Claim: In the 1979 Champion Spark Plug 400, David Pearson (1960's NASCAR Rookie of the Year, and winner of three cup series) traveled at speeds of 162 miles per hour in a Chevrolet, while average speeds were 130mph.
Evidence: David Pearson earned the pole position with a speed of 162.992 miles per hour (262.310 km/h) while the average speed was 130.376 miles per hour (209.820 km/h). David Pearson Chevrolet Pearson won the 1960 NASCAR Rookie of the Year award and three Cup Series championships (1966, 1968, and 1969).