Friday Hassler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Raymond Hassler |
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Hassler by his car
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| Born | June 29, 1935 Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States |
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| Died | February 17, 1972 (aged 36) Daytona Beach, Florida, United States |
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| Cause of death | Racing accident | ||||||
| NASCAR Cup Series career | |||||||
| 135 races run over 10 years | |||||||
| Best finish | 16th (1971) | ||||||
| First race | 1960 National 400 (Charlotte) | ||||||
| Last race | 1972 Winston Western 500 (Riverside) | ||||||
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Raymond Lee "Friday" Hassler (born July 29, 1935 – died February 17, 1972) was an American stock car racing driver. He competed in the NASCAR Grand National and Winston Cup Series, which are top levels of stock car racing. Hassler was known for his determination and skill on the track.
Racing Career
Hassler began his NASCAR career in 1960. For several years, he raced only a few times each season. In 1967, he started racing more often, competing in 21 races. He finished 32nd in points that year. The next year, he improved to 27th place.
In 1969, Hassler drove his own car and finished 28th in the points standings. That same year, he won the second annual Snowball Derby. This race is now considered one of the most important short track races in the sport. In 1970, he finished 20th in points.
His best season was 1971. That year, he drove his own car to 13 top ten finishes. This means he finished among the top ten drivers in 13 different races. He ended the season in 16th place in the overall points standings.
At the 1971 Volunteer 500 race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Hassler helped another driver, Charlie Glotzbach. Hassler took over as a relief driver for Glotzbach, who went on to win the race. This was not an official win for Hassler himself. It was one of only three times in NASCAR history that two drivers shared the winning car in a premier series race.
Tragic Accident
Raymond Hassler died from injuries he received in a racing accident. This happened on February 17, 1972, during a qualifying race for the 1972 Daytona 500. He was 36 years old and was at a high point in his racing career.
The accident involved many cars. Hassler's car hit the outside wall head-on. Other cars then crashed into his car. He died from the injuries he sustained in the crash. His wife, Joannie, was among the thousands of fans watching the race when the accident occurred.
Legacy
Raymond Hassler's son, Jay, now lives in Hixson, Tennessee. He owns a business that rents equipment. Jay has also raced super late model cars sometimes at Five Flags Speedway. This is the same track where his father won the Snowball Derby.
Hassler is also featured in a book from 1975. The book is called The World's Number One, Flat-Out, All-Time Great Stock Car Racing Book by Jerry Bledsoe.
