Brett Bodine, American race car driver

Brett Elias Bodine III, born on January 11, 1959, is a distinguished American figure in the world of stock car racing, recognized for his multifaceted contributions as a former professional driver, a prominent pace car driver for NASCAR Cup Series events, and a respected current employee of NASCAR. Hailing from the racing hotbed of Chemung, New York, Brett is an integral part of one of NASCAR’s most notable racing families. He is the younger brother of Geoff Bodine, the celebrated winner of the prestigious 1986 Daytona 500 – often dubbed "The Great American Race" – and the elder brother of Todd Bodine, who cemented his legacy with two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championships in 2006 and 2010. This rich family lineage underscores his deep roots and significant, enduring contributions to the sport.

Brett Bodine's driving career spanned several key NASCAR divisions, leaving an indelible mark. His exceptional prowess in the formative years of his career was officially recognized when he was named one of the "50 greatest NASCAR modified drivers of all time" by NASCAR itself. This honor highlights his significant impact in the NASCAR Modified series, which holds the distinction of being the sport's oldest continually operating division. His transition to NASCAR’s national series was equally impressive. In the then-NASCAR Busch Series, which is now officially known as the Xfinity Series, Bodine showcased formidable talent throughout his tenure. He notably finished as the championship runner-up in 1986, narrowly missing the title to Larry Pearson. Despite not clinching the championship, he demonstrated consistent speed and competitive spirit, accumulating a total of five career victories and an impressive sixteen pole positions in the Xfinity Series.

His career in the pinnacle of stock car racing, the NASCAR Cup Series, saw Brett Bodine make a remarkable 480 starts. A definitive career highlight occurred on April 22, 1990, when he captured his sole Cup Series victory at the First Union 400 held at the iconic North Wilkesboro Speedway. This memorable triumph, combined with five pole positions earned throughout his Cup Series tenure, firmly cemented his place among the elite drivers of his era. Across both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Bodine consistently demonstrated his ability to run at the front of the field, leading over 1,000 career laps in each series – a powerful testament to his sustained performance and unwavering competitive drive.

Beyond his active racing days, Brett Bodine has maintained a profound and continuous involvement with NASCAR. He served for many years as a highly visible and crucial pace car driver for numerous Cup Series events, a vital role that ensures the safety of the field and manages race flow during caution periods. Leveraging his extensive on-track experience and deep understanding of the sport, he currently holds a senior position within NASCAR, reportedly focusing on operations that include the management of the official pace car fleet and comprehensive driver training initiatives. In this capacity, he continues to contribute significantly to the sport’s ongoing success, safety protocols, and operational excellence.

Key Career Highlights and Achievements:

Frequently Asked Questions About Brett Bodine

When was Brett Bodine born?
Brett Elias Bodine III was born on January 11, 1959.
What is Brett Bodine's relation to other famous NASCAR drivers?
Brett Bodine is an integral part of the renowned Bodine racing family. He is the younger brother of Geoff Bodine, the celebrated 1986 Daytona 500 winner, and the older brother of Todd Bodine, a two-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion (2006, 2010).
Did Brett Bodine win a NASCAR Cup Series race?
Yes, Brett Bodine secured one NASCAR Cup Series victory during his career: the 1990 First Union 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
How many Xfinity Series wins does Brett Bodine have?
Brett Bodine achieved five career wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (which was formerly known as the Busch Series), in addition to earning sixteen pole positions in the series.
What is Brett Bodine's current role at NASCAR?
Following his accomplished driving career, Brett Bodine transitioned into a significant senior role within NASCAR. He notably served as a pace car driver for Cup Series events for many years and currently contributes to NASCAR's operations, including the management of the official pace car program and driver training.