The Strange & Interesting Career of Frank Mundy

The Strange & Interesting Case of Frank Mundy

By Brian H Cotnoir

I've seen a lot of strange and interesting background stories for race car drivers, but in the case of driver Frank Mundy, he may have one of the most interesting careers in racing history.  Like lots of legendary drivers, he drove anything and everything he could including motorcycles, stockcars, and even a Rental Car!  The man who nicknamed himself "Rebel" raced with a Confederate Flag proudly displayed on his car (something today that is--rightfully--frowned upon in NASCAR today).  Mundy was a pioneer of the sport and was present and some of the biggest and most important moments in early NASCAR history, and I'm sure--just like how I was until recently--you're asking yourself "Who the Hell in Frank Mundy?"   Well buckle up, race fans as we dive into the Strange & Interesting Case of Frank Mundy.

That's paint scheme's not going to fly today

Mundy was born Francisco Eduardo Menendez in Atlanta, Georgia on January 18, 1918.  His father was from Spain but died when Frank was very young; young Frank was sent to live in an orphanage in Macon, Georgia.  Somewhere in adulthood, Francisco Menendez changed his name to Frank Mundy; it can't be said for certain, but it was most likely an attempt a race passing.   Being born in the Jim Crow South, he most certainly would have faced racial discrimination not only in trying to enter races, but in all facets of life.  By giving himself a more Americanized-name Mundy, he most likely opened himself up to opportunities.   He even gave himself a nickname; "The Rebel".

Mundy began performing as a motorcycle stuntman and in 1939, and when America entered World War II a couple of years later, Mundy enlisted in the United States Army.  Upon leaving the Army at the end of the War, he returned to riding and racing motorcycle's while working at a Gas Station in Daytona Beach, Florida.   The man who owned gas station was named Bill France, Sr., Yes, THE Bill France Sr.  Bill Sr. invited Mundy to a meeting at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida to attend a meeting where France would create the National Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing (NASCAR).  Two years later Mundy would be one of 33 entrants in the first as NASCAR Strictly Stock (now Cup) Series at Charlotte Speedway in Charlotte, NC. Driving a Cadillac (yeah, a freaking Cadillac!) Mundy would finish in the 30th position after dropping out from a rear-front spindle issue.

Mundy would be present at a lot of Historical Moments in NASCAR.   Two years later, Mundy would start on Pole at the first ever Southern 500, but just like Race No. 1, Mundy would have suffered oil pressure issues after only 12 laps and wound-up finishing dead last....oh I should mention that 82 cars were entered in that years Southern 500; the largest NASCAR field in history!   Due to that poor luck, Mundy will hold the distinction of lowest recorded finishing position in a NASCAR race for the History.

I've always had a soft spot for Studebaker's

It wouldn't all be bad luck for Mundy though.  1951 would be Mundy's breakout year in the sport.  He entered 26-of-that-seasons-41 races and won three races (twice in a Studebaker and once in an Oldsmobile).   Mundy actually scored Studebaker's first win as a manufacturer in NASCAR with his win at Columbia Motor Speedway in South Carolina.  Another legendary story from Mundy was the time he drove all the way out to a race in California only to discover he had no ride.  The lack of a ride didn't deter Mundy, who after bumming a ride to a local Hertz Rent-A-Car, entered a rented Chevrolet in the race.  Mundy painted a white X on the car and drove it to an 11th place finish!

Mundy would end up have a falling out with Bill France Sr. and began racing in the Midwestern based AAA/USAC Stock Car Series in 1953.   Mundy would drive USAC Stock Cars for legendary car owner Carl Kiekhaefer, the same man who owned cars run by legend Tim Flock and Buck Baker.  Mundy would win the USAC Stock Car Championship for Kiekhaefer in 1955.  Mundy would eventually settle his differences with Big Bill France and return to NASCAR in 1956.  He ran 9 races in the Cup Series and made another 13 starts in the NASCAR Convertible Series, where he won 6 races!  Mundy Made his last start in NASCAR at Martinsville Speedway that same year, where he'd finish in 9th place during the Old Dominion 400.   

Unfortunately, not much about Mundy is known after he retired from NASCAR, which is sad because he certainly sounds like he led quite the amazing life.  I hope you enjoyed learning as much about Frank Mundy, as I did researching him.