NASCAR pioneer G.C. Spencer dies at age 82

G.C. Spencer, one of NASCAR’s pioneer drivers, died Thursday at the age of 82. He made his NASCAR debut in 1958 and competed in 415 races before retiring in 1977.

"G. C. was one of those guys everybody liked," said NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter. "I never heard anyone say anything negative about him. He helped build the sport everyone enjoys today."

Spencer, who drove the No. 49 for much of his 20-year career, had 55 top-five finishes and 138 top 10s. Although he never won a race, he finished second seven times.

His best season was 1965 when he finished fourth in the standings behind Ned Jarrett, Dick Hutcherson and Darel Dieringer. He finished the year with 14 top fives and earned his only career pole, at Hickory Motor Speedway.