On Sunday, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series embarks on its 59th Coca-Cola 600. One of the staple races on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule with everyone from Richard Petty to Austin Dillon earning the victory in the race. The first winner of the event wasn't a superstar by any means. Chattanooga, Tennessee native Joe Lee Johnson only won two races in his career but the 1960 World 600 was one that will make him remembered in the history books.Driving for Paul McDuffie, Johnson led 48 of the 400 laps and managed to earn his second and final victory in the Cup Series (his other coming at Nashville in 1959). Despite never being a title contender in the Cup Series, Johnson still finished 13th in the points in 1960, his best career points finish. During his career though, he did win the 1959 NASCAR Convertible Series championship.
One interesting factoid to look at with Johnson's victory in 1960 was the winner's purse. Per Racing Reference, Johnson earned $27,150 for his victory in the World 600. Carl Edwards was the last driver to win the Coca-Cola 600 when NASCAR reported the purses each driver received and he earned a $363,390 for his victory in 2015.
Johnson quietly left the sport in 1962 after his mechanic and team owner McDuffie was killed in a crash in the 1960 Southern 500. Johnson went on to own the Cleveland Speedway in Cleveland Tennessee before passing away on May 26th, 2005. Sadly, the times weren't good for the dirt track just North of downtown Chattanooga. As of this writing, Cleveland Speedway has been fully demolished after the person who purchased the land had other ideas for the property.
History books and people like me and you keep Johnson's legacy going. As you watch Sunday's race, remember the first Coca-Cola 600 winner, Joe Lee Johnson. (Koelle,2018)
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