On October 28, 1956, Martinsville Speedway hosted the first “Mixed 400,” a groundbreaking 400-lap race that combined hardtop and convertible cars on the .525-mile dirt oval. This pioneering event set the stage for future “Sweepstakes” races in NASCAR. A 40-car field competed, with Buck Baker winning the pole at 61.136 mph.
Jack Smith, driving the #502 Carl Kiekhaefer Dodge hardtop, took command late and led the final 175 laps to score his first Grand National victory. He beat Marvin Panch by a solid margin and earned $2,275. Bill Amick finished third, followed by Speedy Thompson and Fireball Roberts. Notably, the top five finishers were all hardtop cars. The race was slowed by four cautions, with Smith averaging 61.136 mph.
In the points battle, Buck Baker left Martinsville with a 282-point lead over the hospitalized Herb Thomas. This historic mixed-format race marked an important milestone in NASCAR’s early evolution.
