Rex White, NASCAR Champion and Hall of Fame Inductee, Passes Away

Rex White, the 1960 NASCAR Cup Series champion and a NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, has passed away. White was 95.

White won 28 races in NASCAR’s premier division during his career, competing in the series between 1956 and 1964. He won six races and accrued 25 top-five finishes and 35 top-10 finishes in 40 races during his championship 1960 season.

"We mourn the loss of NASCAR Champion and Hall of Famer, Rex White,” said Jim France, NASCAR chairman and CEO. “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 honored with induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame during the Class of 2015, joining Bill Elliott, Fred Lorenzen, Wendell Scott and Joe Weatherly.

“First and foremost, on behalf of the NASCAR Hall of Fame team, I want to offer our most sincere condolences to Rex’s family and friends on his passing,” said NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director Winston Kelley.

“Growing up on a North Carolina farm, Rex familiarized himself with all things mechanical and enjoyed driving anything with wheels. He began his driving career in 1954 before moving to NASCAR’s premier series in 1956.”

During his career, 26 of White’s 28 NASCAR premier series victories came on the short tracks that dominated the schedule during the early years of the sport. However, his last career win came at Atlanta International Speedway, the venue now known as EchoPark Speedway.

Even long after his career ended, White stayed around the racing community, eager to offer his support whenever possible.

“A member of the Class of 2015, Rex was among NASCAR’s pioneers who remained very visible at tracks and industry events for years,” said Kelley. “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 and the NASCAR Hall of Fame team and I have lost one of our staunchest supporters and cherished friends. Rex’s legacy and incredible accomplishments in and contributions to NASCAR will forever remain in our hearts, minds, archives and at the NASCAR Hall of Fame." 

-Photo credit: NASCAR