Johnson City native Brad Teague gets ready for his 58th year of racing

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Johnson City native Brad Teague has raced about anything and everywhere since he started his career 57 years ago.

At 76 years old, Teague is still behind the wheel and this weekend he’ll take the green flag for the 2024 season opener at Kingsport Speedway better known as the “Concrete Jungle.”

Teague has nearly 300 NASCAR national series starts over his long career including racing against all three seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champions.

He says turning off the engine is not in his future even after suffering an injury at the Kingsport track two years ago.

“You just got to put it out of your mind,” Teague said. “You couldn’t be much of a race car driver if it bothered you. You better quit if it bothers you.”

News Channel 11 asked: “Are there any plans to get out from behind the wheel for good?”

“Not right now,” Teague said. “As long as my health is good I can still do it and run competitive. If I was running in the back of the pack, I wouldn’t want to do it anymore. But as long as I can run competitively, I’m still doing.”

The grandstand opens on Saturday at 1 pm, while racing gets underway at 4 pm for the beginner FWD, Mod 4, Super Street, Pure 4, Crown Vic, Street Stock, and Late Model Sportsman classes.

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