NASCAR has shared a heartfelt tribute to longstanding team owner, Bill Davis, who has passed away at age 74.
Davis owned Bill Davis Racing, which saw considerable success in all three NASCAR national series – the Craftsman Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series, and was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
Multiple NASCAR Hall of Famers have raced for his team, including Mark Martin, Bobby Labonte, and Jeff Gordon, and Ward Burton took the team to victory in the 2002 Daytona 500 and the 2001 Southern 500.
The racing series shared the following statement after the news of Davis’ passing.
Car owners Gail and Bill Davis flank race winner Ward Burton in victory lane.
Car owners Gail and Bill Davis flank race winner Ward Burton in victory lane.
Kevin Kane/WireImage
“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. 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.”
NASCAR Statement on the Passing of Bill Davis:
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. His teams celebrated some of NASCAR’s most prestigious victories, including the…
— NASCAR Communications (@NASCAR_Comms) September 7, 2025
After launching the team in 1989, Davis sold the team to Triad Racing Technologies in 2008.
Countless other tributes have been pouring in for the former NASCAR team owner.
Mike Joy of FOX Sports wrote: “I can’t recall a race team owner who loved the sport more than Bill Davis. Bill created opportunities for many and had well-deserved success at the sport’s highest levels. I’ll always treasure our conversations and friendship. RIP.”
I can’t recall a race team owner who loved the sport more than Bill Davis.
Bill created opportunities for many and had well-deserved success at the sport’s highest levels. I’ll always treasure our conversations and friendship. RIP.
— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) September 7, 2025
Kirt Achenbach added, “Bill Davis helped launch Hall of Fame careers and was instrumental in growing the popularity of NASCAR. Dedicated more than 30 years to the sport. Underrated car owner. Rest in peace.”
Bill Davis helped launch Hall of Fame careers and was instrumental in growing the popularity of NASCAR. Dedicated more than 30 years to the sport. Underrated car owner. Rest in peace 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/rKdnJB1MXF
— Kirt Achenbach (@Kirt_Achenbach) September 8, 2025
“Bill Davis, a longtime team owner who won in all three of NASCAR’s series has died. He was 74. RIP Bill, and thank you for your contributions to racing, you helped make the sport better,” wrote The Dale Earnhardt Archive.
Bill Davis, a longtime team owner who won in all three of NASCAR’s series has died. He was 74.
RIP Bill, and thank you for your contributions to racing, you helped make the sport better. pic.twitter.com/867ZDBgpyu
— The Dale Earnhardt Archive (@ArchivesDe) September 8, 2025
Another tribute came from Dorian George, who posted: “Rest in Peace, Bill Davis. Owner of one of the most recognizable racecars of my childhood. @WardBurtonWBWF winning the 2002 Daytona 500 in his car has always been one of my favorite racing stories.”