Benny Chastain was a veteran NASCAR and ARCA Menards Series driver who passed away at 82 on February 9, 2025.
While the cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed, it was reported that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Many took to social media to recollect his contributions to stock car racing and his presence in the ARCA garage.
Former ARCA driver Benny Chastain has passed away. He was 82 years old. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/ts61xDe7eM
— Jared Haas (@RealJaredHaas) February 11, 2025
Zachary Tinkle, a 2019 Vore’s Welding CRA Late Model Sportsman Champion, paid tribute to Chastain and wrote,
Really saddened to have learned of the passing of a fellow ARCA competitor Benny Chastain. I got to race with Benny in 2022 at Daytona and from the short interactions we had he was always very nice to me. You were loved by many in the ARCA garage and we will miss you. My thoughts and prayers are with the Chastain family during this time. Rest In Peace, Benny.
Benny Chastain’s Beloved Wife, Mary Chastain, Preceded Him in Death!
He began his racing career relatively late at the age of 55, making his ARCA Menards Series debut in 2004 at South Boston Speedway.
Despite not competing full-time in the series outside of the 2006 season, he remained a dedicated and passionate driver.
He drove the No. 01 Ford Fusion for Fast Track Racing part-time in the ARCA Menards Series.
In 2017, he led a lap at Talladega Superspeedway, the only one of his career.
His best finish in the series was 15th at Daytona in 2020. He made his final start at the age of 79 at Daytona in 2022.
Before he transitioned into racing, he was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and an accomplished pilot who loved to perform aerial tricks.
He was also a lifelong entrepreneur, establishing multiple businesses, including skating rinks, racquetball courts, and paint and body shops.
His favorite job was working with kids and positively influencing their lives.
Moreover, he enjoyed boating, pulling kids on tubes during the summer, and skiing on the slopes in the winter.
Chastain believed everyone should experience snow skiing, white-water rafting, and flying planes.
Before he left this world, Mary Chastain, Benny Chastain’s wife, passed away on January 24, 2025.
While the specific cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed, Benny was deeply affected by her loss. He mourned her loss until his own passing in February 2025.
Benny and Mary shared a strong and loving relationship and were proud parents of three children: Melissa Prescott, Benny Chastain, and Patrick Chastain.
He was also a proud grandfather to several grandchildren, including Jesse Prescott, Jordan, Jada Pierce, Madison Williams, Chase Prescott, Bentley, and Dawson.
Moreover, he was not just a driver but a cherished member of the ARCA family.
His presence will be missed by everyone who knew him. Rest In Peace Legend!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Benny was born on September 22, 1942, in Tallahassee, Florida, U.S., to parents Alva Bienville Chastain Sr. and Grace Ellen (Bondurant) Chastain.
- Chastain competed in 50 ARCA Menards Series events from 2004 to 2022.
