Tributes Pour In For NASCAR Legend Travis Carter After Death at 75
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In sad news ahead of the NASCAR Cup Mexico City, it has been confirmed that Travis Carter, NASCAR team owner and founder of Travis Carter Enterprises, has died at the age of 75. After staying in a hospice towards the end of his life, Carter died on June 10, 2025.
NASCAR issued the following statement:
"From his early days atop the pit box to his years as a respected team owner, Travis Carter embodied the competitive spirit, integrity, and passion that define NASCAR. NASCAR extends its heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and many friends."
Carter became crew chief for Benny Parsons, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, and put a championship win under his belt with the team.
NASCAR car owner Johnny Hayes, left, talks with Skoal Bandit team crew chief Travis Carter prior to the start of the 1983 Daytona 500 stock car race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida....
NASCAR car owner Johnny Hayes, left, talks with Skoal Bandit team crew chief Travis Carter prior to the start of the 1983 Daytona 500 stock car race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. MoreIn 1990, the North Carolina native put his own car and team into a race.
A number of NASCAR personalities and stakeholders have shared their condolences.
Rick Mast posted to X: "In 1989 Travis Carter, while in a desperate situation trying to save his team, took a chance on an unproven, unpolished rookie race car driver at @DAYTONA. He was rewarded with running up front, leading, and a 6th place finish. (Could've won had we gambled on fuel like Darrell did). This race propelled me into the spotlight and reaffirmed Travis's place in our sport. That man took a chance on me because he 'saw something.' Travis was a visionary and was hailed with the upmost [sic] respect in our industry. RIP dear friend. 'It's ah dupping'"
ESPN writer Ryan McGee posted: "Godspeed Travis Carter. He used to greet me with 'Hey, Cousin McGee' because I was from Rockingham, NC and he was from Ellerbe, NC and 'that's close enough.' What a NASCAR legend and what a damn nice guy."
Brett Griffin also added to the tributes: "RIP Travis Carter. Got to see him a lot over the last few years at basketball games. His son Matt coached Bode for several seasons. Great family. Glad I snagged this pic of him last year to send to a buddy of mine."
Brian Keselowski said his goodbyes: "Just heard about Travis Carter passing away. If you didn't know him, you missed out on a great guy. When we first moved to NC in 2010 we rented a shop from him. He was so happy for us when we made Daytona in 2011, I'll never forget it. Rest easy my friend."
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