Bill Davis was a staple in the NASCAR garage for two decades, operating a winning NASCAR Cup Series team between 1993 and 2008 and competing across several eras of the sport.
The team won five Cup races during its time in the sport, including the 2001 Southern 500 and 2002 Daytona 500 with Ward Burton. Burton is responsible for all five Cup wins for Davis, earning the team’s first victory at Rockingham in 1995, as well as its final win at New Hampshire in 2002.
Davis also gave NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Labonte his first full-time ride at the top level of the sport.
Ward Burton
Photo by: Earl Ma
Bill Davis Racing also operated in the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 1988 through 2004, winning eleven races. However, their greatest success came in the Truck Series, despite only running a team there between 2004 and 2008. Davis won 24 Truck races as a team owner, and won the 2008 title with Johnny Benson behind the wheel.
“A championship-winning leader and owner, Bill Davis made a lasting mark on our sport through his passion and unwavering belief in the people around him,” said NASCAR in an official statement on Davis’ passing.
“His teams celebrated some of NASCAR’s most prestigious victories, including the Daytona 500 and the Southern 500. 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.”
Championship victory lane: 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Johnny Benson celebrates
Photo by: Motorsport.com / ASP Inc.
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