Herb Thomas’s story has always been inspiring. He was a farmer before becoming a successful NASCAR driver in the 1950s. Herb Thomas secured 49 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series in 10 years. He won two NASCAR Cup championships with the Hudson Hornet which also inspired the makers of the Disney/Pixar anime series. His Hudson model was the main inspiration for Doc Hudson, the Deuteragonist character. Here is everything about Herb Thomas car collections, car numbers, and more.
Herb Thomas Car Collections
Herb Thomas made his debut in NASCAR in 1949. He started with Ford for the Thomas Racing team before moving to Plymouth. Herb Thomas also drove for Hubert Westmoreland in his Oldsmobile. Herb Thomas drove the #92 Hudson Hornet vehicle in the 1951 season and won the cup series. He also won the 1953 NASCAR Cup Series with the 1952 model of Hudson Hornet. Herb Thomas’ Hudson cars featured the “Twin H – Power” engines.
Chevrolet Sedan was another lucky vehicle for Herb Thomas. He won three Southern 500 where he drove the #92 Tri-Five Chevrolet. Herb Thomas’s family sold his 1955 Hudson Italia and other Hudson vehicles in 2018. He also drove for the Kiekhaefer team in Chryslers and won many races. Some of Herb Thomas’ cars are displayed at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Packard, Dodge, and Buick are some of Herb Thomas’ other car collections.
Herb Thomas Car Accidents
Herb Thomas suffered many car accidents during his NASCAR days, but the 1956 crash at Shelby resulted in his retirement. Herb Thomas was on track to win his third NASCAR Cup Series in the 1956 season, but he was involved in a crash after driving at a high speed. Herb Thomas suffered back injury and his bones were broken. He was forced to retire after the season. Herb Thomas’ team finished 2nd in that event and also participated for some seasons.
Before this, Herb Thomas was part of another accident at Charlotte in the 1956 season. He was driving a Buick sponsored by Smokey Yunick. Thomas lost control and he was thrown out after his car flipped. Herb Thomas suffered injuries because he didn’t have a HANS device and there were no seat belts as well.
Herb Thomas Car Numbers
Herb Thomas’ lucky number was #92 as this helped him win the two NASCAR Cup Series in 1951 and 1953. He drove the #92 Fabulous Hudson Hornet and won the events. His Hudson Hornet cars were designed in Blue and Green colors. Herb Thomas didn’t get sponsors for cars and paint schemes. Some of Herb Thomas’ other car numbers in NASCAR were #9, #92, #99, #41.5, #501, #901, and #300B.
