Donlavey hired Weatherly in 1952 to make his first Cup series start at the Southern 500 in Martinsville .
Multi-series champion Joe Weatherly also drove for Donlavey as a rookie , but not on a full - time basis .
Donlavey hired champion in 1952 to make Donlavey 's first Cup series start at the Southern 500 in Martinsville .
Multi-series champion Joe Weatherly also drove for Donlavey as a rookie , but not on a full - time basis .