Rex White, NASCAR Pioneer and Legend, Passes Away: Farewell to the 1960 Champion

NASCAR Legend Rex White Passes Away

The world of motorsports mourns the loss of Rex White, NASCAR’s longest-living champion and a Hall of Fame member since 2015. White passed away at the age of 95. The news was confirmed by NASCAR and the Hall of Fame, although no additional details about his death were provided.

Rex personified the formative days of NASCAR, a true pioneer whose contributions helped cement the foundations of our sport. His hard work, dedication, and talent allowed him to make a living doing what he loved most: racing cars.

Jim France, Chairman of NASCAR

White left an indelible mark on NASCAR history. He won the Cup championship in 1960 and amassed 28 Cup victories throughout his career, which included 233 races over nine seasons. His consistency was remarkable, with almost half of his races finishing in the top five. His first victory came in 1958 at the Champion Speedway in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In the following season, he achieved five more victories, and finally became champion in 1960, with six wins in 44 races. In 1962, White achieved eight victories, although he finished fifth in the overall standings due to his participation in only 37 of the 53 races that year.

White excelled in several circuits, including six victories at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem and three at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Born during the Great Depression in Taylorsville, North Carolina, White overcame polio in his childhood, which marked his life. His passion for automobiles manifested itself from an early age, working on the family Model T at the age of 8. His career in motorsports began in the Sportsman division, where he won the championship in his rookie season. Two years later, he moved up to NASCAR, and in recognition of his success, he was named the most popular driver and driver of the year.

Rex was one of NASCAR’s pioneers who remained highly visible at tracks and industry events for years. He was a dedicated ambassador who enjoyed supporting any event or activity he was asked to participate in.

Winston Kelly, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame