Bobby Hamilton had four career Cup Series victories. Credit: Craig Jones/Getty Images

NASCAR world recalls 'tough, gentle' Hamilton

On Monday, the NASCAR racing community remembered one of its own and one of its champions, Bobby Hamilton, who died from cancer on Sunday at his home in Mt. Juliet, Tenn.

Almost to a person, his competitors, friends and track operators remembered a man that was a fierce competitor and sometimes a gruff taskmaster, but also a devoted family man and a compassionate friend.

Bobby Hamilton made three Truck Series starts in 2006 before focusing on his battle with cancer. Credit: Autostock

MESSAGE BOARD •   Send your condolences to Bobby Hamilton's family. HAMILTON DIES AT 49 Bobby Hamilton, the 2004 Truck Series champion, died Jan. 7 after a battle with neck cancer.  •   Complete story, click here BY THE NUMBERS Bobby Hamilton found Victory Lane in all three of NASCAR's top series, but when he went to the Lady in Black in a truck, he found his way to the front.  •   Hamilton: By the Numbers PHOTO GALLERY From driving the 43 car for Petty Enterprises to winning a Truck Series championship with his own team, Bobby Hamilton's career was multi-faceted.  • Hamilton: In Photos 2004 FLASHBACK The 2004 season was Bobby Hamilton's crowning moment in the Truck Series, but even in his championship year nothing was handed to the owner/driver.  •   Complete story, click here Reflecting on a titleBobby Hamilton looks back on his 2004 truck championship Lifting the trophyBobby Hamilton clinches the 2004 Truck Series championship '05: Up frontBobby Hamilton takes the points lead halfway through the year '05: Victory at MansfieldBobby Hamilton celebrates his UAW-GM Ohio 250 victory '05: To the lineBobby Hamilton edges Jimmy Spencer to win the Dodge Dealers 250 '04: Happy papaBobby Hamilton wins the Toyota 200 and celebrates with his son Sign up for TrackPass now BUY THE NEXTEL i836

Richard Petty, team owner for Hamilton's first Cup Series victory, at Phoenix in 1996
"The entire Petty family and organization is saddened by the passing of Bobby Hamilton. Bobby was not only a huge part of the racing family, but of the Petty family as well.

"He will always be a part of our family. He had a heart of a champion and that affected everyone around him. You could always count on Bobby. He was just that type of guy. He never let you down and gave you everything he had on and off the track. His family is in our hearts and prayers."

Robbie Loomis, crew chief for Hamilton's first Cup Series victory
"I won my first race with Bobby at Phoenix. The neatest thing about Hamilton was he kept the fun in racing. We had just as much fun probably through the bad times as when we won, [we just] enjoyed it more when we won. I remember the night he won. He went back to the hotel and ordered pizza and was happy as could be.

"Hamilton was never about the TV or interviews. He got in there and did his deal. I think that was the neatest part about it. A lot of drivers come in nowadays and try to emulate someone's style or they try to wear long hair or short hair or sideburns. Hamilton just came in and stayed true to himself and never wavered from that.

"Hamilton was a unique guy. He was special. He did his deal, and I think if you look at the way his cancer went it was just like the way he lived his life. He did it quietly and nobody knew a lot about what was going on. He just did his deal. Now he's up there in heaven probably thinking he's glad it's over with."

Jimmy Elledge, Hamilton's crew chief for his 2001 Talladega victory
"Bobby really meant a lot to me. He's the guy I won my first race with and so far it's still my only win. Bobby taught me a lot about a lot of things. When he came to the team in 2001 that team was two years old and he came in and really embraced the guys.

"He really had some neat qualities. He came over every week and spent the day with us and took us to lunch and stuff. He was a real solid figure that that team needed at the time, and I needed, too. He'd calm me down when I'd get upset.

"It's a huge loss, but you just never know. A couple years ago he was the champion, then he's diagnosed with cancer and bam, it's done. I hate it for the whole family. He got a special treat with his little granddaughter. When Dale [Earnhardt] passed away I know how I felt that my kids never got a chance to know him. The time he had with his granddaughter was precious, and that's the way you've got to look at it."

Sterling Marlin, Nextel Cup driver and Tennessee native
"Bobby was a great guy and a good friend. This sport is really going to miss him. He was a hard, clean racer and a really talented driver. We started racing right about the same time and he was a fierce competitor. He knew what he wanted to do and he made it happen.

"But at the same time he'd give anyone the shirt off his back. He was a sincere man that genuinely cared about people. We flew a lot of miles together to and from races and test sessions and made some good memories together. Everyone in the racing world will miss him."

Joe Nemechek, Nextel Cup driver and former teammate
"It's hard to put into words how you feel when something like this happens. It's just hard to believe. It seems like yesterday I was helping to push Bobby to victory at Talladega back in '01 [2001 Talladega 500].

"It hits close to home when something like this happens. It's like when I lost my brother [John Nemechek, after a Craftsman Truck Series accident in 1997] -- anytime you're close to someone and you know them well it just makes your heart hurt.

"Bobby was a heckuva racecar driver. He was a family man and loved his kids and his grandkids. It's a sad time. He'll be missed, but we'll keep him in our thoughts and prayers."

Jimmie Johnson, defending Nextel Cup champion
"I was completely shocked and truly saddened by it all. I know Bobby [Hamilton] Jr. more than Bobby and I remember seeing Bobby at Martinsville [last spring, after having a media briefing concerning his cancer battle] after the Cup practice was over.

"I was going through the tunnel and he was coming up the other side and I stopped and shook his hand and said hello. He said he felt amazing and he looked great. So I wasn't aware of his condition and to hear that news [Sunday] was really sad."

Kasey Kahne, Nextel Cup driver
"I was really surprised and sad [to hear Hamilton died]. That's someone I've looked up to just because of his work ethic and the way he got into NASCAR and the way he's run his teams.

"He's always had to battle and fight to do what he's done. I was surprised. I thought he was doing better than that. I just heard last night, but he had a great career in NASCAR for sure."

Mark Martin, Nextel Cup driver
"Bobby was one of the most down to earth people that I have ever been around. He treated everyone the same no matter who you were or what you did. He was just a really good guy.

"He was a very unique person and he was a great competitor on the racetrack, and it's just a huge loss for everyone in the racing family and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."

Ricky Rudd, Nextel Cup driver
"Bobby was a class guy. He worked hard to get to where he was and was a good family guy and I hate to see anybody have trouble like that or pass away like that. I guess it's more a shock to me. I was kind of away [from racing while semi-retired for the past season] and I didn't realize maybe that his health had declined lately. It's too bad. He was a good guy -- a great guy.

"He was tough, there's no doubt. Bobby was very good, very aggressive and a really great short-track driver over the years. He was as good as there ever was on short tracks and it wasn't that he was a bad speedway driver. I remember racing against him when he won at Talladega. I guess he's one of those old-time guys that just loved this sport. He was kind of like a Bobby Allison, who sunk everything he had into his operation."

Mike Accavitti, director, Dodge Motorsports
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hamilton family and Bobby Hamilton Racing with the sad news of Bobby's passing. Bobby was a great competitor, a great leader and a great man. We were proud to be associated with him for so many years. We will always remember him for the champion that he was."

Doug Fritz, president, Richmond International Raceway, where Hamilton scored his only career Busch Series victory
"Bobby Hamilton was a pleasure to be around and was one of the most versatile, experienced drivers in NASCAR. He touched many lives in our sport and he will be missed. On behalf of our staff at Richmond International Raceway, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones."

Grant Lynch, president, Talladega Superspeedway, where Hamilton scored his fourth and final Cup Series victory
"Bobby Hamilton was a true racer, an 'old school' racer, and his contributions to NASCAR over the years encompassed much more than statistics in a history book.

"Bobby will always be remembered at Talladega Superspeedway for his exciting win here in 2001. In a race that was caution-free for [its entire] 188 laps, he secured his fourth and final win and brought Andy Petree his first victory as a car owner in the series.

"He made quite an impact on the sport, as well as the people he touched on a personal level and will certainly be missed. We will continue to keep the Hamilton family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

Bryan Sperber, president, Phoenix International Raceway, where Hamilton scored his first career Cup victory
"Bobby Hamilton's impact on the NASCAR community was tremendous. He was a gracious competitor and a true icon of our sport. On behalf of our staff at Phoenix International Raceway, we extend our prayers and sympathies to Bobby's family and friends."

Jeff Boerger, president, Kansas Speedway
"Kansas Speedway was saddened to learn of the passing of NASCAR driver and team owner Bobby Hamilton. Bobby was a true competitor and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and everyone at Bobby Hamilton Racing during this time."