THE TOM KIRKLAND COLLECTION

REX

Rex White relaxes with a crew member during preparations for the 1960 Southern 500 at Darlington, a race in which he finished second to Buck Baker. The race, held on Sept. 5, 1960, was marked by tragedy when Bobby Johns' car crashed into the unprotected pit area.

Three were killed -- mechanics Paul McDuffie and Charles Sweatlund, as well as NASCAR inspector Joe Taylor. White went on to capture that season's NASCAR Grand National championship on the strength of six wins, 25 top-five finishes and 35 top 10s in 44 starts. In all, White scored a total of 28 wins between 1958 and 1962.