Veteran NASCAR and ARCA Menards Collection driver Benny Chastain has handed away on the age of 82. The information of his dying on February 9, 2025, was met with an outpour of tributes from the racing group and followers throughout the globe. Many took to social media to reminisce his contributions to inventory automotive racing and his presence within the ARCA storage.
Chastain, who competed within the ARCA Menards Collection for 20 years, started his racing profession at a comparatively late age, making his ARCA Menards Collection debut in 2004 at South Boston Speedway when he was 55. Regardless of not competing full-time within the sequence outdoors of the 2006 season, he remained a fixture in ARCA, incomes a repute as a devoted and passionate driver. His greatest end within the sequence was fifteenth at Daytona in 2020.
His passing was first reported on social media, by Jared Haas. He took to his X account and wrote,
“Former ARCA driver Benny Chastain has handed away. He was 82 years previous. R.I.P.”
Messages from followers began pouring in shortly after. Some praised Benny as a beloved character within the ARCA storage, whereas others fondly remembered their interactions with him. Zachary Tinkle, a 2019 Vore’s Welding CRA Late Mannequin Sportsman Champion, paid tribute to Chastain, recalling his transient interactions with him,
“Actually saddened to have realized of the passing of a fellow ARCA competitor, Benny Chastain. I obtained to race with Benny in 2022 at Daytona, and from the quick interactions we had, he was at all times very good to me. You had been beloved by many within the ARCA storage, and we are going to miss you. My ideas and prayers are with the Chastain household throughout this time. Relaxation In Peace, Benny.”
“Former ARCA Menards Driver Benny Chastain has handed away on the age of 82. He made his final ARCA begin at Daytona in 2022, ending twenty fifth for Quick Monitor Racing,” one other submit learn.
“God velocity, Benny Chastain,” a fan wrote.
“Unhappy information to listen to about long-time competitor Benny Chastain’s passing, one of many true ARCA Menards Collection journeymen within the early 2000s. #ARCA,” one other tweet learn.
“Relaxation in peace, Benny Chastain,” learn one other submit.
In 2004, Chastain made his ARCA Menards Collection debut, ending twenty second. His profession greatest got here in 2020 at Daytona, the place he was fifteenth. Regardless of beginning his racing profession at 55, he remained a competitor within the sport, making his closing begin at Daytona in 2022 on the age of 79, ending twenty fifth whereas driving for Quick Monitor Racing.
A Look Again: When Benny Chastain Drove to Finish Starvation
In 2011, Benny Chastain took half in a particular initiative alongside his inventory automotive racing desires. At 68 years previous, he teamed up with AARP and the Drive to Finish Starvation (DTEH) marketing campaign to boost consciousness about senior starvation whereas competing within the ARCA Racing Collection.
Chastain, driving the No. 75 Bob Schacht Motorsports ARCA automotive, partnered with AARP to compete in eight races in the course of the season. The sponsorship deal aimed to spotlight the problem of starvation amongst older Individuals whereas supporting Chastain’s ardour for racing. The marketing campaign included fundraisers, consciousness packages, and grant initiatives to fight starvation nationwide.
“I am thrilled to take my racing to the subsequent degree whereas serving a trigger that may assist tens of millions of American seniors,” Chastain mentioned on the time. “It is a likelihood to rally the ARCA racing group round a horrible drawback and assist discover options.” (through disabled-world.com)
AARP Chief Model Officer Emilio Pardo praised Chastain’s involvement. He mentioned,
“Benny represents generations of older Individuals who’re asking themselves, ‘What’s subsequent?’ We’re excited to have him again for 2011 to proceed chasing his racing dream whereas giving again to a trigger that can assist seniors who’re struggling.” (through disabled-world.com)
Chastain’s Drive to Finish Starvation automotive featured a particular livery, prominently displaying the marketing campaign’s logos. The initiative inspired followers and firms to contribute via a text-to-donate program and trackside activations.
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Edited by Anisha Chatterjee
