Tallahassee, Florida: Benny Chastain, a veteran NASCAR and ARCA Menards Series driver, passed away peacefully at 82 on February 9, 2025.
He was deeply affected by the loss of his wife, Mary Chastian, and mourned her loss. His family has not yet released details regarding his death cause.
Highlights
- Benny Chastain passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, at 82 on February 9, 2025.
- He had three children from his marriage with Mary, and they took great joy as parents and grandparents.
- He was a true adventurer and always wanted new experiences, but family was his greatest joy.
Alva Bienville “Benny” Chastain Jr. began racing at 55 in 1997. He maintained years of success at his local dirt track and debuted at the ARCA Menards Series in 2004 at South Boston Speedway.
He finished 22nd in his debut series and appeared over the next 12 years. However, he never ran full-time outside of 2006.
Benny led a lap at Talladega Superspeedway, the only one of his career in 2017. His best position was 15th at Daytona International Speedway in 2020.
Moreover, he drove the No. 10 for Fast Track Racing in an attempt to make his debut start in the ARCA Menards Series East at Five Flags Motor Speedway in 2022.
Unfortunately, he crashed in qualifying, and his failure to be eligible for the race led to Nate Moeller’s renumbering of his No. 06 Wayne Peterson Racing car.
Benny Chastain’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Benny Chastain was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and an accomplished pilot who loved to perform aerial tricks.
He fulfilled his dream of becoming a racer at 52 and continued racing until he was 80. His final lap was at Daytona track.
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
A lifelong entrepreneur had established multiple businesses throughout his career, including skating rinks, racquetball courts, and paint and body shops. However, his favorite job was working with kids that positively influenced their lives.
His summer was on the water, boating and pulling kids on tubes, while his winter was for mountains, where he skied the slopes.
Benny said everyone should experience snow skiing, white-water rafting, and flying planes.
The racing community has been sharing heartfelt tributes and memories of Chastain as a beloved figure in the ARCA garage.
Chastain was a late bloomer in the racing world, not setting foot into a race car until he was in his mid 50’s. But when he did, he made an indelible impression on the garage, garnering a reputation as one of the nicest wheelmen on the property. A Navy veteran, Chastain was truly a stranger to the word fear, and leaves behind a legacy that many within the industry will forever remember.
Grand National Super Series
Furthermore, Benny’s parents, Alva Bienville Chastain Sr. and Grace Ellen (Bondurant) Chastain, brother, Gaines Chapman “Bubba” Chastain, and his wife, Mary Chastain, preceded him.
His children, Melissa Prescott, Benny Chastain, and Patrick Chastain, survive him. He had a great bond with his beloved grandchildren, Jesse Prescott, Jordan Chastain, Jada Pierce, Madison Williams, Chase Prescott, Bentley Chastain, and Dawson Chastain.
Moreover, he also had a great-grandson, Jasper Grey.
Benny’s viewing will occur at the Bethel Cemetery at 11 AM on Saturday, February 15, followed by his graveside service at 12 PM with Pastor Ryan Kramer of Transformation Church officiating. Clary-Glenn Funeral Home will handle the arrangements.
Nonetheless, the Chastain family members have requested donations instead of flowers in his name to AcadeMe school or his church, Transformation TLH, to honor his legacy.
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Benny Chastain Faces Emotional Turmoil After His Wife’s Death
Benny Chastain’s loving relationship with his wife, Mary Chastain, lasted many years. Sadly, Mary passed away before Benny, and he deeply mourned her tragic loss.
They were devoted to each other and enjoyed spending time together, whether at racing events or enjoying their hobbies.
The married couple had three children and spent quality time with their grandchildren. They took great joy in their role as parents and grandparents.
Family was important to both; they cherished every moment spent with their kids.
Mary was frequently seen by his side at races, cheering him on and providing emotional support.
Benny was a true adventurer and always wanted new experiences, but family was his greatest joy. He was a devoted father and grandfather and often referred to himself as One Proud Dad (OPD).
Moreover, he was a member of Transformation Church in Tallahassee, and his faith remained a guiding light throughout his life.
The Chastain family mourns the loss of Benny and Mary, who were cherished parents. Their legacy will undoubtedly live on through their children and the many lives they touched throughout their lives together.
Some people live their lives with caution, taking careful steps, always looking before they leap. But Uncle Benny? He hit the gas and never looked back. He lived life the way he raced—full throttle, with passion, determination, and a love for the ride wherever it would take him.
Sarah Cambron Dorough Lindsay
Additional Information
- Benny Chastain was born in Tallahassee, Florida, on September 22, 1942.
- He was involved in the Drive to End Hunger campaign, which highlighted his commitment to addressing senior hunger through racing.
