The world of NASCAR is mourning the loss of Bob Labonte, a legendary figure in the sport and father of racing Hall of Famers Terry and Bobby Labonte.
Born in 1933 in Rumford, Maine, Bob Labonte’s journey through life took him from the chilly winds of New England to the sun-baked tracks of Corpus Christi, Texas, and finally to the heart of NASCAR country in Trinity, North Carolina, where he passed away on April 8, 2024, at the age of 90.
Labonte’s legacy is intertwined with the fabric of American motorsports. His sons, Terry and Bobby, carved their names into NASCAR history, with both entering the prestigious NASCAR Hall of Fame. But behind their towering achievements on the track was their father, whose influence ran deep and whose dedication to his family’s racing dreams knew no bounds.
His path to becoming a racing patriarch began in an unlikely setting. A stint in the United States Navy brought him to Corpus Christi in the late 1940s, where he would eventually meet his wife, Martha, and lay down roots. Here, amidst the sprawling Texas landscape, Bob’s passion for racing ignited—a passion he would pass down to his sons.
From an early age, Terry and Bobby Labonte were immersed in the world of racing, starting with quarter midgets and escalating to higher levels of competition. He was not just their father; he was a crew chief, a mentor, and the biggest fan of his sons. He and Martha dedicated their lives to supporting Terry and Bobby’s racing careers, a commitment that saw the family move to North Carolina in the late 1970s to chase the NASCAR dream.
Labonte’s contributions to the sport went beyond his familial ties. He worked tirelessly on his sons’ cars, and his behind-the-scenes efforts were instrumental in their successes. 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.”
His son Bobby, contemplating his father’s impact, posted an emotional tribute on social media: “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.”
In response to the passing of a motorsport legend, NASCAR issued a statement acknowledging Labonte’s impact: “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 death has drawn tributes from across the racing world, including from NASCAR legends like Joe Gibbs and Richard Petty, who acknowledged his instrumental role in the Labonte sons’ successes and contributions to the sport.
His story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and family—a story that will continue to inspire future generations of racers. He is survived by his wife Martha, his sons Terry and Bobby, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.