Pete Hamilton began his racing career at Norwood Arena in 1962 in the street division. Eight years later he was in victory lane celebrating his Daytona 500 win.

Hamilton began working at Bob Bacchiochi's gas station as a 16 year old in Needham. Initially, he showed little interest in race cars. Little did he know that he was traveling in fast company.

Highly skilled stock car builders and drives such as Bob Bacchiochi, Bob Melnick, Jack Malone, Ed Flemke and others taught Hamilton all aspects of stock cars and how to drive them. His keen eye and technical mind allowed him to rapidly learn and develop his skills.

At age 25 Hamilton won the NASCAR National Sportsman Championship in the Worcester Sand & Gravel 69 coupe, at age 26 he was Winston Cup Rookie of the Year and at age 27 he won the 1970 Daytona 500.

At age 30 Hamilton walked away from professional racing. A neck injury from a violent 1969 crash caught up with him. His record includes three 500 mile super speedways wins and 24 top five finishes in 60 Winston Cup starts.

While many remember Hamilton for his Winston Cup and national title accomplishments, it's his early years at the track that no longer exists that local fans and friends will forever cherish.

Photos Courtesy J.C.Crossley
Crossley works in George Savary's body shop in Needham's Gasoline Alley.