The 1953 Wilkes 160 was a Grand National (now Sprint Cup) event held at North Wilkesboro Speedway on October 11, 1953. Speedy Thompson took the lead with just twenty-five laps to go, but pulled away to a two-lap lead on Fonty Flock as Thompson took the checkered flag. Despite a 15th place effort, Herb Thomas could clinch the 1953 championship by starting the next week. Stats