Ken Spikes

Kenneth "Ken" Spikes (born February 2, 1935 in Cordele, Georgia - died November 16, 2009 in Albany, Georgia) was a driver for the NASCAR Grand National Series who drove from 1964 to 1970. Before he was in NASCAR, Spikes served honorably for the United States Air Force.[1] During his spare time, Spikes would devote his time to operating a company specializing in heavy equipment.[1]

Kenneth "Ken" Spikes
Born(1935-02-02)February 2, 1935
Cordele, Georgia, United States
DiedNovember 19, 2009(2009-11-19) (aged 74)
Albany, Georgia, United States
NASCAR Cup Series career
16 races run over 3 years
Best finish40th – 1964
First race1964 Atlanta 500 (Atlanta)
Last race1970 Talladega 500 (Talladega)
Wins Top tens Poles
0 1 0

Career

Spikes officially drove in 1755 laps of professional stock car racing action; which is the equivalent of 2,695.3 miles (4,337.7 km).[2] The primary manufacturers for this driver were Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Dodge.[3][4] While he enjoyed an average start of 31st place; racing skills developed on the track allowed him to improve on his unimpressive starts with an average finish of 26th place.[2][4] Spikes would earn a grand total of $8,235 from his entire NASCAR driving career ($54,215.51 when adjusted for inflation).[2][4] He would fail to qualify for one race only: the 1967 National 500 set in prestigious Charlotte Motor Speedway (Concord, North Carolina).[5]

After retiring from racing, he devoted his life to religion and became a minister. As a faithful church-goer at the Listonia Christian Mission, Spikes knew that he would be attracted to the ministry and became Reverend Ken Spikes.[1] He died at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia; leaving behind his wife Miriam (née Dean) along with four daughters, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.[1]

Titles, honours and awards

Shorthand titles
  • February 2, 1935 – [Exact date unknown]: Mr. Kenneth Spikes
  • [Exact date unknown] – November 16, 2009: Reverend Kenneth Spikes

References
  1. Ken Spikes' death at Jayski.com
  2. Ken Spikes career statistics at Racing Reference
  3. Ken Spikes career information at Ultimate Racing History
  4. Ken Spikes complete information at Fantasy Racing Cheat Sheet
  5. Ken Spike's only DNQ at Racing Reference
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