Veteran Nascar and Arca Menards Series driver Benny Chastain died at the age of 82. The news of his death on February 9, 2025 was confronted with an outpouring of tribute of the Racecommunity and fans around the world. Many went to social media to pick up his contributions to racing stock cars and to pick up his presence in the Arca garage.
Chastain, who participated in the Arca Menards series for two decades, started his racing career at a relatively late age and made his Arca Menards series debut in 2004 on South Boston Speedway when he was 55. Despite not competing full -time in the series outside of the 2006 season, he remained a fixed value in Arca and earned a reputation as a dedicated and passionate driver. His best finish in the series was 15th in Daytona in 2020.
His death was first reported on social media, by Jared Haas. He went to his X account and wrote,
“Former Arca driver Benny Chastain died. He was 82 years old. TEAR”
Messages from fans started to flow in shortly thereafter. Some praised Benny as a beloved personality in the Arca garage, while others liked to remember their interactions with him. Zachary Tinkle, a Welding Cra -Late Model Sportsman champion of 2019, tributed to Chastain and remembered his short interactions with him,
“Really sad to have heard of the death of a colleague Arca -Competent, Benny Chastain. I had to race with Benny in 2022 in Daytona, and because of the short interactions we had, he was always very nice to me. You were loved For many in the Arca garage, and we will miss you.
“Former Arca Menards driver Benny Chastain died at the age of 82. He made his last Arca Start in Daytona in 2022 and finished 25th for Fast Track Racing,” another post read.
“God Speed, Benny Chastain,” a fan written.
“Sad news to hear about the death of the old competitor Benny Chastain, one of the True Arca Menards series Journeymen in the early 2000s. #Arca,” Another tweet read.
“Rest in Peace, Benny Chastain,” read Another message.
In 2004, Chastain debuted his Arca Menards series debut and finished 22nd. His career was the best in 2020 in Daytona, where he was 15th. Despite the start of his racing career at the age of 55, he remained a competitor in sport, and made his last start at Daytona in 2022 at the age of 79 and finished 25th while driving for Fast Track Racing.
A look back: when Benny Chastain drove to end the hunger
In 2011, Benny Chastain participated in a special initiative in addition to his racing companies. At the age of 68 he worked with Aarp and the Drive to End Hunger (DTEH) campaign to increase consciousness about senior hunger while participating in the Arca Racing series.
Chastain, who drove the No. 75 Bob Schacht Motorsports Arca car, worked with Aarp to compete in eight races during the season. The sponsorship agreement was intended to emphasize the issue of hunger among older Americans and at the same time support the passion of Chastain for racing. The campaign included fundraisers, awareness programs and subsidy initiatives to combat hunger throughout the country.
“I am very happy to take my racing to a higher level while I have a cause that can help millions of American seniors,” Chastain said at the time. “This is an opportunity to gather the Arca Racing Community around a terrible problem and to help find solutions.” (Via Disabled-world.com)
Aarp Chief Brand Officer Emilio Pardo praised Chastain’s involvement. He said,
“Benny represents generations of older Americans who wonder:” What is the next step? ” We are delighted to have him back for 2011 to continue to chase his racing dream while giving something back to a case that will help seniors struggling. “
The Drive of Chastain to end the hunger car contained a special Livrei, which prominently displays the logos of the campaign. The initiative encouraged fans and companies to contribute via a text-to-donating program and trackside activations.
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Published by Anisha Chatterjee