Glenn Dunaway

Henry Glenn Dunaway (July 6, 1914 – March 8, 1964) was an American auto racer noted for initially winning, and then being disqualified from, what is today recognized as NASCAR's first-ever race.

NASCAR career

1949

Dunaway competed in NASCAR first Strictly Stock (now Sprint Cup) race on June 19, 1949. He won the race by three laps over Jim Roper after all 33 cars in the race were overheating. Chief NASCAR inspector Al Crisler disqualified Dunaway’s car because car owner Hubert Westmoreland had shored up the chassis by spreading the rear springs, a favorite bootlegger trick to improve traction and handling.

When asked about the illegal modifications, Dunaway responded: “Just one of them deals”. The night after the race ended, Dunaway went to Bill France's hotel room at the Alamo Plaza, told France that he knew he had won the race and France promptly gave Dunaway his winnings. Westmoreland sued NASCAR for US$10,000, but Greensboro, North Carolina Judge John J. Hayes threw the case out of court, thus setting a legal precedent that recognized NASCAR's power to oversee its own races. Dunaway received no money, and was credited with finishing last in the 33 car field. Roper was credited with the win in NASCAR's first Strictly Stock race.