The year 1973 is arguably among the most thrilling NASCAR seasons of all time. With 28 races, it was the shortest racing season at the time and allowed for a surprise winner to stake their claim for the ultimate prize. This is where Benny Parsons showed up with his crew chief, Travis Carter, and all they needed to do was just win a single race. A win at Bristol Motor Speedway set up the stage for Dewitt Racing to etch their name in the history books, but it wasn’t a lucky win or some playoff gimmick that handed Parson the championship.

A total of fourteen top 5 finishes across 28 races, the pairing of Parsons and Carter was in sync, and they were out there competing for wins every weekend. This chemistry and domination were on display again in 1975 when Benny Parsons won the Daytona 500. Once again, Carter was the one calling the shot from the pit box and led his driver to another milestone. Carter already knew that this win would go on to take him places. “I was thankful for the chance I got to work on the team with Benny, and we enjoyed some success,s and it would go on to open doors for me that I never thought would happen for me when I was starting out in the sport,” Carter revealed in a 2017 interview with motorsport.com.

After such a blockbuster season in 1975, the wrench turner decided to head South and agreed to work for Roger Penske’s Cup driver Bobby Wilson. The three years he spent in Pennsylvania, Carter “learned a lot working for Roger,” but since he wanted to work closer to his home, the legendary crew chief decided to move back down South for the 1978 season, where he got a chance to work with Junior Johnson.

Nothing changed in North Wilkesboro as well, because Carter went on to win his second Cup championship as crew chief in 1978. The North Carolina native continued to work with Junior’s team until Johnson’s Hollywood connections helped him get a new team before finally becoming the owner of a NASCAR team in 1990. After becoming the owner of Travis Carter Enterprises, the NASCAR HOF inductee crew chief-turned-owner fielded a Cup Series team for 13 years. Enough to sum up the legendary career Carter had before breathing his last on June 10.

Jim, who once worked for Carter’s team, confirmed that the now-deceased NASCAR legend was admitted to the hospital on Sunday. “It’s taking me all day to say this & I’m devastated. My friend Travis Carter was admitted to hospice today. Can everybody say a prayer for him please.Not only a great friend but the best boss I ever had. Our Crew Chief. Our team owner one of the greatest people I’ve ever known,” Jim shared on X. Later, the same day, Kenny Wallace confirmed Carter’s demise with a heartwarming tribute.

Wallace shared his condolences after hearing the news. “Travis Carter has passed away 😔 I will always remember Travis changing tires for Junior Johnson’s cars in a VERY calm demeanor. Travis never got on his knees. TRAVIS WAS A LEGEND. My prayers to the family 🏁”

In 2003, Carter made headlines with a groundbreaking move, signing a landmark deal with British-based motorsport outfit Torquespeed UK to form the first UK-funded NASCAR Winston Cup team. Named Torquespeed Carter, with Torquespeed UK as the majority shareholder, the team planned to operate from Carter’s existing Travis Carter Enterprises complex in Statesville, North Carolina. The venture aimed to bring European driver John Mickel to the Cup Series, blending international flair with NASCAR’s gritty roots. Though the project never fully materialized on the track, it showcased Carter’s fearless vision, always pushing the sport’s boundaries.

Fun fact: Tarvis Carter was the crew chief for Cale Yarborough when the driver had a post-race brawl after the 1979 Daytona 500 with the Allison brothers. It was the first lap-by-lap live coverage of the Daytona 500 on CBS, and this fight put NASCAR on the map and popularized it.arter’s knack for spotting talent and building competitive teams earned him universal respect. Fans on social media called him a “true pioneer,” reminiscing about his bold strategies and larger-than-life presence. Living in Denver, North Carolina, until his final days, Carter entered hospice care on Monday, leaving the community in shock. His legacy as a crew chief who conquered Daytona and a savvy owner who kept the sport thrilling lives on. The NASCAR garage feels emptier today, but Carter’s spirit will forever fuel the chase for the checkered flag.

NASCAR community mourns a true legend

The NASCAR world erupted in tributes following Travis Carter’s passing, with drivers, teams, and fans sharing heartfelt memories. Brian Keselowski, Brad’s elder brother, took to social media with a touching story: “Just heard about Travis Carter passing away. If you didn’t know him, you missed out on a great guy. When we first moved to NC in 2010 we rented a shop from him. He was so happy for us when we made Daytona in 2011, I’ll never forget it.” Keselowski’s words paint Carter as a mentor who cheered for the underdog, his warmth leaving a lasting mark on those around him.

Prominent NASCAR journalist Ryan McGee couldn’t help but highlight how welcoming Cater was as he referred to him as his cousin. “Godspeed Travis Carter. He used to greet me with “Hey, Cousin McGee” because I was from Rockingham, NC and he was from Ellerbe, NC and “that’s close enough.” What a NASCAR legend and what a damn nice guy.”

Former Xfinity driver turned broadcaster, Hermie Sadler even recalled a time when he shared a garage with Carter back in the day, “I want to send my sincere condolences to the family of Travis Carter. I rented a shop from him for a few years and we did good business together, and more importantly he did everything he said he would and then some to try and help me and my team. RIP🙏🙏🙏 to a good man.”

Fans echoed that sentiment, one recalling childhood drives past Carter’s shop on Highway 421: “They had a big pedestal like 20 feet high with a #23 Smokin’ Joe’s Camel car which was Jimmy Spencer’s at the time. The shop just seemed massive with like 30 different garage doors all with different stuff going on.” To a kid, Carter’s operation was larger than life, a symbol of his ability to scrap with NASCAR’s giants despite modest resources. The fan urged others to listen to Carter’s September 2024 Dale Jr. Download episode, packed with “awesome old NASCAR stories” that capture his wit and wisdom.

Another fan highlighted Carter’s global impact, noting Hideo Fukuyama’s 1997 run in Carter’s No. 23 Ford at the NASCAR Thunder Suzuka Special in Japan. “Fukuyama piloted the Million Card-sponsored car for Travis Carter Motorsports,” they wrote, tying Carter’s legacy to NASCAR’s international ventures.

Travis Carter might not be as famous as Ray Evernham or Chad Knaus, but his impact on the sport stretches far and beyond. And the outburst of the reactions signifies how important Cater’s contribution has been for the sport.