Ted Musgrave
Theodore "Ted" Musgrave (born December 18, 1955) is a retired American professional stock car racing driver best known for his championship success in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he claimed the 2005 title after securing 17 wins across 192 starts from 1995 to 2010.[1][2] Over a career spanning more than two decades, Musgrave competed in NASCAR's premier divisions, including 305 starts in the Cup Series (1990–2010) with 55 top-10 finishes and five poles but no victories, as well as 22 Xfinity Series races (1989–2006) yielding two top-10s.[1] Born in Waukegan, Illinois, Musgrave developed a passion for racing through his father, Elmer Musgrave, a prominent short-track competitor in the Midwest.[3] He began his driving career at age 18 in 1973, racing late models at local tracks in Illinois and Wisconsin, before advancing to the American Speed Association (ASA) national tour in 1987, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors and finished fifth in points.[3][4] His early consistency on short tracks laid the foundation for a professional journey marked by perseverance across NASCAR's evolving series. Musgrave made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 1990 with the Ray DeWitt/D.K. Ulrich team, stepping in after the tragic death of driver Rich Vogler, and later joined Jack Roush Racing in the mid-1990s alongside Mark Martin.[3] His strongest Cup season came in 1995, when he placed seventh in the final standings with multiple top-10s, including a career-best second-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway; he departed Roush in 1998 after accumulating 20 top-5s overall in the series.[3][1] Despite opportunities with teams like Butch Mock Motorsports and Jasper Engines, Musgrave's Cup tenure was defined by reliability rather than triumphs, as he navigated the high-stakes environment of superspeedway racing. Musgrave found his greatest triumphs in the newly formed Craftsman Truck Series, debuting in 1995 and achieving a breakout 2001 season with Ultra Motorsports, where he won seven races—including his first at Homestead-Miami Speedway—and finished second in points.[3][1] He captured the series championship in 2005 driving for ThorSport Racing, edging out Dennis Setzer in a season of consistent top finishes, and added 80 top-5s and 12 poles to his Truck ledger before retiring from full-time driving in 2010.[1] In 2003, Musgrave faced a personal challenge with a cancer diagnosis but achieved full remission following treatment, returning stronger to continue his racing legacy.[3]Early Life and Pre-NASCAR Career
Early Life
Theodore David Musgrave was born on December 18, 1955, in Waukegan, Illinois.[2] Raised in a racing-focused family in the Midwest, Musgrave was profoundly influenced by his father, Elmer Musgrave, a renowned short-track competitor who began his career around 1949 and raced for decades at prominent venues including Waukegan Speedway—where he claimed the track championship in 1952—O’Hare Stadium, Soldier Field, and Wilmot Raceway.[5][6] Elmer's achievements, which included multiple wins in USAC and MARC/ARCA series events, created an environment rich with automotive passion and provided young Ted with direct access to race cars and local tracks from an early age. In 2025, Elmer was inducted into the Illinois Stock Car Hall of Fame.[5] This upbringing instilled a deep interest in stock car racing during Musgrave's late teens and early twenties, as he frequently visited short tracks in Illinois and, after his family relocated to Grand Marsh, Wisconsin, continued immersing himself in the regional racing culture.[7][6] The constant exposure to his father's world of high-speed competition on Midwest ovals shaped his formative years, laying the groundwork for his entry into competitive racing in the mid-1970s.[5]Pre-NASCAR Racing Achievements
Musgrave began his competitive racing career in 1974 at the age of 18, debuting as a rookie at Waukegan Speedway in the late model division.[5] In the late 1970s, he competed in the Central Wisconsin Racing Association (CWRA), establishing himself as a regular contender on the circuit by 1979 and finishing seventh in the season points standings. His strong performances continued into 1980, when he secured second place in the points at Wisconsin International Raceway behind Alan Kulwicki.[8][9] By the mid-1980s, Musgrave had transitioned to more prominent regional series, including the American Speed Association (ASA) National Tour. In 1987, driving for Baker Enterprises of Wisconsin, he was named ASA National Tour Rookie of the Year after completing 21 of 25 events and finishing fifth in the final points standings.[10][11][12] A pinnacle achievement came in 1988, when Musgrave won the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, leading the final laps to claim victory in the prestigious Super Late Model event.[13][14] These successes in ASA and various short-track series throughout the 1980s solidified Musgrave's reputation as a leading Midwest talent, paving the way for his entry into NASCAR competitions in the late 1980s.[15]NASCAR Career
Cup Series
Ted Musgrave made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 1990, running four races for multiple teams including U.S. Racing, with early struggles marked by inconsistent finishes and limited funding that hampered his ability to secure a full-time ride.[16] He transitioned to full-time competition in 1991 with U.S. Racing in the No. 55 Pontiac, finishing runner-up for Rookie of the Year behind Bobby Hamilton while posting 12 top-10 finishes despite equipment challenges.[17] From 1992 to 1993, Musgrave drove for Jasper Engines, achieving steady results including a career-best eighth-place finish in the 1992 Daytona 500, but consistency remained elusive amid team transitions and mid-pack equipment.[16] In 1994, Musgrave joined Roush Racing, driving the No. 16 Ford alongside teammate Mark Martin, where internal competition for resources intensified as Martin pursued championships while Musgrave aimed to establish himself as a top contender.[3] He remained with Roush through 1998, capturing five career poles, including one at the 1994 AC Delco 500 at Rockingham Speedway, and posting his best season in 1995 with a seventh-place points finish, seven top-five results, and 13 top-10s. Despite these highlights, Musgrave recorded no wins over 305 career starts, though he notched two runner-up finishes, such as the 1995 Hanes 500 at Martinsville Speedway.[17] Following his release from Roush midway through 1998, Musgrave returned to part-time racing, driving for Jasper Engines in 1999 (32 starts) and Ultra Motorsports from 2001 to 2003, where funding constraints limited opportunities to sporadic appearances. He continued with occasional starts, including one in 2004 for Ultra Motorsports and his final appearance in 2010 at Pocono Raceway, finishing 36th in the No. 66 Toyota for Prism Motorsports.[16][18] Over 16 seasons from 1990 to 2010, Musgrave amassed 55 top-10 finishes but faced persistent challenges with underfunded teams and mechanical reliability, preventing breakthroughs in the premier series despite his competitive showings.[16]Xfinity Series
Ted Musgrave made his NASCAR Busch Series debut in 1989, competing in two late-season events as part of his initial foray into the series while establishing himself in stock car racing. Driving his own No. 98 Buick sponsored by G&G Trucking, he finished 12th at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the All Pro 300 and 17th at Rockingham Speedway in the AC-Delco 200, marking a modest start without leading any laps.[19] Over the ensuing years, Musgrave's Busch Series participation remained sporadic, spanning from 1989 to 2006 with a total of 22 starts across multiple teams, reflecting his primary focus on the Cup Series and later the Truck Series. He secured no wins or poles but achieved two top-10 finishes, including a career-best third place at Bristol Motor Speedway in the 2003 Food City 250. These efforts often served as supplementary runs to sharpen skills or fill seats, particularly during periods of transition in his higher-tier commitments.[1] Musgrave's most active and successful season came in 2000, when he made nine starts for Felix Sabates Racing in the No. 82 Chevrolet sponsored by Channellock, earning one top-10 finish and placing 52nd in the final points standings with 1,010 points. Earlier, in 1997, he ran a single race for Roush Racing in the No. 9 Ford at Talladega Superspeedway, finishing 36th due to a drivetrain failure, overlapping with his full-time Cup role at the same organization. Such limited schedules highlighted the challenges of balancing Busch appearances with his demanding Cup calendar, resulting in inconsistent participation and no full-season campaign.[20][21] In his later years, Musgrave took on veteran filler roles in the series, with five starts in 2006 for Armando Fitz Racing in the No. 14 Dodge sponsored by Family Dollar. His final appearance came at the O'Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway, where he started 26th and finished 34th after a late-race incident, completing 193 of 200 laps without leading. Overall, these part-time endeavors underscored Musgrave's versatility but yielded limited impact compared to his achievements elsewhere, with an average finish of 22.5 across his career starts.[22][1]Truck Series
Musgrave made his debut in the inaugural 1995 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, competing in the GM Goodwrench/Delco Battery 200 at Phoenix Raceway on October 28, where he started 20th and finished fourth in a No. 59 Ford prepared by Roush Racing.[23] He transitioned to full-time competition the following year with Ultra Motorsports, driving the No. 1 Ford and establishing himself as a consistent contender with his prior Cup Series experience providing strategic advantages in truck racing.[24] Over his career, Musgrave amassed 192 starts, securing 17 victories, 119 top-10 finishes, and 12 pole positions, while demonstrating longevity by racing until age 54.[25][26] Musgrave's peak performance came during the late 1990s and 2000s, highlighted by three consecutive wins in 1997 that showcased his aggressive driving approach, which proved particularly effective in the shorter, more physical Truck Series races compared to the higher-speed Cup events.[27] Notable victories included the 1997 event at Phoenix Raceway, the 2000 race at Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth), and multiple triumphs at Texas and Michigan International Speedway, where he excelled on intermediate tracks with his precise handling and bold passing maneuvers.[25] His success with Ultra Motorsports, where he served as a key driver alongside team owner Jim Smith, culminated in the 2005 championship, clinched at Texas Motor Speedway through consistent top finishes that built an insurmountable points lead.[28][29] Musgrave's final Truck Series appearance came in the 2010 NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway, driving the No. 15 Toyota for Billy Ballew Motorsports and finishing 31st after a first-lap incident, marking the end of his on-track tenure in the series at age 54.[30]Other Racing Series
ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series
Ted Musgrave competed in a limited capacity in the ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series during 1989, using the series as a developmental platform ahead of his full-time transition to NASCAR later that year. Despite no wins or podium finishes across his two verified starts, he posted competitive finishes, including a 9th place at Daytona International Speedway and 8th at Atlanta Motor Speedway. These races offered crucial exposure to national-level competition and track conditions similar to those in NASCAR's premier divisions.[31][32] The following table summarizes Musgrave's ARCA results:| Year | Event | Start Position | Finish Position | Laps Completed / Scheduled | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | ARCA 200 (Daytona International Speedway) | 7 | 9 | 80 / 80 | Running |
| 1989 | Atlanta ARCA 500K (Atlanta Motor Speedway) | 37 | 8 | 201 / 204 | Running |
International Race of Champions
Ted Musgrave competed in the International Race of Champions (IROC), an invitational all-star series featuring identical race cars to emphasize driver skill over equipment differences, based on his 2005 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship.[33] Musgrave participated in all four events of the 2006 IROC season (XXX), racing in series-provided Pontiac Firebird Trans Am vehicles against elite drivers from diverse motorsports backgrounds.[34] His results included finishes of 10th at Daytona International Speedway (oval), 9th at Texas Motor Speedway, 12th at Daytona International Speedway (road course), and 5th at Atlanta Motor Speedway, contributing to an 11th place in the final points standings with no wins but two top-10 results.[32][35]| Year | Race | Track | Start | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | Daytona International Speedway (oval) | 7 | 10 |
| 2006 | 2 | Texas Motor Speedway | ? | 9 |
| 2006 | 3 | Daytona International Speedway (road course) | ? | 12 |
| 2006 | 4 | Atlanta Motor Speedway | ? | 5 |
Post-Retirement Activities
Team and Spotting Roles
Following his last competitive start in the 2010 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series finale at Texas Motor Speedway, where he finished 31st driving for Morgan-Dollar Motorsports in the No. 59 truck, Ted Musgrave retired from driving in 2012.[30][36] In the immediate aftermath of his retirement, Musgrave took on a spotting role for veteran driver Ron Hornaday Jr. during the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season with Joe Denette Motorsports. He provided on-track guidance for eight events, including races at Martinsville Speedway (twice), Rockingham Speedway, Dover International Speedway, Iowa Speedway (twice), Chicagoland Speedway, and Las Vegas Motor Speedway.[36] This position leveraged Musgrave's championship experience from the 2005 Truck Series title and his 17 series victories to support Hornaday's efforts, who was seeking to rebound after a challenging start to the year.[36][37] Musgrave's spotting duties contributed to team strategy by offering real-time insights on track position, competitor movements, and potential hazards, drawing from his deep knowledge of short tracks and ovals where Hornaday competed.[38] During this period, he focused on advisory support rather than ownership, helping to mentor and develop performance in the competitive Truck Series environment.[36]Recent Honors and Media Appearances
In 2025, Ted Musgrave was appointed Grand Marshal for the 54th annual Winchester 400 at Winchester Speedway, honoring his victory in the 1988 edition of the event during his ASA National Tour career.[12] This role underscored his enduring legacy in Midwest short-track racing, where he led 321 laps to secure his first ASA win at the Indiana oval.[39] Musgrave has remained active in media discussions of his career, appearing on the Racing Routes with Hamm podcast in 2023 to recount unforgettable moments from his NASCAR tenure, including pivotal races and personal challenges.[40] He further engaged audiences in an August 20, 2025, YouTube episode titled "Ted Musgrave: Close Calls & Championship What-Ifs" on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Dirty Mo Media channel, where he reflected on near-death experiences, his 1990s Cup Series near-misses, and battles with cancer while racing.[41] In the interview, Musgrave offered insights into the evolution of NASCAR, noting limited current viewership but praising the Truck Series' foundational role in his championship success.[42] His ongoing influence is evident in tributes tied to his Truck Series achievements, such as guest commentary on modern NASCAR's development from the series he helped define with his 2005 championship and runner-up finish in 2001.[41] While not yet inducted into major halls like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Musgrave's Midwest roots were highlighted in 2025 coverage of the Illinois Stock Car Hall of Fame's new class, celebrating his early late-model successes at tracks like Waukegan Speedway.[5] These appearances affirm his status as a Truck Series pioneer, with discussions often emphasizing how his 17 wins and consistent top finishes shaped the division's competitive identity.[41]Personal Life
Family
Ted Musgrave has been married to Debi Musgrave since the early 1980s, and the couple resides in Troutman, North Carolina, though Musgrave was born and raised in Illinois. Their marriage reflects a strong partnership amid the demands of professional racing, with Debi providing steadfast support during Musgrave's frequent travels for competitions across the country.[43][15] The couple has three children: sons Justin and Ted Musgrave Jr., and daughter Brittany. Both sons followed in their father's footsteps by pursuing racing careers, embodying a second-generation racing legacy influenced by Musgrave's own father, Elmer, a local racer in Illinois who introduced him to the sport. Justin began competing in go-karts before advancing to the Midwest Truck Series in 1999, where he claimed Rookie of the Year honors and secured four victories; he later raced late model stocks and contributed to pit crews in ASA and other series. Ted Jr. debuted in the ASA National Tour in 1999, competed in super late model events with notable wins such as the Alabama 200 in 2005, and transitioned to dirt racing in 2008, culminating in a track championship at Cherokee Speedway in 2023. Brittany has remained more private, with limited public details on her involvement in racing.[44][45][46][47][15] Throughout Musgrave's career, his family offered unwavering emotional backing, helping him balance the rigors of NASCAR with home life, which aligned with his sponsorship by The Family Channel in the 1990s and reinforced his image as an all-American family man. As of 2025, the Musgraves continue to engage with the racing community, with Ted actively supporting his sons' ongoing pursuits in pavement and dirt track events.[48][12]Business and Community Involvement
Ted Musgrave has engaged in community efforts centered on motorsports philanthropy and youth development in the Midwest. In 2006, he was appointed honorary chairperson for the 2007 Mid-Winter Banquet of Wisconsin Motorsports Charities, Inc. (WMCI), a nonprofit organization that organizes annual fundraisers to support children's charities through racing-themed events.[49] Following his retirement from full-time driving in 2010, Musgrave has owned Ted Musgrave Motorsports in Troutman, North Carolina. He has also played a role in mentoring emerging talent in stock car racing. In 2012, he served as a coach, mentor, and spotter for rookie driver Paulie Harraka with Go Green Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, providing guidance to help the young driver adapt to professional competition.[50][51]Motorsports Career Results
NASCAR Cup Series
Ted Musgrave's NASCAR Cup Series career spanned from 1990 to 2003, during which he recorded no wins but achieved notable consistency in top-10 finishes.[52]| Year | Starts | Wins | Top 5s | Top 10s | Poles | Points Position | DNFs | Avg. Start | Avg. Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 49th | 2 | 27.8 | 31.0 |
| 1991 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23rd | 4 | 29.6 | 22.0 |
| 1992 | 29 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 18th | 3 | 24.3 | 16.7 |
| 1993 | 29 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 25th | 6 | 21.7 | 22.0 |
| 1994 | 31 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 13th | 5 | 20.0 | 17.4 |
| 1995 | 31 | 0 | 7 | 13 | 1 | 7th | 1 | 17.6 | 13.2 |
| 1996 | 31 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 16th | 2 | 21.2 | 17.6 |
| 1997 | 32 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 12th | 4 | 22.5 | 18.3 |
| 1998 | 32 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 23rd | 7 | 24.0 | 22.1 |
| 1999 | 32 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 33rd | 2 | 27.3 | 26.5 |
| 2000 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40th | 4 | 33.3 | 25.0 |
| 2001 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 64th | 0 | 15.0 | 29.0 |
| 2002 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50th | 0 | 33.0 | 24.2 |
| 2003 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 68th | 0 | 7.0 | 31.0 |
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Musgrave competed on a part-time basis in the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 1989 to 2006, making 22 starts with no wins or poles.[53] His efforts yielded two top-10 finishes, with a best points position of 53rd in 2000.[54] The following table summarizes his year-by-year participation and results:| Year | Starts | Top 10s | Points Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 2 | 0 | N/A |
| 1995 | 1 | 0 | N/A |
| 1997 | 2 | 0 | N/A |
| 1999 | 1 | 0 | N/A |
| 2000 | 9 | 1 | 53rd |
| 2003 | 1 | 1 | N/A |
| 2004 | 1 | 0 | N/A |
| 2006 | 5 | 0 | 71st |
NASCAR Truck Series
Ted Musgrave competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 1995 to 2010, amassing 192 starts, 17 wins, 119 top-10 finishes, and 12 pole positions over his part-time and full-time campaigns.[1] His most successful period came in the early 2000s with Ultra Motorsports, where he secured multiple victories and consistent contention for the title, culminating in his 2005 championship win.[1] The following table summarizes Musgrave's year-by-year performance in the series, highlighting his starts, wins, top-5 finishes, top-10 finishes, poles, and final points position:| Year | Starts | Wins | Top 5s | Top 10s | Poles | Points Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 70th |
| 1996 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 75th |
| 2001 | 24 | 7 | 13 | 18 | 2 | 2nd |
| 2002 | 22 | 3 | 12 | 16 | 3 | 3rd |
| 2003 | 25 | 3 | 14 | 18 | 4 | 3rd |
| 2004 | 25 | 2 | 11 | 16 | 2 | 3rd |
| 2005 | 25 | 1 | 11 | 15 | 1 | 1st |
| 2006 | 25 | 0 | 10 | 13 | 0 | 6th |
| 2007 | 24 | 1 | 7 | 15 | 0 | 7th |
| 2008 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 20th |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 113th |
- March 17, 2001: Darlington Raceway (Carolina Dodge Dealers 200)[1]
- April 28, 2001: California Speedway (NAPA Auto Parts 250)[1]
- June 16, 2001: Kentucky Speedway (Kroger 225)[1]
- July 7, 2001: Kansas Speedway (O'Reilly Auto Parts 250)[1]
- August 24, 2001: Nashville Superspeedway (Federated Auto Parts 250)[1]
- September 22, 2001: New Hampshire International Speedway (New Hampshire 200)[1]
- October 20, 2001: Texas Motor Speedway (O'Reilly Auto Parts 250)[1]
- March 16, 2002: Darlington Raceway (Carolina Dodge Dealers 200)[1]
- July 6, 2002: Kansas Speedway (O'Reilly 250)[1]
- October 19, 2002: Texas Motor Speedway (O'Reilly Auto Parts 250)[1]
- March 15, 2003: Darlington Raceway (Carolina Dodge Dealers 200)[1]
- July 5, 2003: Kansas Speedway (O'Reilly 250)[1]
- October 18, 2003: Texas Motor Speedway (O'Reilly Auto Parts 250)[1]
- March 20, 2004: Darlington Raceway (Carolina Dodge Dealers 200)[1]
- July 3, 2004: Kansas Speedway (O'Reilly 250)[1]
- June 24, 2005: Milwaukee Mile (O'Reilly 250)[1]
- June 29, 2007: Kansas Speedway (Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200)[1]
ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series
Ted Musgrave competed in a limited capacity in the ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series during 1989, using the series as a developmental platform ahead of his full-time transition to NASCAR later that year. Despite no wins or podium finishes across his two verified starts, he posted competitive results, including two top-10 finishes. These races offered crucial exposure to national-level competition and track conditions similar to those in NASCAR's premier divisions. The following table summarizes Musgrave's ARCA results:| Year | Event | Start Position | Finish Position | Laps Completed / Scheduled | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | ARCA 200 (Daytona International Speedway) | 7 | 9 | 80 / 80 | Running |
| 1989 | Atlanta ARCA 500K (Atlanta Motor Speedway) | 37 | 8 | 201 / 204 | Running |
International Race of Champions
Ted Musgrave competed in the International Race of Champions (IROC), an invitational all-star series featuring identical race cars to emphasize driver skill over equipment differences, based on his NASCAR achievements.[33] Musgrave participated in the 2006 IROC season, racing in all four rounds using series-provided Pontiac Firebird Trans Am vehicles.[59] In 2006, Musgrave posted finishes of 10th at Daytona International Speedway, 9th at Texas Motor Speedway, 12th at the Daytona road course, and a season-best 5th at Atlanta Motor Speedway. His results included one top-5 and three top-10 finishes, finishing 11th in the overall standings.[59]| Year | Race | Track | Start | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | Daytona International Speedway | 7 | 10 |
| 2006 | 2 | Texas Motor Speedway | 3 | 9 |
| 2006 | 3 | Daytona International Speedway (Road) | 1 | 12 |
| 2006 | 4 | Atlanta Motor Speedway | 1 | 5 |