Folks Of Interest Marvin Panch 1961 Daytona 500 winner Passes Away.

1961 Daytona 500 winner Marvin Panch died at 89 years old on Thursday.

Panch was driving for Smokey Yunick.








A link to a story about Marvin Panch-

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20151231/SPORTS/151239929/101040

 

Absolutely one of NASCAR's greatest. He was Holman & Moody's first team driver when they purchased the DePaulo factory Ford team in 1957. R.I.P. "Pancho"

 

Marvin was also one of the two drivers to drive the Hollman-Moody Ford Falcon Challenger raced at the Sebring 12 hour race in 1962. The car was built in three weeks and driven by Marvin Panch and Jocko Maggiacomo. Finished 2nd in class and 36th overall. HRP

 

One of the greats without a doubt. I'm sure some of you remember the early NASCAR coverage on the WW of Sports. It was a treat I always looked forward to.
RIP Mr. Panch
(aside, I spent about an hour watching the reunion segments linked, good stuff)

 

I wish I was old enough to remember.

I was born in Dec. 1981.

My father always made sure I knew the history, and met many of the pioneers.

Panch won his first Grand National race on July 20, 1956 at Montgomery, Alabama. Panch won the pole and dominated the 100-mile event in this car



Info from www.legendsofnascar.com

 

I met Marvin at a Pontiac club national convention some years ago, he was a very nice guy.

 

R.I.P. Marvin and Ron Bouchard

 

After retiring as a driver in the late '60s he opened an auto repair business in Charlotte specializing in brake service. I drove past it frequently over the decade or two it was open.

 

The best Marvin story I like is how Tiny Lund saved his life pulling him from a burning wreck (not a NASCAR race car). Tiny went on to drive the 'cup car Marvin was supposed to drive in the 1963 Daytona 500 and won. Tiny and Marvin are two of the most under-rated drivers of the era.

 

It was a 427 Ford powered Maserati Tipo 151 running for a closed course record at Daytona.

Tiny Lund, Bill Wimble, and Erine Gahan all helped to pull Marvin out of the burning car

 

A sad day for sure. Amazing the part he played in two of the most unlikely Daytona 500 win's. His win and Tinys win. I'm proud to say that my uncle Junior Robbins was Marvin crew chief in the 500.

 

RIP Marvin.

 

RIP Marvin.

 

Very, interesting. Do you have any photos?

 

RIP Marvin.

 

When I talked to him he mentioned that he had been a factory rep for Raysbestos.

 

No I don't have any pic's. My uncle is pictured sitting with Smokey in his office in Smokey' s three volume book set.

 

Made it to 89! Good for you Marv, RIP..