NASCAR legends Bobby Labonte and Terry Labonte announced on Tuesday their father, Bob Labonte, has died. Bobby Labonte shared the news on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“This week, Terry and I lost our Dad,” Bobby wrote. “To many of you who knew him around the garage, you know he was larger than life. To us he was our Dad and also a crew chief, a mentor, our biggest fan, our motivation at times, and our hero. He and our Mom dedicated their lives to our racing careers and to our family. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our Dad, although we know he is in a far better place. We thank everyone for their support during this difficult time.”
Bob was born in 1933 and moved his family to the Carolinas from Texas so his two sons, Bobby and Terry, could pursue NASCAR careers, according to Fox 8 News. He was a two-time car owner champion and crew chief in the Busch Series, now called the Xfinity series.
Richard Petty and NASCAR react to Bob Labonte’s death
Another NASCAR legend, Richard Petty, went to social media to pay tribute to Bob Labonte. “Richard Petty and The Petty Family is deeply saddened by the loss of Bob Labonte,” the message read. “He was instrumental in shaping the careers of his sons, Terry and Bobby, and his contributions to the sport won’t be forgotten. The Labonte Family is in our thoughts and prayers.”
NASCAR also reacted the news of the passing of Bob Labonte. “NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bob Labonte, the patriarch of the Labonte family,” it said in a statement, per Bob Pockrass. “Bob was a champion owner and crew chief whose guidance helped lead sons Terry and Bobby into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He will be missed.”
Bobby Labonte, 59, is a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers last year. In his career, Bobby won 21 Cup Series races and claimed a Cup Series title in 2000. Bobby never won the Daytona 500 but finished second in 1998. In March, Bobby returned to Joe Gibbs Racing as an ambassador.
Terry Labonte, 67, is also a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and one of the league’s 75 best drivers. He won 22 Cup Series races and claimed Cup Series titles in 1984 and 1996. And like Bobby, Terry never won the Daytona 500 but finished second three times in his career.
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