“Memorial services were held Wednesday for Robert Joe “Bob” Welborn, a NASCAR pioneer who won the pole for the inaugural race at Daytona International Speedway in 1959. Welborn, who died Sunday at age 69, won the National Convertible Driving Championship in 1956, 1957 and 1958. He competed in NASCAR’s Grand National division during the 1950s and early 1960s. Welborn captured seven victories before retiring in 1964. In 1982, Welborn was elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame”(AP)(8-13-97)
