Clifton Marlin, 73; ‘Coo Coo’ Was One of NASCAR’s Early Stars

Clifton “Coo Coo” Marlin, 73, one of NASCAR’s early stars and father of current Nextel Cup driver Sterling Marlin, died of lung cancer Sunday in Columbia, Tenn.

Although he never won a NASCAR points race, Marlin was one of the sport’s earliest stars, who made his name racing around the short tracks in Tennessee and Alabama.

He became a regular at the Tennessee Fairgrounds, running against Bobby and Donnie Allison and Red Farmer.

Marlin won his first title at the Fairgrounds in 1959.

He added titles in 1962, then again in 1966 and 1967 -- setting an unbroken four-title record at the now-defunct racetrack.

Moving on to NASCAR, Marlin made 165 Cup starts from 1966 to 1980. He had no wins, but earned nine top-fives and 51 top-10 finishes. His series-best points finish was 20th in the 1975 season.

Marlin maintained his farm near Columbia until his death.