| Billy Hagan | |||||||
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Billy Hagan, one of the unsung heroes of NASCAR Cup Series history |
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| Born | March 22, 1932 Lillie, Louisiana |
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| Died | November 17, 2007 (aged 75) | ||||||
| Cause of death | Natural causes | ||||||
| NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career | |||||||
| 3 races run over 3 years | |||||||
| Best finish | 84th - 1975 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season | ||||||
| First race | 1969 Talladega 500 (Talladega) | ||||||
| Last race | 1979 Texas 400 (Texas) | ||||||
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Billy Joe Hagan (March 22, 1932 - November 16, 2007) was a NASCAR driver/owner from Lillie, Louisiana, USA.
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He made three starts in NASCAR's Grand National/Winston Cup division, finishing eighth in his first start, the inaugural Talladega 500 in a self-owned 1968 Mercury Cyclone. He did not field another car until 1975, finishing 19th once again at Talladega. He also fielded a car for five races for Skip Manning.
In 1976, he fielded the #92 Stratagraph Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna for Manning, and he won Rookie of the Year honors. Manning was released in 1978, and replaced by Terry Labonte. Hagan hired Petty Enterprises crew chief Dale Inman for the 1984 season.[1] Labonte won the Southern 500, and won the 1984 championship. Labonte left the team in 1986, and was replaced by Sterling Marlin. Labonte returned to the team in 1991, but was unable to continue their success. 1994, marked Hagan's last season as a single car owner, fielding cars for John Andretti and Randy MacDonald. In 1996, his shop was purchased by Triad Motorsports. Hagan continued to serve as a co-owner of the operation until the team's demise in 1999.
Billy Hagan died on November 16, 2007, at the age of 75. The result of his death was natural causes. His death was on the same day of Terry Labonte's 51st birthday.