Frank Mundy
Encyclopedia
Frank "Rebel" Mundy was an American stock car racer. He competed in the American Automobile Association
(AAA) stock cars, winning the 1955 national championship, before the series
changed to United States Auto Club (USAC) sanction. He also raced in NASCAR
's Grand National (now Sprint Cup Series) and won three races under that sanction.
of the Southern 500. His career average start would eventually become 11th while his career average finish would become 17th place. Mundy would race 3,583 laps in his career - the equivalent of 3184.6 miles (5,125.1 km). Out of the 3583 laps that he completed in his career, Mundy would only lead 458 (12%) of them. His career spanned from 1949
to 1956.
One of his accomplishments was winning the 1955 running of the Southern Illinois 100
. Frequently seen in rides owned by Carl Kiekhaefer
, Mundy's seven-year career would involve him racing in classic races like the 1956 Southern 500
where he finished in 38th place out of 70 competitors. He would also be seen racing at Lakeview Speedway
in Mobile
, Alabama
. As a personal driver for General George S. Patton
during World War II
, Mundy would gain valuable driving experience for NASCAR.
(AAA) and USAC Stock Car
races. He won the 1955 AAA national stock car championship. Studebaker
and Oldsmobile
were Frank Mundy's preferred manufacturers for NASCAR rides.
His widow Mae Mundy would survive him after his death in 2009.
American Automobile Association
AAA , formerly known as the American Automobile Association, is a federation of 51 independently operated motor clubs throughout North America. AAA is a not-for-profit member service organization with more than 51 million members. AAA provides services to its members such as travel, automotive,...
(AAA) stock cars, winning the 1955 national championship, before the series
USAC Stock Car
The USAC Stock Car division was the stock car racing class sanctioned by the United States Auto Club . The division raced nationally; drivers from USAC's open wheel classes like IndyCars, Silver Crown, sprint cars, and midgets frequently competed in races and won championships...
changed to United States Auto Club (USAC) sanction. He also raced in NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
's Grand National (now Sprint Cup Series) and won three races under that sanction.
NASCAR
Mundy started at the pole position only to find himself finishing the race in 82nd place at the 1951 running1951 Southern 500
The 1951 Southern 500 was a NASCAR Grand National race that took place on September 3, 1951 at Darlington Raceway in the American community of Darlington, South Carolina.-Summary:...
of the Southern 500. His career average start would eventually become 11th while his career average finish would become 17th place. Mundy would race 3,583 laps in his career - the equivalent of 3184.6 miles (5,125.1 km). Out of the 3583 laps that he completed in his career, Mundy would only lead 458 (12%) of them. His career spanned from 1949
1949 in NASCAR
The 1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock season was the inaugural season of professional stock car racing in the United States. Beginning at Charlotte Speedway on June 19, 1949, the season included eight races and two exhibition races. The season concluded with the Wilkes 200 at North Wilkesboro Speedway on...
to 1956.
One of his accomplishments was winning the 1955 running of the Southern Illinois 100
Southern Illinois 100
The Southern Illinois 100 is an ARCA RE/MAX Series stock car race held annually on the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds Racetrack during the DuQuoin State Fair on Labor Day.-Race history:...
. Frequently seen in rides owned by Carl Kiekhaefer
Carl Kiekhaefer
Elmer Carl Kiekhaefer was the owner of Kiekhaefer Marine , and also a two-time NASCAR championship car owner.-Kiekhaefer Mercury founder:...
, Mundy's seven-year career would involve him racing in classic races like the 1956 Southern 500
1956 Southern 500
The 1956 Southern 500 was a NASCAR Grand National race that took place at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina on September 3, 1956...
where he finished in 38th place out of 70 competitors. He would also be seen racing at Lakeview Speedway
Lakeview Speedway
Lakeview Speedway is an American automobile racing circuit in Mobile, Alabama. It held two NASCAR Grand National races in 1951.-NASCAR results:...
in Mobile
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is the third most populous city in the Southern US state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. It is located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. The population within the city limits was 195,111 during the 2010 census. It is the largest...
, Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. As a personal driver for General George S. Patton
George S. Patton
George Smith Patton, Jr. was a United States Army officer best known for his leadership while commanding corps and armies as a general during World War II. He was also well known for his eccentricity and controversial outspokenness.Patton was commissioned in the U.S. Army after his graduation from...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Mundy would gain valuable driving experience for NASCAR.
AAA/USAC Stock Cars
Mundy also competed in American Automobile AssociationAmerican Automobile Association
AAA , formerly known as the American Automobile Association, is a federation of 51 independently operated motor clubs throughout North America. AAA is a not-for-profit member service organization with more than 51 million members. AAA provides services to its members such as travel, automotive,...
(AAA) and USAC Stock Car
USAC Stock Car
The USAC Stock Car division was the stock car racing class sanctioned by the United States Auto Club . The division raced nationally; drivers from USAC's open wheel classes like IndyCars, Silver Crown, sprint cars, and midgets frequently competed in races and won championships...
races. He won the 1955 AAA national stock car championship. Studebaker
Studebaker
Studebaker Corporation was a United States wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana. Founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1868 under the name of the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company, the company was originally a producer of wagons for farmers, miners, and the...
and Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobile produced for most of its existence by General Motors. It was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory...
were Frank Mundy's preferred manufacturers for NASCAR rides.
His widow Mae Mundy would survive him after his death in 2009.