NASCAR legend Rex White has died.
He was 95.
NASCAR announced White’s passing on Friday. No cause of death was reported.
Whtie was NASCAR’s premier series champion in 1960, and he put together a strong, nine-year career running at the sport’s top level. White won 28 races in 233 starts, per NASCAR, and had a whopping 110 top-five finishes. He finished in the top 10 163 times.
After winning the 1960 title, White turned in a strong 1961 campaign, finishing second to Ned Jarrett in points. NASCAR said the driver finished in the top 10 in points another six times in his career.
“We mourn the loss of NASCAR Champion and Hall of Famer, Rex White,”
NASCAR chairman and CEO 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 a model of consistency — finishing in the top five in nearly half of his races — and dominated the short tracks,” he continued. “On behalf of NACSAR and the France family, I want to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Rex White.”
NASCAR noted that the 5-foot-4, 135 pounder was considered one of its “fiercest competitors” during his prime.
White retired from racing in 1964, and he was inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame in 1974. And, in 2015, White was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.
