The NASCAR community is grieving the death of Bob Labonte, a respected figure in motorsports and the father of NASCAR Hall of Famers Terry and Bobby Labonte.
Labonte, born in 1933 in Rumford, Maine, lived a life that spanned from New England’s cold climates to Corpus Christi, Texas’s sun-soaked tracks, before settling in Trinity, North Carolina, the heartland of NASCAR. He passed away there on April 8, 2024 at the age of 90.
Bob Labonte’s legacy is deeply rooted in American motorsports. His sons, Terry and Bobby, have each secured a spot in NASCAR history and the prestigious Hall of Fame. Behind their extraordinary track achievements was their father, whose profound influence and limitless dedication to his family’s racing aspirations were vital.
Labonte’s journey to becoming a motorsport patriarch started during his time in the United States Navy, which brought him to Corpus Christi, Texas in the late 1940s. There he met his future wife Martha and they started their family. Amidst the vast Texas landscape, Bob’s enthusiasm for racing sparked, an interest he would later instill in his sons.
Terry and Bobby Labonte were introduced to racing from an early age, beginning with quarter midgets and eventually advancing to more competitive levels. Bob was not just a father to them; he was a crew chief, a mentor, and their greatest supporter. He and his wife Martha devoted their lives to nurturing Terry and Bobby’s racing careers, a commitment that led the family to relocate to North Carolina in the late 1970s to pursue the NASCAR dream.
Bob Labonte’s contributions to NASCAR extended beyond his family. He worked diligently on his sons’ vehicles, and his behind-the-scenes efforts significantly contributed to their success. Aaron Slick Yeomans, a close friend of the Labonte family and a successful racer himself, remembered Bob as someone “dedicated to racing and being good at it.”
In a moving tribute on social media, his son Bobby reflected on his father’s impact, stating, “This week, Terry and I have lost our father. For those of you familiar with him in the racing world, you’re aware he was an immense presence. For us, he was not only our father but also our crew chief, guide, most ardent supporter, source of encouragement, and hero.”
NASCAR issued a statement recognizing Labonte’s significant impact on the sport. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Bob Labonte, the esteemed head of the Labonte family. A celebrated champion owner and crew chief, Bob’s pivotal guidance was instrumental in ushering his sons, Terry and Bobby, into the NASCAR Hall of Fame hallowed halls. His presence will be deeply missed.”
Bob Labonte’s passing has drawn tributes from various corners of the racing world, including NASCAR icons like Joe Gibbs and Richard Petty, who recognized his vital role in the success of the Labonte sons and his contributions to motorsports.
His life story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and family ties—a narrative that will continue to inspire future generations of racers. Bob Labonte is survived by his wife Martha, his sons Terry and Bobby, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
