Marshall Pleasant Teague is a former American race car driver. He was born on February 11, 1921 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Teague was known for his success in the AAA Stock Car series, in which he won three consecutive championships from 1951-1953, making him a master in oval track courses. Marshall was nicknamed 'King of the Beach' for his dominance at Daytona Beach in the early days of his career. Teague was active in the NASCAR racing community between 1949 and 1952. Teague was the first driver to get a major sponsorship from Hudson Motors a manufacturer, to his stock car team.
Teague's career was cut short on February 11, 1959, as he passed away during a high-speed trial at the newly constructed Daytona International Speedway. Teague was also the inspiration for Doc Hudson in the film Cars. Teague reportedly also played an important role in the career of Smokey Yunick, convincing him to become a NASCAR mechanic.
Marshall Teague Wins
According to NASCAR, Marshall Teague has participated in 23 races in NASCAR Cup Series career, in which he has won 7 races, with 11 Top Tens and 2 Poles. His first race was in 1949 at Daytona Beach and his last race was in 1952 at Columbia. Teague's first win was in 1951 at Daytona Beach and his last win was in 1952 at Speedway Park.
- 1945: First Race - Finished Second
- 1949: Won 200-mile Daytona Beach Race, Average Speed 88.23 MPH
- 1951: Won 160-mile Grand National at Daytona Beach
- 1951 & 1952: Finishes sixth and seventh respectively in the 2000 Mile Mexican Road Race
- 1952: Winner of the Daytona Beach Road Course
- 1951: AAA Stock Car Driver of the Year
- 1952 & 1954: AAA National Stock Car Champion
- 1953: First race at Indianapolis Speedway
- 1957: Finishes Seventh at Indy 500
Marshall Teague Career
Teague started his career by approaching the Hudson Car Company without an appointment. By the end of the visit, Hudson assured Teague of corporate support and car, creating a formal relationship. This is regarded as the first stock car racing team backed by a Detroit auto manufacturer. Teague was a member of the Hudson Motors team and drove the Fabulous Hudson Hornet stock cars in the 1951-1952 racing seasons.
Teague was helping Hudson to tune the 308 cu in (5.0L) straight-6 powered Hudson Hornet to its maximum stock capability. With the new powerful engine and the car's lightweight and low center of gravity, it enabled Teague and other Hudson drivers to dominate stock car racing from 1951 to 1954, beating modern engines. Teague and Smokey Yunick won 27 of 34 events in major stock car events.
In 1953, Teague had a dispute with the NASCAR founder, William France Sr., and thus dropped out of NASCAR and went to the AAA and USAC racing circuits. During the 1950s- 1960s, Indianapolis was part of the FIA World Championship, drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Teague was part of three World Championship races but scored no World Championship points.
FAQs on Marshall Teague
Yes, Marshall Teague was inducted in Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2001
Marshall Teague passed away during a speed trial at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 1959.
Marshall Teague primarily raced on Hudson Hornets during his NASAR career
Marshall Teague was active in NASCAR as a driver in 1953-1954 and 1956-1958.
