Pete Hamilton was a very talented race car driver who competed from 1962-1975. Making starts in the Nascar Cup Series, Nascar Sportsman Series, Nascar Grand American Series, Super Late Models' Modifieds and Late Models. Following a successful driving career, Hamilton served as a car builder and mentor to several drivers on the southern dirt track circuit in the 1980s.

Winning the NASCAR National Sportsman division championship in 1967. In 1968 he was named NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year. Following that up in 1969 winning 12 out of 26 NASCAR Grand American races. Becoming a teammate to Richard Petty in 1970, Hamilton won 3 Cup Series races including the 1970 Daytona 500. Making starts for some of NASCAR'S best vintage owners, such as Petty Enterprises, Cotton Owens and Banjo Matthews.

By the end of the 1973 season he retired from NASCAR altogether due to a neck injury he suffered in 1969 Grand American accident. Going back to short track racing late models in the mid 1970s. Winning several notable short track events including, the 1974 and '75 World Series of Asphalt in the Super Late Model division. As well as the 1974 Snowball Derby and the 1975 Rattler 250.

NASCAR'S Winningest Part Timer: Pete Hamilton

PHOTOS COURTSEY OF:

Getty Images

New England Auto Racers HOF John Grady Photo

Pete Stoll Photo

Racing Through Time Speedwaylinereport.com

Cotton Owens Garage

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