Ed Samples (January 31, 1921 – June 10, 1991) was a pioneering American stock car driver, who competed in NSCRA and NASCAR events in the 1940s and early 1950s.
He survived being shot three times in a dispute over the production of the liquor shortly before World War II; soon afterward he changed his career to competition on the racetrack after observing the racing prowess of fellow moonshiner Lloyd Seay, declaring auto racing to be "safer than moonshine".
[6] Samples was a front-runner on France's NCSCC circuit in the late 1940s;[7] he finished second in the series, which sanctioned "modifieds", in the final 1947 season standings, behind Fonty Flock and ahead of Red Byron.
[9] Samples' 1949 season was interrupted when he was one of three drivers banned from NASCAR competition by Bill France for "conduct detrimental to the best interests of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing" following their competing in an NSCRA event the same weekend as a NASCAR race;[10] he was reinstated later in the year following the payment of a fine.
[15] Samples, described by Tim Flock as "one of the best Modified drivers I've ever seen", died in 1991; survived by his wife Virginia and son Eddie, he was inducted into the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame as part of its 2003 class.