At the 2003 NASCAR preseason media Tour in mid-January, Bill Davis’ team handed out an equally unique yet confusing gift to the reporters– a boxed set of poker chips. Although many wondered what it signified, to some, it was blatantly clear: Davis’ risk-taking character. While this incident came 11 months after BDR won the 2002 Daytona 500 with Ward Burton, his ability to dig out diamonds in the rough wasn’t new. And it all started with Jeff Gordon.

In 1990, when Gordon was just 19 years old and was still dreaming about racing at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Davis recognized his talents and signed him as his first full-time driver. Very soon, the career trajectory for the Californian driver changed and he earned Busch Series Rookie of the Year honors in 1991. He then won three races (and a record 11 poles) in the 1992 Busch season, finishing fourth in the final standings alongside Davis. Although he went on to join Hendrick Motor Sports after that, he never forgot how Davis acknowledging his talents led him to be a NASCAR Hall of Famer. 

So, as Bill Davis, 74, passed away early Sunday in Batesville, Arkansas after plonged illness, Gordon went back to his roots to remember the 20-year NASCAR team owner who mentored the young kid out of California and was nothing short of a Godfather to him. Taking it to his X, he wrote, “Reflecting today on the loss of Bill Davis, a legendary car owner whose belief in young talent helped launch my career. Driving for Bill changed my life and set me on a path I never could have imagined. My heartfelt condolences go out to Gail and the entire Davis family. Rest easy, Bill.” 

Although Davis’ impact on Gordon was life-changing in such a short span of time, the legendary team owner never stopped taking risks. After Gordon moved to HMS, Davis signed a promising Bobby Labonte out of Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1993 who would also go on to become a Hall of Famer. As for NASCAR, Davis was the pioneer to bring Toyota into the league’s fold. And that’s why, NASCAR, too, paid its respects to the Arkansas-native.

On Sunday afternoon, NASCAR Communications posted, “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. 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. NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to his wife and business partner Gail, the Davis family, and Bill’s many friends during this difficult time.”

In his 20-year NASCAR tenure, Bill Davis was always the underdog when it came to finances. However, his trust in the underfunded budding drivers is what resonated with his fans. As a result, not only did he win hearts of people, especially Arkansas-borns, but also had some special wins with multiple drivers who eventually went on to be NASCAR Hall of Famers with successful careers. Not to mention, Davis also enjoyed heavy successes with Ward Burton before he dissolved his racing team in 2008 to retire and return to his truck and cattling business in Arkansas.

Stories of how Bill Davis impacted the lives of young drivers and many others around are many. Now, his wife and business partner, Gail, continues his legacy forward.