Bill Davis, a championship-winning team owner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, has passed away at the age of 74.
Davis was the founder of long-time NASCAR team Bill Davis Racing, which, from its formation in 1988 until the team’s demise in 2008, fielded entries across NASCAR’s top three divisions – the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
The Fayetteville, Arkansas-native was integral in fostering some of the sport’s brightest talents throughout his time as an owner in NASCAR, including Jeff Gordon, who ran his rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Bill Davis Racing. Gordon would go on to win 93 NASCAR Cup Series events and four championships for Hendrick Motorsports.
Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin, Ward Buron, Geoffrey Bodine, Kenny Wallace, Johnny Benson, Mike Skinner, and Scott Wimmer are among other notable names that competed with Bill Davis Racing in NASCAR’s National Series.
“A championship-winning leader and owner, Bill Davis Racing made a lasting mark on our sport through his passion and unwavering belief in the people around him. His teams celebrated some of NASCAR’s most prestigious victories, including the Daytona 500 and Southern 500,” reads a statement from NASCAR. “Bill was more than a competitor – he was a friend to all in the garage, respected for his kindness, generosity, and genuine love for racing.”
“NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to his wife and business partner Gail, the Davis family, and Bill’s many friends during this difficult time.”
Bill Davis Racing is oftentimes remembered in the minds of race fans for fielding the iconic No. 22 Caterpillar machine that competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, and that Ward Burton took to Victory Lane in the 2002 DAYTONA 500 and the 2001 Southern 500.
The organization went to Victory Lane five times in the NASCAR Cup Series – all with Ward Burton behind the wheel – as well as 11 times in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and 24 times in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
In the team’s final season, 2008, Johnny Benson, Jr. brought the No. 23 Toyota Tundra home with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, after one of the most highly contested title battles in the history of the NASCAR Truck Series.
