Harry Gant (center, holding trophy) and crew fill pit row after taking first place at the Martinsville Speedway in April 2982. (Photo: Getty Images)

Harry Gant was the ultimate late bloomer. Gant, of Taylorsville, N.C., never had a full-time ride in NASCAR's top level until he was 39 years old. That's not the only reason Gant was a late bloomer. Gant finished second 10 times before he ever won. The long-awaited victory occurred at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on April 25, 1982. Eventually Gant won 18 races, including the final two at the age of 52.