Joe "Little Joe" Jernigan
MAY 23, 1915 -- JUNE 23, 1951

 

Joseph "Little Joe" Jernigan ran just four races in his NASCAR career. The Norfolk, Virginia driver died in his final start at the Royal Speedway in Richmond, Virginia. He turned over on the backstretch of the Richmond track as was facing oncoming traffic. Another race car struck his vehicle and Jernigan was killed instantly.

 

 

 

            

This 1951 Ford # 4 was originally driven by "Little Joe" Jernigan at Daytona Beach, Florida at the beach races. Joe was killed at 32 years years of age. Ralph Rose replaced Joe in this race car.

Editors Note: Research on Little Joe Jernigan happened after I received the following email and peaked my curiosity. Subject: Legends Info on Joe "Little Joe" Jernigan "Hello, my name in Joe Jernigan Amory in Williamsburg, VA. I was named after my great Uncle Joe "Little Joe" Jernigan who raced cars at the Princess Anne Speedway in Norfolk, VA. He was killed in a race before I was born. I'm trying to find old articles, films or photos of him. My Grandmother, his sister, did not have any pictures of him racing but I know there has to be some somewhere. If you know of someone who may have some pictures of him racing or round the track or even if you could direct me in the right direction of who to contact I would greatly appreciate it." Please forward any of this requested information using this CONTACT button. Another email from Joe Jernigan Amory: Thanks so much for the information and pictures. This means so much to me and my family, they will be excited to hear this information about him. My aunts and uncles from the Jernigan / Amory side of the family are old enoughto remember him and they had gone to some of his races, so they will appreciate the pictures and tribute.  My father (Robert J. Amory III) passed away almost four years ago and he loved to watch him race and would have gone into racing if Joe would have  lived longer. I thought it would be nice to have a photo album of the person who I was named after. Thank you for taking the time to give me this information about my great uncle. 4/7/06: Email: I thought you maybe interested in this, it is my Great Uncles tomb stone in Norfolk, Virginia at the Forest Lawn Cemetery. My sister, Judi Tomlin was out on a adventure to find tomb stones of our family members and found his. I thought it maybe some interest to other who admired him when he was racing. My father loved to watch him race and know our family will now appreciate knowing where he was laid to rest. If your reader have pictures or information about him maybe they could send them into you and you could forward them to me, thanks for taking the time and interest in my great Uncle Joe "Little Joe" Jernigan.

Paul Sawyer - Princess Ann Track Owner - 1916-2005 Written by: Ben Blake Richmond, Va. – 2/27/2005 Paul Sawyer, one of NASCAR's true founders, died late Saturday after several months of declining health. Mr. Sawyer, who operated what is now Richmond International Raceway for more than 45 years, was 88, and in many ways was the last of his breed. Mr. Sawyer, a native of Norfolk, Va., served in the U.S. Army during World War II and became a supply and salvage officer for the Navy in Norfolk. After the war, he began building and preparing race cars and became acquainted with fellow Norfolk resident Joe Weatherly, who went on to become NASCAR driving champion in 1963. The two were close friends and business associates until Weatherly's death in 1964. Mr. Sawyer and Weatherly promoted races at several locations, including now-defunct tracks at Princess Anne, Va., and Wilson, N.C. The most important promotion was at the Virginia State Fairgrounds in Richmond. The flat, half-mile horse track on that site became known as Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, holding its first major NASCAR race in 1953.

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