The 1956-24 was a Grand National (now Sprint Cup) - Pacific Coast Late Model Series (now West Series) combination event held at Merced Fairgrounds on June 3, 1956. Herb Thomas cruised to an easy victory, the 16th straight victory for a Carl Kiekhaefer-owned team, a record that will likely stand forever. It was also Thomas's 48th and final series victory. Eventual season champ Buck Baker did not compete in the race. Stats