The NASCAR Grand National Series held a race at Orange Speedway in Hillsborough, North Carolina, on April 2, 1961, after rain forced the original March 19 date to be postponed. The 0.900‑mile dirt track hosted 20 cars competing over 110 laps, covering approximately 99 miles. Ned Jarrett earned the pole position with a speed of 91.836 mph. Cotton Owens ultimately captured the victory after taking the lead from Junior Johnson with 18 laps remaining after Johnson suffered a late mechanical problem. Owens won the race by roughly a quarter of a lap over Richard Petty, Buck Baker, Junior Johnson, and Rex White. The race lasted 1 hour and 10 minutes, with an average speed of 84.695 mph and only one caution. Around 4,900 spectators attended, witnessing multiple lead changes among the top competitors. This win was one of four for Owens during his 1961 part‑time championship season.
