Longtime NASCAR exec Gazaway dies

[Davz13]

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Bill Gazaway, a longtime NASCAR executive during the sport's modern era, died Thursday in Atlanta, NASCAR officials said. He was 76.

Gazaway joined NASCAR in 1960 as a team owner. His cars made seven starts, including one with him behind the wheel. He started 44th at Atlanta Motor Speedway and drove his Oldsmobile one lap before the rear end failed.

ADVERTISEMENT
Gazaway moved into NASCAR's front office three years later as a technical inspector. He maintained that position until 1967, when he was promoted to assistant technical director. He assumed the role of competition director the following year.

He became director of racing operations in 1979, and was named vice president of competition in 1984, a position he held until his retirement from NASCAR in 1987.

"Bill Gazaway was one of those NASCAR pioneers who did a lot of good things during his time with NASCAR," former NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. said.

Gazaway also served in the Marine Corps between 1947 and 1951, teaching motor maintenance. He went on to build engines for Delta Airlines and later opened a competition garage in Atlanta.

Gazaway is survived by his wife, Gwen; daughter, Alicia; and several grandchildren.