Bill Davis, who went from an Arkansas trucking company owner to a renowned NASCAR team owner and back again, died Sunday at the age of 74.
Davis, who was born in Fayetteville in 1951 and grew up in Little Rock, founded Bill Davis Trucking Inc. in Batesville in 1975. He had recently retired from the trucking industry and sold BDT to long-time marketing director Joey Bray.
“Bill Davis was a remarkable entrepreneur, a legend in Arkansas trucking, and a true friend and cheerleader to me personally,” said Shannon Newton, the president of the Arkansas Trucking Association in Little Rock. “He built a successful trucking business, pursued his dream of NASCAR racing, and ultimately returned home to the things he loved most in northeast Arkansas — his wife, ranching, and trucking.
“Bill’s influence reached far beyond his own business. He touched countless lives in both the industry and his community. As a staunch supporter of the Arkansas Trucking Association, he was always willing to lend his voice and resources to strengthen our advocacy and amplify the influence of trucking in Arkansas.
“His passion, leadership, and generosity will be deeply missed, but the legacy he leaves will continue to inspire all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”
One of Davis’ early mentors in the trucking industry was Julian Martin, whose son Mark became a NASCAR Hall of Fame racer. Davis owned Bill Davis Racing from 1988 through 2008, winning a total of 40 NASCAR races: 5 on what is known now as the Cup Series, 11 on the Xfinity Series and 24 on the Craftsman Truck Series.
Davis’ victories as an owner included the 2001 Southern 500 and 2002 Daytona 500 with driver Ward Burton. Hall of Famers Bobby Labonte and Jeff Gordon also drove for Davis.
“A championship-winning leader and owner, Bill Davis made a lasting mark on our sport through his passion and unwavering belief in the people around him,” NASCAR said in a statement. “His teams celebrated some of NASCAR’s most prestigious victories, including the Daytona 500 and the Southern 500.
“Bill was more than a competitor — he was a friend to all in the garage, respected for his kindness, generosity and genuine love for racing.”
After leaving NASCAR in 2008, Davis returned to Batesville and his trucking company, which his wife had overseen while he focused on NASCAR. Bill Davis Trucking ran approximately 40 trucks, delivering pharmaceuticals and produce.
Bill Davis Trucking and Bray’s Fast Freight, which Bray ran while at BDT, had worked in a partnership for years. Bill Davis Trucking will retain its name and organization under Bray’s ownership after the merger.
Davis also started a cattle ranch, Chimney Rock Cattle Co. in Concord, after he retired from racing. Chimney Rock raised Brangus cattle, a hybrid of Angus and Brahman breeds.
“Bill wasn’t just the owner of Chimney Rock Cattle Co. or a NASCAR team owner — he was the heart of this place,” Chimney Rock said in a social media post. “He loved good cattle, wide-open pastures and the people who shared his vision. Whether it was in the sales barn, out in the pasture or at a race track, Bill had a way of bringing people together and inspiring those around him.
“We’ll carry forward the legacy he built with the same grit and determination he showed every day.”
Davis was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Gail.
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