MARTINSVILLE (WSLS 10 SPORTS) -
This week Martinsville City Council officially declared February 16th as Diane Teel day in the city. The Seaford, Virginia native became the first woman to win a NASCAR series track title, the limited Sportsman Title, back in 1978.
Teel also became the first woman to start a race in the Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series. She had two top 10 finishes in her career with her last one coming at Martinsville in 1983.
"I just couldn't believe it", said Teel in a phone interview.
"Like my husband and I said this morning usually people get honored after they pass. Yet I'm seeing this and still alive. It's something great and you know I never imagined this would happen."
Teel now watches her granddaughter Macy Causey race in the Late Model series. We'll have more on Teel and her legacy next week on WSLS 10.