John Rostek, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

John Rostek

American racing driver

Date of Birth: 12-Nov-1925

Place of Birth: Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

Date of Death: 29-Dec-1969

Profession: engineer

Nationality: United States

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

John Rostek (November 12, 1925 – December 29, 1969) was a NASCAR driver from Fort Collins, Colorado.
Despite racing in just six Grand National (later NEXTEL Cup) events in his career, Rostek earned one victory, one pole and three top-tens. Five of his six races came in 1960, when Rostek debuted at Daytona, racing in the Daytona 500 qualifier.
But a crash on the fifth lap would end his chances of a good finish and making the 500, finishing 39th.
In his next race at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, Rostek took the lead midway through the event, led 58 laps and pulled away to a surprise victory in his firsGrand National t NASCAR event.
He proved it was no fluke later in the year, finishing third at Marchbanks Speedway and seventh at Montgomery Air Base after leading seven laps and starting on the pole. Rostek's final race came in 1963, racing at the Riverside International Raceway.
Starting 27th in the forty-four car field, Rostek appeared poised for another top-ten finish before a late crash sidelined him to 16th. Footnote from Sharon Rostek: Rostek had additional races the summer of 1963.
Rostek finished first in a race he promoted at Continental Divide Raceways July 1, 1963.
On August 11, 1963 he raced at the Milwaukee Mile and placed 5th.
In 1964 he again promoted a race at Continental Divide Raceways, Parnelli Jones was first, Rostek placed 7th. Rostek was the first NASCAR driver using the #19 to win a Grand National event.