NASCAR Hall Of Fame Car Owner, Crew Chief Bud Moore Dies At 92

Walter “Bud” Moore, a NASCAR Hall of Fame car owner who won two championships and 63 races, died Monday night at age 92.

Bud Moore Death News

A Spartanburg — South Carolina native and World War II veteran who was awarded five Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars — referred to himself as “a country mechanic.” He won the NASCAR premier series title in 1957 as crew chief for Buck Baker and car owner titles in 1962-63 with Joe Weatherly. Inducted in 2011, he had been the oldest living member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and was among the troops in the 1944 D-Day invasion of Normandy, France.

“Many choose the word ‘hero’ when describing athletes who accomplish otherworldly sporting feats,” NASCAR chairman Brian France said in a statement. “Oftentimes, it’s an exaggeration. But when detailing the life of the great Bud Moore, it’s a description that fits perfectly. “Moore, a decorated veteran of World War II, served our country before dominating our sport as both a crew chief and, later, an owner. … On behalf of all of NASCAR, I offer my condolences to Bud’s family, friends and fans. We will miss Bud, a giant in our sport, and a true American hero.”

Throughout his 37 years as a car owner, Moore’s drivers included Weatherly, Dale Earnhardt, Fireball Roberts, David Pearson, Bobby Isaac, Buddy Baker, Benny Parsons, Bobby Allison, Ricky Rudd and Geoffrey Bodine. Allison won the 1978 Daytona 500 driving for Moore.

“While we have lost one of NASCAR’s and the United States’ true pioneers and heroes, Bud’s legacy and memory will always be remembered, preserved, celebrated and cherished,” NASCAR Hall of Fame executive director and longtime NASCAR broadcaster Winston Kelley said.

Moore’s final NASCAR premier series victory came in May 1993 at Sonoma Raceway.

Regarding how he wished to be remembered, Moore said: “The answer is simple: One who made many contributions to building the sport, one whose handshake was as good as any contract, who always gave a straight answer and would never sugar-coat it, either,” Moore said. “Most of all, to be remembered as a man who loves his family, his country and the sport of racing.”

Moore is survived by sons Daryl, Brent and Greg, grandchildren Melissa Moore Padgett, Candace Moore Glover, Benjamin Moore, Thomas Moore, and Brittany Moore, along with seven great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

He is also survived by brothers, Ralph, William, and Richard Moore and sister, Ann Moore Elder.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Betty Clark Moore.

CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 23: Class of 2011 Inductee Bud Moore speaks to the media after the 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremonies at the Charlotte Convention Center on May 23, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR)