Jimmy Pardue

James Mansfield Pardue (October 26, 1930 – September 22, 1964)^[2] was a NASCAR race car driver who lived in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, USA.^[1]

James Pardue
Born	(1930-10-26)October 26, 1930 North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, United States
Died	September 22, 1964(1964-09-22) (aged 33) Concord, North Carolina, United States
Cause of death	Race car crash
NASCAR Cup Series career
218[1] races run over 8[1] years
Best finish	5th - 1964 Grand National season[1]
First race	1955-42 (Martinsville)
Last race	1964-55 (Hillsboro)
First win	1962-18 (Southside)
Last win	1963-32 (Dog Track)
Wins Top tens Poles 2[1] 88[1] 3[1]

Summary

He made his debut in 1955 at Martinsville, where he finished 28th after suffering hub problems in his Chevrolet Bel Air vehicle. He made his first full-time attempt in 1960 where he had eleven top-tens. In 1962, he won his first race at Richmond VA's Southside Speedway, followed up by another win the following year at Dog Track Speedway in Moyock, NC.

Pardue's car number was 54. A part of his career was during the same time that the popular television show, Car 54, Where Are You? was running on network television. On the door of his car, he added a small "Car" above the number, and "Here I Am" below it.

In 1964, he was doing a tire test for Goodyear at Charlotte Motor Speedway, when a tire blew and caused him to lose control. The car went through the guardrail in Turns 3 and 4 and came to rest outside the track. The 33-year-old Pardue did not survive the wreck. Despite his season being cut short, he still finished 5th in points.

Items from Pardue's career, including a door from his car and Burton & Robinson Racing Team apparel, are on display at the Wilkes Heritage Museum in Wilkesboro.

References

1. Jimmy Pardue career statistics at Racing Reference
2. "Motorsport Memorial - Jim Pardue". Motorsport Memorial. Retrieved 31 March 2023.