Bill Davis, Daytona 500-winning team owner, dead at 74

Bill Davis, former NASCAR Cup Series team owner, has passed away. He was 74. NASCAR confirmed his passing on social media.

“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,” NASCAR wrote in statement. “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.”

Bill Davis had a lengthy tenure in NASCAR

Davis was the owner of Bill Davis Racing, which competed across all three of NASCAR’s national series. The team made its Cup debut in 1993 with Bobby Labonte piloting the No. 22 Ford/Pontiac. Ward Burton took over the ride in 1995, a seat he stayed in through the 2003 season. Burton tallied five victories driving for Bill Davis Racing, winning the 2001 Southern 500 and the 2002 Daytona 500.

Davis sold the team and assets following the 2008 season. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

Tommy Baldwin Jr. sat atop the pit box for four of Burton’s victories with Bill Davis Racing. He posted the following on X:

“Thank you, Bill Davis, for giving a kid from Long Island a shot & giving us the reins to make some magic. We had a great group of guys back in the day and didn’t realize how good we all had it. We had so much fun together (most of the time) & you will be missed. Rest in peace, BD.”