Wednesday, August 14, 2019

NASCAR Legend Clifton "Coo Coo" Marlin Dies - August 14, 2005

January 3, 1932 - August 14, 2005
Clifton "Coo Coo" Marlin
(Photo; "CooCooMarlinNASCARDriver" by Source)
Born in Columbia, Tennessee, USA.
Marlin earned a name for himself at the short tracks in Tennessee and Alabama, running against Red Farmer, Bobby Allison, and Donnie Allison. He was a four-time track champion at Nashville Speedway USA. Clifton is the father to NASCAR driver Stirling Marlin.

"Coo Coo" was a speedway favorite with a lot of kids during the 1960's. He drove a fire-engine red 1964 Chevy Impala, #711, and was the first real "hero" to many youngsters. During this time, he and his racing "nemesis," Charlie Binkley #125, continuously thrilled audiences with their often nail-biting finishes. "Coo Coo" was always available for photos and autographs in the pits after a race. His brother, Jack Marlin, was also a crowd favorite.

Marlin advanced to part-time rides on the NASCAR Grand National circuit, starting with one race in 1966 and three in 1967. "Coo Coo" ran more of the schedule as the series changed from Grand National to Winston Cup, but he never competed in more than 23 races in any season. He never won a race in his 165 Winston Cup starts from 1966 to 1980, but he had 9 Top-5 and 51 Top-10 finishes, with many of those starts in a car numbered 14. However, in 1973, Marlin won a non points race, with one of the Duel races at Daytona that year.

Marlin died in his hometown of Columbia, Tennessee on August 14, 2005 of lung cancer at the age of 73.

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