The 1953-36 was a Grand National (now Sprint Cup) event held at Martinsville Speedway on October 13, 1953. Buck Baker had the best car in the race, leading the first 127 laps before mechanical issues took him out while leading. Jim Paschal went by, led the last 73 laps and held off Lee Petty for the victory. Despite a last place finish, Herb Thomas (26th) practically clinched the season championship. Stats