Marty Robbins: NASCAR Star, Country Music Legend

Before, during, and after his NASCAR appearances, Robbins was a regular in late model sportsman competition at the old Nashville Speedway. Legend said he asked for the latest slot on the Opry so he could complete his race at Nashville Speedway. In honor of his dual careers, Robbins’ racing suit is on display in the Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Opry.

Big Rig
In one of his most memorable races, the spring race at Talladega in 1972, Marty cheated. Understand that cheating was—and is—not unusual in NASCAR. Here are just a few: Richard Petty used an oversized engine to score his 199th win (and maybe others), nitrous oxide bottles have been hidden in frame rails, many started the race with heavy right side wheels so that left side weight balance would be increased after the first stop, others dropped lead shot or mercury from the frame rails once the race started to reduce weight. The big difference: Marty admitted to rigging the restrictor plate so that it opened up during the race. The key was a bit of airplane model glue and wire retainers to prevent the restrictor rings from being digested by the engine. He disqualified himself: Perhaps the only time that’s happened in NASCAR. He said he just wanted to see what it was like to run with Petty, David Pearson and Bobby Allison.


In 1971, he competed in seven races with his best finish a seventh-place performance in the Southern 500 at Darlington. The next year, he had an eighth-place finish in the Miller High Life 500 at Ontario, Calif., and a ninth in the Southern 500.


Most of Robbins’s Cup career occurred after he had heart by-pass surgery. He said racing was relaxing compared to performing at the Grand Ol’ Opry. His last Winston Cup race was on Nov. 7, 1982. He died a month later on Dec. 8, 1982, following a heart attack. He was 57. What a way to go out.

About the Author
Mac Demere is a former race driver who competed in the NASCAR Southwest Tour and Daytona 24 Hours.