Latest news with #RexWhite
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
NASCAR Mourns The Loss of Champion and Hall of Famer Rex White
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. NASCAR mourned the passing of Rex White, a Hall of Famer and 1960 Cup Series champion, who passed away at the age of 95. White raced in 233 Cup races over a span of nine years from 1956 to 1964. The NASCAR legend carried an average finish position of 9th, finishing in the top five in 110 races and winning a total of 28 races. White was also famous for being one of the first Chevrolet drivers in NASCAR. NASCAR also hosted a Convertible Series, in which White scored a victory in 1959. He was also named one of the 50 best drivers in the sport's history in 1998. In 2015, White became a part of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. NASCAR CEO Jim France acknowledged White's contributions to the sport. He said in a statement posted on X: NASCAR Hall of Famer Rex White speaks with the media after the 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at NASCAR Hall of Fame on January 30, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NASCAR Hall of Famer Rex White speaks with the media after the 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at NASCAR Hall of Fame on January 30, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina."We mourn the loss of NASCAR Champion and Hall of Famer, Rex White. Rex epitomized the formative days of NASCAR — a true pioneer whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our sport. His hard work, dedication, and talent allowed him to make a living doing what he loved most — racing cars. "He was the model of consistency — finishing in the top five in nearly half of his races — and dominated the short tracks. On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I want to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Rex White." Statement from NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France regarding Rex White's passing: "We mourn the loss of NASCAR Champion and Hall of Famer, Rex White. Rex epitomized the formative days of NASCAR — a true pioneer whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our sport. His… — NASCAR Communications (@NASCAR_Comms) July 18, 2025 Our thoughts are with White's family at this difficult time. NASCAR made another important announcement recently. The sport revealed a one-year pause on the Chicago street race, and as a result, the venue will not be on NASCAR's 2026 calendar. "It is reported that the City of Chicago wanted to move the dates from July. NASCAR admitted that it was working with city officials on a plan that "further optimizes operational efficiencies" for the street race's return in 2027. It stated: "Thank you for all you have done to make the NASCAR Chicago Street Race one of the most iconic events in global sports. "Following the success of the first three years, the Chicago Street Race will hit pause in 2026 to afford us the time necessary to work collaboratively with the City of Chicago to explore a new potential date and to develop a plan that further optimizes operational efficiencies, with a goal to return to the streets of Chicago in 2027. "Together, we have built and grown an expanded community of fans that consists of longtime NASCAR enthusiasts and first-time racegoers from around the globe, and for that, we are immensely grateful. "Thank you for your continued support - and we look forward to seeing you at the races."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NASCAR Hall Of Famer, Former Champion Dead At 95
NASCAR Hall Of Famer, Former Champion Dead At 95 originally appeared on The Spun. One of the 75 greatest drivers in NASCAR history has sadly passed away this week. It was confirmed on Friday afternoon that Rex White died at the age of 95. He competed in the Cup Series for nine years, participating in 233 races and picking up 28 wins. In 1960, he won his first and only championship at NASCAR's highest level. White was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015. He was part of a class that included Bill Elliott, Fred Lorenzen, Wendell Scott and Joe Weatherly. As you'd imagine, the NASCAR community is devastated by White's death. "We mourn the loss of NASCAR Champion and Hall of Famer, Rex White," NASCAR chairman Jim France said. "Rex epitomized the formative days of NASCAR - a true pioneer whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our sport. His hard work, dedication and talent allowed him to make a living doing what he loved most – racing cars. He was the model of consistency – finishing in the top five in nearly half of his races — and dominated the short tracks. On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I want to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Rex White." White was known for his late-stage heroics on the track. "I beat some good drivers in my career but my biggest thing … I had a habit of eating every day," White said, via "In order to eat and pay your bills, you've got to take in money. If you're supporting a race car with your funds, doing the work yourself, you don't race until the end of the race when you get the money." There's no question White's legacy will live on for years to Hall Of Famer, Former Champion Dead At 95 first appeared on The Spun on Jul 18, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rex White, NASCAR Hall of Famer and 1960 champion, dies at 95
NASCAR has lost one of its pioneers. Rex White, the 1960 NASCAR champion, has died at the age of 95, NASCAR confirmed on Friday, July 18. White, who at the time was just the seventh driver to capture a championship in NASCAR's premier series, won 28 times in 233 starts during a nine-year driving career and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015. "We mourn the loss of NASCAR Champion and Hall of Famer, Rex White," NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France said in a statement. "Rex epitomized the formative days of NASCAR — a true pioneer whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our sport. His hard work, dedication, and talent allowed him to make a living doing what he loved most — racing cars. He was the model of consistency — finishing in the top five in nearly half of his races — and dominated the short tracks. "On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I want to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Rex White.' Born in 1929 in Taylorsville, North Carolina, White began his NASCAR career in 1956 at the age of 26. He scored three top-five finishes in his rookie season and finished 11th in the season standings. He earned his first career win in the 1958 season opener in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and finished the season with two victories. For the next four years, White won at least five races a season. In 1960, he took the checkered flag six times on his way to the championship and was also named NASCAR's most popular driver. The following year, in 1961, White won seven times and finished as the series runner-up to Ned Jarrett. His peak year for wins came in 1962 when he scored eight. White, who stood 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighed just 135 pounds during his prime, was considered one of NASCAR's fiercest competitors despite his slight size and a right leg damaged by childhood polio. He was also one of the series' best short-track drivers, with 27 of his 28 career wins coming at smaller venues. His last victory, at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1962, was also his lone win on an intermediate oval. In his relatively short but excellent career, White scored 110 top-five and 163 top-10 finishes in NASCAR's premier series and won 36 pole positions. In addition to induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, White is also a member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame and the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rex White, NASCAR Hall of Famer and 1960 champion, dies at 95
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rex White, who was NASCAR's oldest living champion and a Hall of Famer, dies at 95
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rex White, who was NASCAR's oldest living champion and a 2015 inductee into the Hall of Fame, has died. He was 95. NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame confirmed White's death on Friday. No additional details were provided. 'Rex epitomized the formative days of NASCAR — a true pioneer whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our sport," NASCAR chairman Jim France said. "His hard work, dedication and talent allowed him to make a living doing what he loved most – racing cars. He was the model of consistency – finishing in the top five in nearly half of his races – and dominated the short tracks. "On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I want to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Rex White.' White won the 1960 Cup Series title and 28 Cup races in a career that spanned 233 starts across nine seasons. He led the final five laps of the 1958 season opener at Champion Speedway in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to earn his first career victory and scored 13 top-five finishes in 22 starts. White won five more races the next season, but didn't earn his only championship until 1960, when he won six times in 44 starts. He won seven times the next year, when he was runner-up to fellow Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett in the championship standings. White then won eight times in 1962, but finished fifth in the standings as he competed in only 37 of the 53 races that year. White never contested a complete season at a time when NASCAR ran as many as 62 times a year. White notched a career-high six victories at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, where NASCAR this year returned after a lengthy absence. He also won three times at North Wilkesboro Speedway and two times at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia. Born during the Great Depression and raised in Taylorsville, North Carolina, White suffered from polio as a child and that altered his gait for most of his life. He had an early interest in cars and was working on the family Model T by the time he was 8. He had learned how to drive two years earlier using a neighbors truck. 'I was unaware the car on which I labored represented hope to people around me, frustration to those trying to stop illegal moonshine," he said. "I saw automobiles as transportation, not the symbol of an upcoming billion-dollar sport.' White purchased his first car in 1954 when a relative of his wife helped him with the $600 needed to buy a 1937 Ford. He immediately began racing as a means to earn a living. White ran his first race in the Sportsman division at West Lanham Speedway in Maryland. He went on to win the championship in his rookie season of the Sportsman division. He moved up to NASCAR two years later and by the time he won the championship five seasons later, he was named both NASCAR's most popular driver and driver of the year. 'Growing up on a North Carolina farm, Rex familiarized himself with all things mechanical and enjoyed driving anything with wheels," said Winston Kelly, executive director for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. "Rex was among NASCAR's pioneers who remained very visible at tracks and industry events for years. He was a dedicated ambassador who enjoyed supporting any event or activity he was requested to participate in. 'NASCAR has lost one of its true pioneers.' ___ AP auto racing:
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS NASCAR icon Rex White dies aged 95
Rex White, who was NASCAR's oldest living champion and a 2015 inductee into the Hall of Fame, has died. He was 95. NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame confirmed White's death on Friday. No additional details were provided. 'Rex epitomized the formative days of NASCAR - a true pioneer whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our sport,' NASCAR chairman Jim France said. 'His hard work, dedication and talent allowed him to make a living doing what he loved most - racing cars. He was the model of consistency - finishing in the top five in nearly half of his races - and dominated the short tracks. 'On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I want to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Rex White.' White won the 1960 Cup Series title and 28 Cup races in a career that spanned 233 starts across nine seasons. He led the final five laps of the 1958 season opener at Champion Speedway in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to earn his first career victory and scored 13 top-five finishes in 22 starts. White won five more races the next season, but didn't earn his only championship until 1960, when he won six times in 44 starts. He won seven times the next year, when he was runner-up to fellow Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett in the championship standings. White then won eight times in 1962, but finished fifth in the standings as he competed in only 37 of the 53 races that year. White never contested a complete season at a time when NASCAR ran as many as 62 times a year. White notched a career-high six victories at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, where NASCAR this year returned after a lengthy absence. He also won three times at North Wilkesboro Speedway and two times at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia. Born during the Great Depression and raised in Taylorsville, North Carolina, White suffered from polio as a child and that altered his gait for most of his life. He had an early interest in cars and was working on the family Model T by the time he was 8. He had learned how to drive two years earlier using a neighbors truck. 'I was unaware the car on which I labored represented hope to people around me, frustration to those trying to stop illegal moonshine,' he said. 'I saw automobiles as transportation, not the symbol of an upcoming billion-dollar sport.' White purchased his first car in 1954 when a relative of his wife helped him with the $600 needed to buy a 1937 Ford. He immediately began racing as a means to earn a living. White ran his first race in the Sportsman division at West Lanham Speedway in Maryland. He went on to win the championship in his rookie season of the Sportsman division. He moved up to NASCAR two years later and by the time he won the championship five seasons later, he was named both NASCAR's most popular driver and driver of the year. 'Growing up on a North Carolina farm, Rex familiarized himself with all things mechanical and enjoyed driving anything with wheels,' said Winston Kelly, executive director for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 'Rex was among NASCAR´s pioneers who remained very visible at tracks and industry events for years. He was a dedicated ambassador who enjoyed supporting any event or activity he was requested to participate in. 'NASCAR has lost one of its true pioneers.'
