NASCAR Cup Series (1949-1962)
Titles: 1951, 1953
Victories: 48. Starts: 228
Named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998
The first three-time winner of the Southern 500

The first three-time winner of the Southern 500 (1951, 1954, 1955), Thomas was a native of Harnett County, NC, born there April 6, 1922. He was recognized, along with Lee Petty, as NASCAR's first superstar, setting the precedent for wins, Grand National (now Winston Cup) championships and Southern 500 trophies. Herb won 48 races (12th all-time), two championships 1951 and 1953). A serious accident in 1956 cost him a third championship and all but ended his career. He attempted a couple of comebacks but decided to retire in 1962. He had an amazing 21% winning percentage in Grand National history.