Bill Davis, a championship-winning team owner who fielded teams in multiple NASCAR series, has passed away at the age of 74.
“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,” a NASCAR statement said on Sunday. “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/Jfi806LMWJ
— Tommy Baldwin Racing (@TBR7NY) September 7, 2025
Davis first fielded NASCAR teams in the secondary Xfinity Series in the late 1980s. He enjoyed immediate success with Mark Martin winning in the inaugural season, 1988. Martin then added two more wins in 1989 and 1990.
Davis’s Xfinity Series program featured numerous drivers over the seasons, such as Jeff Gordon, Scott Wimmer, Kenny Wallace, and Dave Blaney. He celebrated wins with Gordon and Wimmer.
The Arkansas native did not limit himself to the Xfinity Series. He began competing in the Cup Series in 1993 and the Truck Series in 2004. He achieved success in both series with numerous drivers.
Ward Burton, in particular, won the crown jewel Daytona 500 and Southern 500 for Davis. Burton delivered all five of the team’s Cup Series wins.
Davis’s best seasons as an owner came in the Truck Series. Mike Skinner and Johnny Benson Jr. combined to win 23 races. Scott Speed added a win while taking the team’s total to 24. Benson also won the Truck Series championship in 2008 with five trips to victory lane and 18 top-10 finishes in 25 races.
Bill Davis Racing stopped competing in NASCAR and the ARCA Menards Series after the 2008 season. Michael Annett won the team’s final ARCA race in 2008. Benson Jr. won the team’s final Truck Series race in 2008. Skinner made the team’s final Cup Series start.