after-75-years/amp/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Official Site Of NASCAR |language=en-US}}</ref> In the second race of the season at [[Speedway Park]], Byron finished third to [[Fonty Flock]] and Bob Flock.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASCAR Modified:1948-02 - The Third Turn |url=https://www.thethirdturn.com/wiki/NASCAR_Modified:1948-02 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.thethirdturn.com |language=en}}</ref> In the third race of the season, Byron finished second to Fonty Flock at [[Lakewood Speedway]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Georgia Racing History.com - Remembering Lakewood Speedway |url=http://georgiaracinghistory.com/2009/06/26/remembering-lakewood-speedway/7/#:~:text=Fonty%20won%20the%20first%20official,on%20March%2027%20of%201948. |access-date=2024-12-03 |language=en-US}}</ref> In the fourth race of the season at Central City Speedway, Byron finished sixth while his championship rival, Fonty Flock, won the race.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASCAR Modified:1948-04 - The Third Turn |url=https://www.thethirdturn.com/wiki/NASCAR_Modified:1948-04 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.thethirdturn.com |language=en}}</ref> The fifth race of the season at Hayloft Speedway saw Byron finish outside of the positions that paid points.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASCAR Modified:1948-05 - The Third Turn |url=https://www.thethirdturn.com/wiki/NASCAR_Modified:1948-05 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.thethirdturn.com |language=en}}</ref> On April 18, Byron finished second to Fonty Flock at the Greensboro Fairgrounds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apr 18, 1948, page 19 - Winston-Salem Journal at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/934081404/?match=1&terms=greensboro%20fairgrounds%20fonty%20flock |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref>

Following a slight drought in winning, Byron would win on April 25 at [[North Wilkesboro Speedway]], beating Fonty Flock and [[Tim Flock]] in the sixty lap feature race.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apr 26, 1948, page 10 - News and Record at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/938171395/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9Cnorth%20wilkesboro%E2%80%9D%20Red%20Byron |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Byron would win the next race he started on May 2 at [[Lakeview Speedway]], beating Fonty Flock and Marshall Teague.<ref>{{Cite web |title=May 03, 1948, page 10 - The Salisbury Post at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1025820322/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9Clakeview%20speedway%E2%80%9D%20Red%20Byron |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Byron would win again on May 9 at the Wadesboro Dirt Track, beating Fonty Flock and [[Roscoe Thompson]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=May 10, 1948, page 9 - News and Record at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/938242417/?match=1&terms=wadesboro%20Red%20Byron |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> At this point in the season, Byron and Fonty Flock had found themselves into a rivalry over the points lead of the series.<ref>{{Cite web |title=May 07, 1948, page 13 - Winston-Salem Journal at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/934098059/?match=4&terms=wadesboro%20Red%20Byron |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> On May 16, Byron would win at the [[Richmond Raceway|Atlantic Rural Exposition Fairgrounds]], beating [[Bill Blair (racing driver)|Bill Blair]] and Fonty Flock.<ref>{{Cite web |title=May 17, 1948, page 19 - The Richmond News Leader at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/760716149/?match=3&terms=atlantic%20rural%20exposition%20Red%20Byron |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Flock wouldn't find himself in a points paying position again until May 30, when he finished second at [[North Wilkesboro Speedway]] to Marshall Teague.<ref>{{Cite web |title=May 31, 1948, page 9 - The State at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/748914448/?match=2&terms=marshall%20teague%20north%20wilkesboro |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Byron would pick up the win in the June 5 race at the Greensboro Fairgrounds, passing polesitter [[Speedy Thompson]] for first place and beating Tim Flock and Fonty Flock.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jun 06, 1948, page 3 - Winston-Salem Journal at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/934056634/?match=1&terms=greensboro%20red%20byron |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> On July 11, Byron would once again decrease Fonty Flock’s point lead when he won at [[Charlotte Speedway]], passing polesitter [[Jack Smith (American racing driver, born 1924)|Jack Smith]] for the lead and beating Fonty Flock and Tim Flock. The race, originally scheduled for one hundred laps was shortened to ninety-one laps due to rain.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jul 15, 1948, page 15 - News and Record at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/938124904/?match=14&terms=charlotte%20speedway%20%E2%80%9Cred%20byron%E2%80%9D |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref>

Byron would race on July 18 at North Wilkesboro Speedway but missed the points due to an issue. Fonty Flock also missed out on points so the race had little impact on the points positions. [[Curtis Turner]] would win the race.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jul 19, 1948, page 8 - The Columbia Record at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/745191256/?match=2&terms=north%20wilkesboro%20%E2%80%9Ccurtis%20turner%E2%80%9D |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> On July 25, Byron would finish outside of the points yet again at Columbus Speedway after Tragedy had struck.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jul 26, 1948, page 9 - The State at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/748870427/?match=1&terms=columbus%20speedway%20%E2%80%9Cbilly%20carden%E2%80%9D |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> The front-right tire of Byron’s car blew, causing the car to veer off the track and into a group of spectators, injuring sixteen and killing a seven-year-old boy. Shockingly, Byron was not injured in the accident.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Motorsport Memorial - |url=http://www.motorsportmemorial.org/focus.php?db=ct&n=2910 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.motorsportmemorial.org}}</ref> Later in the race, driver Bill “Slick” Davis was also killed after his car rolled over in a crash.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jul 28, 1948, page 9 - The Salisbury Post at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1025818078/?match=9&terms=columbus%20speedway%20%E2%80%9Cbilly%20carden%E2%80%9D%20davis |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref>

On August 8, Byron finished third at the Daytona Beach Road Course. Fonty Flock won the race, extending his points lead.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aug 09, 1948, page 8 - The Atlanta Constitution at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/397539138/?match=1&terms=daytona%20fonty%20flock |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> On August 15, Byron finished sixth in a two-hundred lap race at [[Langhorne Speedway]]. Fonty Flock did not finish in the points which helped Byron shorten his lead in the points championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aug 16, 1948, page 7 - Ledger-Enquirer at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/852942054/?match=1&terms=Al%20Keller%20Langhorne |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> On September 5, Byron finished third at Columbus Speedway after the race was halted due to rain. Fonty Flock did not finish ahead of Byron which shortened his points lead even more.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sep 06, 1948, page 5 - Ledger-Enquirer at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/852489590/?match=1&terms=columbus%20speedway%20sosebee%2016-laps%20of%20the%20track%20due%20rain%20shower%20to%20officials |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> On September 12, Byron would finish third twice at [[Charlotte Speedway]] during a double header while Fonty Flock and Tim Flock would be involved in a bad four car pile up. Due to the pile up, the second race was shortened from forty laps to twenty-four laps. These results shortened Fonty Flock's points lead even further.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sep 13, 1948, page 4 - The Atlanta Journal at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/975808947/?match=3&terms=charlotte%20speedway%20%E2%80%9Ccurtis%20turner%E2%80%9D%20death%20narrow%20escapes%20from%20death |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Unfortunately for Byron, Fonty Flock would win three in a row through the month of September between a double header sweep at [[Occoneechee Speedway]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sep 21, 1948, page 11 - The News and Observer at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/651827791/?match=1&terms=fonty%20flock%20Occoneechee |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> and a win at [[Lakeview Speedway]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sep 26, 1948, page 46 - News and Record at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/938159006/?match=2&terms=fonty%20flock%20lakeview |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> extending the points lead once again.

On October 3, during a double header at Central City Speedway, Byron would finish third at in race one, ahead of Fonty Flock, shrinking the points deficit. In race two of the double header, Byron fought his way from tenth to first to win the race, giving him the series points lead.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oct 04, 1948, page 8 - The Macon News at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/823765448/?match=3&terms=%E2%80%9Cbilly%20carden%E2%80%9D%20central%20city |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> On October 10, Byron would finish a close second to Fonty Flock at the Greensboro Fairgrounds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oct 11, 1948, page 8 - The Atlanta Constitution at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/397868156/?match=1&terms=fonty%20flock%20greensboro |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> On October 16, Byron would once again finish a close second to Fonty Flock at the Greensboro Fairgrounds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oct 17, 1948, page 17 - The Palm Beach Post at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/133986599/?match=3&terms=fonty%20flock%20greensboro |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> On October 17, a day after finishing second to Flock at Greensboro, Byron would win at North Wilkesboro Speedway in a one hundred lap feature race.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oct 18, 1948, page 13 - Winston-Salem Journal at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/934162323/?match=2&terms=north%20wilkesboro%20red%20byron |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> On October 24, Byron would win another one hundred lap feature race at [[Charlotte Speedway]], with Fonty Flock coming in second.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oct 26, 1948, page 13 - The Tampa Tribune at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/327545741/?match=1&terms=charlotte%20speedway%20red%20byron |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Fonty Fock would win the next race on October 31 at the [[Winston-Salem Fairgrounds|Forsyth County Fairgrounds]], with Byron coming in second after racing close with Flock for most of the race.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nov 01, 1948, page 10 - The Atlanta Constitution at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/397965733/?match=4&terms=winston%20fonty%20flock |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> The season final was held on November 14 at Columbus Raceway. The race saw Byron win with Fonty Flock coming in second.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nov 15, 1948, page 8 - News-Press at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/221891038/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9Cred%20byron%E2%80%9D%20columbus%20speedway |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> With the season final finished, Byron was officially crowned the 1948 [[NASCAR Modified]] Champion. Byron accumulated 11 wins and 25 top fives during the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nov 15, 1948, page 9 - The Columbus Ledger at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/851785013/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9Cred%20byron%E2%80%9D%20champion |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref>

'''1949'''

In 1949, Byron ran a more limited schedule in the [[NASCAR Modified|NASCAR Modified Division]], starting 11 races. The first modified race that Byron participated in during the 1949 season was on January 23, where Byron would bring his car home in fifth place at Broward Speedway.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jan 24, 1949, page 13 - Fort Lauderdale News at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/228452353/?match=1&terms=Fonty%20Flock%20broward |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Despite its large schedule, Byron would not start another modified race sanctioned by NASCAR until April 3, where he would take the win over [[Curtis Turner]] and [[Bill Blair (racing driver)|Bill Blair]] at [[Charlotte Speedway]] in a forty lap feature race.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apr 04, 1949, page 19 - The Oregonian at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1084119826/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9Ccharlotte%20speedway%E2%80%9D |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Following his win at Charlotte, Byron would enter the April 10 race at the Greensboro Fairgrounds. Byron would finish second to Curtis Tuner.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apr 14, 1949, page 1 - Winston-Salem Journal at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/934219876/?match=3&terms=curtis%20turner%20greensboro |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> The next race that Byron entered was the April 17 race at [[Lakeview Speedway]], where he would finish fourth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apr 18, 1949, page 11 - Winston-Salem Journal at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/934222166/?match=3&terms=bob%20flock%20lakeview%20speedway |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Byron's next start would come on May 8 at [[Lakewood Speedway]], where he would finish third, behind Olin Allen and [[Jack Smith (American racing driver, born 1924)|Jack Smith]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=May 09, 1949, page 7 - The Atlanta Constitution at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/398122591/?match=4&terms=Olin%20Allen%20Lakewood%20jack%20smith |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> on May 15, Byron would head back to [[Charlotte Speedway]] and win his second consecutive modified race at the track.<ref>{{Cite web |title=May 16, 1949, page 8 - The Greenville News at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/191648633/?match=4&terms=Red%20Byron%20%E2%80%9CCharlotte%20Speedway%E2%80%9D |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> On May 22, Byron would head to [[North Wilkesboro Speedway]], where he would finish second to [[Tim Flock]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=May 23, 1949, page 8 - Winston-Salem Journal at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/934279324/?match=2&terms=%E2%80%9CTim%20Flock%E2%80%9D%20north%20wilkesboro |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref>

Byron would make his way to Lakeview Speedway on May 29, where he would finish second to Tim Flock again.<ref>{{Cite web |title=May 30, 1949, page 10 - Winston-Salem Journal at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/934282218/?match=3&terms=%E2%80%9CTim%20Flock%E2%80%9D%20lakeview |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Flock would then have two third-place results on June 26 during a double header at Harris Speedway, finishing behind [[Curtis Turner]] and [[Jack Smith (American racing driver, born 1924)|Jack Smith]] in race one. In race two, Byron finished behind [[Tim Flock]] and [[Fonty Flock]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jun 27, 1949, page 1 - Winston-Salem Journal at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/934172966/?match=7&terms=curtis%20turner%20%E2%80%9Charris%20speedway%E2%80%9D |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Byron would move to focusing on the [[NASCAR Cup Series|NASCAR Strictly Stock]] series full time, not making another start in the [[NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour|Modified Division]]. Byron would finish every race and end the season with eleven starts, two wins, ten top fives, and eleven top tens. He would end the season seventh in points despite starting less than a quarter of the seasons races.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Driver |url=https://www.racing-reference.info/driver/Red_Byron/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Racing-Reference |language=en-US}}</ref>

'''1950'''

In 1950, Byron started two races in the [[NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour|Modified Division]], both coming in March. On March 5, Byron won a one hundred lap race at [[Charlotte Speedway]], beating [[Al Keller]] and [[Tommy Coates]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mar 06, 1950, page 13 - The Charlotte Observer at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/618277650/?match=5&terms=red%20byron%20%E2%80%9Ccharlotte%20speedway%E2%80%9D |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> In Byron's second and final race of the year on March 19, Byron finished second to [[Tim Flock]] in a fifty lap feature at [[Occoneechee Speedway]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mar 20, 1950, page 12 - The State at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/748892718/?match=1&terms=Tim%20Flock%20Occoneechee%20Speedway |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref>

'''<big>NASCAR Strictly Stock/Grand National</big>'''

'''1949'''

In 1949, Byron began racing in NASCAR's newly formed Strictly Stock series, which became the Grand National series, Winston Cup, and the modern-day [[NASCAR Cup Series]].  With Parks in tow, Byron was equally successful in the inaugural eight-race season.  In [[1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock Series inaugural race|race one]] on June 19 at [[Charlotte Speedway]], Byron would finish 3rd behind [[Jim Roper]] and career rival [[Fonty Flock]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirby |first=Gordon |date=2009-06-18 |title=The first NASCAR 'Strictly Stock' race: unruly gathering for 1949 Charlotte meet |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/us-scene/nascar/first-strictly-stock-race/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref> In race two at the [[Daytona Beach and Road Course|Daytona Beach Road Course]], Byron would win the race after [[Gober Sosebee]], who led thirty-four of the forty scheduled laps, had an issue with seven to go. Byron would lead the final six laps in route to victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 - Cup NASCAR Results - ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/racing/raceresults/_/series/sprint/raceId/194907100040 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On August 7, during the third race of the season at [[Occoneechee Speedway]], Byron finished twenty-second<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 - Cup NASCAR Results - ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/racing/raceresults/_/series/sprint/raceId/194908070050 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> after being involved in a five-car pileup on the thirty-ninth lap.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1949-08-08 |title=1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock race. Occoneechee. Bob Flock winner. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-index-journal-1949-nascar-strictly-s/2967767/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |work=The Index-Journal |pages=3}}</ref> Byron entered the fourth race of the season on September 11 at [[Langhorne Speedway]], qualifying on the pole for the race. After battling with [[Curtis Turner]] and [[Bob Flock]] for two hundred laps, Byron finished the race in the third position.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-06-03 |title=HowStuffWorks "1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock Chronology" |url=http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/season-recaps/1940s/1949-nascar.htm |access-date=2024-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603005611/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/season-recaps/1940s/1949-nascar.htm |archive-date=3 June 2009 }}</ref>

Byron did not compete in the fifth race of the year on September 18 at [[Erie County Fair|Hamburg Speedway]], as most regulars did not compete due to the event being competed so far north.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1949 Hamburg NASCAR {{!}} Motorsport Database |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1949-hamburg-nascar/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Motorsport Database - Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref> Byron would compete in the September 25 race at [[Martinsville Speedway]], winning the race and leading an impressive ninety seven laps.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sep 26, 1949, page 13 - Chattanooga Daily Times at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/605026434/?match=1&terms=Red%20Byron%20Martinsville |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> The victory at Martinsville all but wrapped up the championship for Byron, leading him to sit out of race seven at [[Heidelberg Raceway]] on October 2.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 - Cup NASCAR Results - ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/racing/raceresults/_/series/sprint/raceId/194910020047 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The eighth and final race of the season was the [[1949 Wilkes 200|Wilkes 200]], taking place on October 16. Byron finished sixteenth and was crowned Strictly Stock Champion at the conclusion of the race by a margin of 117.5 points over [[Lee Petty]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 - Cup NASCAR Results - ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/racing/raceresults/_/series/sprint/raceId/194910160049 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Byron finished the season with two wins, four top fives, and four top tens.<ref name=":4"/> Byron, as with his previous year in a modified, ended the year as the series' first champion.<ref name=":3" />

'''1950'''

Due to declining health relating to his leg injury, Byron started racing less and less.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Red Byron {{!}} Class of 2018 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee |url=https://www.nascarhall.com/hall-of-famers/inductees/red-byron |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Nascar Hall of Fame |language=en-US}}</ref> Byron raced just four of the nineteen races of the 1950 [[NASCAR Cup Series|NASCAR Grand National]] season.<ref name=":4" /> On February 5, Byron finished second in the first race of the season at the [[Daytona Beach and Road Course|Daytona Beach Road Course]] after battling with winner [[Harold Kite]] for most of the race.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Feb 06, 1950, page 25 - The Sacramento Bee at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/624214323/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9CHarold%20Kite%E2%80%9D%20daytona |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> In race two on April 2 at [[Charlotte Speedway]], Byron finished fourth after leading forty two laps.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apr 03, 1950, page 17 - The World-News at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/914005253/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9Ctim%20flock%E2%80%9D%20charlotte |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Byron did not return to the series again until race thirteen, where he finished third in the [[1950 Southern 500]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The First Southern 500 {{!}} NASCAR Hall of Fame {{!}} Curators' Corner |url=https://www.nascarhall.com/blog/the-first-southern-500 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Nascar Hall of Fame |language=en-US}}</ref> The last race that Byron ran in the season was the [[1950 Wilkes 200]], where he would finish nineteenth with a spindle issue.<ref name=":4" /> This was the first season that Byron had gone winless in NASCAR sanctioned competition. Byron would finish the season with zero wins, three top fives, and three top tens.<ref name=":4" />

'''1951'''

In 1951, Byron ran just five of the forty one races included in the [[NASCAR Cup Series|NASCAR Grand National]] schedule.<ref name=":4" /> The first race that Byron ran was the season opener at the [[Daytona Beach and Road Course|Daytona Beach Road Course]] on February 11. Byron would finish eleventh after not leading any laps.<ref name=":4" /> Byron would then go on to race in the tenth race of the season on June 10 at Columbus Speedway where he would finish sixth.<ref name=":4" /> Byron would then race the eleventh race on June 16 at [[Columbia Speedway]], where he would finish thirtieth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jun 18, 1951, page 14 - The Tampa Tribune at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/327231826/?match=1&terms=frank%20mundy%20columbia%20speedway |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> His thirtieth-place finish was the worst finish of his NASCAR Grand National career.<ref name=":4" /> Byron wouldn't race again until the twentieth race of the season, The Motor City 250, on August 12 at the [[Michigan State Fairgrounds Speedway|Michigan State Fairgrounds]]. Byron would finish the race in fourth, nine laps down.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Motor City 250 |url=http://www.midwestracingarchives.com/2023/01/the-motor-city-250.html?m=1 |access-date=2024-12-04 |language=en}}</ref> The last race of the season that Byron entered was the [[1951 Southern 500|Southern 500]] at [[Darlington Raceway]]. This start would be the last of his career.<ref name=":4" /> Byron would finish the race in the twenty fifth position following in accident.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Race Results |url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/1951_Southern_500/W/ |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=Racing-Reference |language=en-US}}</ref> Byron would round out the year with zero wins, one top fives, and two top tens.<ref name=":4" />

Byron raced sparingly after his two championships.  He owned a [[sports car]] racing team for much of the 1950s.<ref name=":3" />

==Life after driving==
Declining health forced him to hang up his goggles in 1951, but he remained active in racing. He worked with [[Briggs Cunningham]], who was trying to develop an American sports car that could win [[Grand Prix motor racing|Grand Prix]] races, then become manager of a [[Chevrolet Corvette|Corvette]] team with the same goal. Neither project succeeded, but Byron enjoyed sports cars.

On January 19, 2018, Byron was inducted into the [[NASCAR Hall of Fame]]'s Class of 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jensen|first=Tom|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nascar/gallery/five-inductees-for-nascar-hall-of-fame-class-of-2018-announced-052417|title=Five inductees for NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2018 announced|work=[[Foxsports.com]]|date=May 24, 2017|access-date=May 24, 2017}}</ref>

==Death==
Byron died of a [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]] in a [[Chicago]] hotel room on November 11, 1960, at the age of 45, he was in Chicago to talk with [[Anheuser-Busch]] executives about starting a sports car team.<ref name=":0" /> At the time of his death, Byron was managing the [[Scarab (constructor)|Scarab]] [[Sports Car Club of America|SCCA]] team which was owned by [[Augie Pabst|Augi Pabst]] and Harry Heuer. Byron was set to fly to Daytona Beach the next day to be with the team for the championship race that weekend at [[Daytona International Speedway]]. The race was set to be the team's last race before disbanding.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1960-11-20 |title=Red Byron Obituary |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-anniston-star-red-byron-obituary/35193280/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=The Anniston Star |pages=14}}</ref>

==Motorsports career results==

===NASCAR===
([[Template:NASCAR driver results legend|key]]) (<span style="font-size:85%">'''Bold'''&nbsp;– Pole position awarded by qualifying time. ''Italics''&nbsp;– Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. *&nbsp;– Most laps led.</span>)

====Grand National Series====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:75%"
!colspan=47| [[NASCAR]] [[Grand National Series]] results
|-
! Year
! Team
! No.
! Make
! 1
! 2
! 3
! 4
! 5
! 6
! 7
! 8
! 9
! 10
! 11
! 12
! 13
! 14
! 15
! 16
! 17
! 18
! 19
! 20
! 21
! 22
! 23
! 24
! 25
! 26
! 27
! 28
! 29
! 30
! 31
! 32
! 33
! 34
! 35
! 36
! 37
! 38
! 39
! 40
! 41
! {{Tooltip|NGNC|NASCAR Grand National classification}}
! Pts
|-
! [[1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock|1949]]
!rowspan=3| [[Raymond Parks (car owner)|Raymond Parks]]
!rowspan=3| 22
!rowspan=2| [[Oldsmobile|Olds]]
|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| [[1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock Series inaugural race|CLT]]<br /><small>3</small>
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| [[Daytona Beach Road Course|DAB]]<br /><small>1</small>
|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[Occoneechee Speedway|HBO]]<br /><small>22</small>
|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '''[[Langhorne Speedway|LAN]]'''<br /><small>3</small>
| [[Hamburg Speedway|HAM]]
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| [[Martinsville Speedway|MAR]]<br /><small>1</small>
| [[Heidelberg Raceway|HEI]]
|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[1949 Wilkes 200|NWS]]<br /><small>16</small>
| colspan=33|
! 1st
! 842.5
|-
! rowspan=2| [[1950 in NASCAR|1950]]
|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| [[Daytona Beach Road Course|DAB]]<br /><small>2</small>
|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '''[[Charlotte Speedway|CLT]]'''<br /><small>4</small>
| [[Langhorne Speedway|LAN]]
| [[Martinsville Speedway|MAR]]
| [[Canfield Speedway|CAN]]
| [[Vernon Fairgrounds|VER]]
| [[Dayton Speedway|DSP]]
| [[Monroe County Fairgrounds|MCF]]
| [[Charlotte Speedway|CLT]]
| [[Occoneechee Speedway|HBO]]
| [[Dayton Speedway|DSP]]
| [[Hamburg Speedway|HAM]]
| colspan=29|
! rowspan=2| NA
! rowspan=2| 0
|-
! [[Cadillac]]
| colspan=12|
|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| [[1950 Southern 500|DAR]]<br /><small>3</small>
| [[Langhorne Speedway|LAN]]
|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[1950 Wilkes 200|NWS]]<br /><small>19</small>
| [[Vernon Fairgrounds|VER]]
| [[Martinsville Speedway|MAR]]
| [[Winchester Speedway|WIN]]
| [[Occoneechee Speedway|HBO]]
| colspan=22|
|-
!rowspan=3| [[1951 in NASCAR|1951]]
! Wally Marks
! 1
! [[Oldsmobile|Olds]]
|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| [[Daytona Beach Road Course|DAB]]<br /><small>11</small>
| [[Charlotte Speedway|CLT]]
| [[Lakeview Speedway|NMO]]
| [[Carrell Speedway|GAR]]
| [[Occoneechee Speedway|HBO]]
| [[Arizona State Fairgrounds|ASF]]
| [[North Wilkesboro Speedway|NWS]]
| [[Martinsville Speedway|MAR]]
| [[Canfield Speedway|CAN]]
| colspan=32|
!rowspan=3| NA
!rowspan=3| 0
|-
!rowspan=2| [[B.J. Dantone]]
! 22
!rowspan=2| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
| colspan=9|
|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| [[Columbus Speedway|CLS]]<br /><small>6</small>
| colspan=31|
|-
! 83
| colspan=10|
|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[Columbia Speedway|CLB]]<br /><small>30</small>
| [[Dayton Speedway|DSP]]
| [[Carrell Speedway|GAR]]
| [[Grand River Speedrome|GRS]]
| [[Bainbridge Speedway|BAI]]
| [[Heidelberg Raceway|HEI]]
| [[Asheville-Weaverville Speedway|AWS]]
| [[Monroe County Fairgrounds|MCF]]
| [[Altamont-Schenectady Fairgrounds|ALS]]
|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| [[Michigan State Fairgrounds Speedway|MSF]]<br /><small>4</small>
| [[Fort Miami Speedway|FMS]]
| [[Morristown Speedway|MOR]]
| [[Air Base Speedway|ABS]]
|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[1951 Southern 500|DAR]]<br /><small>25</small>
| [[Columbia Speedway|CLB]]
| [[Central City Speedway|CCS]]
| [[Langhorne Speedway|LAN]]
| [[Charlotte Speedway|CLT]]
| [[Dayton Speedway|DSP]]
| [[Wilson Speedway|WIL]]
| [[Occoneechee Speedway|HBO]]
| [[Thompson Speedway|TPN]]
| [[Pine Grove Speedway|PGS]]
| [[Martinsville Speedway|MAR]]
| [[Oakland Speedway|OAK]]
| [[North Wilkesboro Speedway|NWS]]
| [[Hanford Motor Speedway|HMS]]
| [[Jacksonville Speedway Park|JSP]]
| [[Lakewood Speedway|ATL]]
| [[Carrell Speedway|GAR]]
| [[Lakeview Speedway|NMO]]
|}

==Awards==
Byron was inducted into the National Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1966.<ref name=":2" />

In 1998, as part of NASCAR's 50th Anniversary celebration, he was selected as one of [[NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Solodev |date=2024-12-02 |title=NASCAR 50 greatest drivers of the first 50 years |url=https://www.volusia.org/residents/history/volusia-stories/legacy-of-speed/nascars-50-greatest-drivers-of-the-first-50-years.stml |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=www.volusia.org |language=en}}</ref>

Byron was inducted into the [[International Motorsports Hall of Fame]] in 2008<ref name=":2" />

Byron was inducted into the [[NASCAR Hall of Fame]] on January 19, 2018. His induction was accepted by Winston Kelley, the executive director for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-19 |title=2018 NASCAR HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY HONORS FIVE NASCAR LEGENDS |url=https://www.nascarhall.com/media/press/2018-nascar-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony-honors-five-nascar-legends#:~:text=Red%20Byron,%20Ray%20Evernham,%20Ron,Beach%20Road%20Course%20in%201948. |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Nascar Hall of Fame |language=en-US}}</ref>

He was inducted into the [[Motorsports Hall of Fame of America]] on March 17, 2020.<ref name=MSHoF>[https://www.mshf.com/press-releases/news-2020-mshfa-inductees-announced.html 2020 Inductees] at the [[Motorsports Hall of Fame of America]]</ref>

In 2023, as part of NASCAR's 75th Anniversary celebration, he was included as one of [[NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers]]. Byron was automatically included because he was part of the original 50 Greatest Drivers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASCAR 75 Greatest Drivers |url=https://www.nascar.com/nascar75-greatest-drivers-timeline/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Official Site Of NASCAR |language=en-US}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{notelist}}

==External links==
* {{Racing-Reference driver|Red_Byron}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071107122602/http://thespeedblog.com/racers-past-robert-red-byron-1915-1960/ Biographical article on TheSpeedBlog.com]

{{s-start}}
{{s-sport}}
{{succession box
| before= [[Fonty Flock]]<br><small>(NCSCC)</small>
| title= [[NASCAR|NASCAR Modified Division Champion]]
| years= 1948
| after= [[Fonty Flock]]
}}
{{succession box |
  before= Inaugural |
  title= [[Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series|NASCAR Strictly Stock Series Champion]] |
  years= 1949|
  after= [[Bill Rexford]]
}}
{{s-end}}
{{2018 NASCAR HOF}}
{{NASCAR Cup Champions}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Byron, Red}}
[[Category:1915 births]]
[[Category:1960 deaths]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Anniston, Alabama]]
[[Category:Racing drivers from Alabama]]
[[Category:Racing drivers from Colorado]]
[[Category:NASCAR drivers]]
[[Category:NASCAR Cup Series champions]]
[[Category:United States Army Air Forces personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:United States Army Air Forces soldiers]]
[[Category:NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Racing drivers from Virginia]]