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Neil Bonnett Biograph
Neil Bonnett was an American NASCAR driver who compiled 18 victories and 20 poles over his 18-year career. He was a member of the “Alabama Gang” and started his career with the help of Bobby and Donnie Allison. He rose to prominence in the late 1970s with his performances in cars owned by Jim Stacy and Wood Brothers Racing, becoming one of the top competitors in the 1980s. The Alabama native currently ranks 47th in all-time NASCAR Cup victories. He appeared in the 1983 film Stroker Ace and the 1990 film Days of Thunder.
Neil Bonnett Quick Facts
- Born: July 30, 1946, in Hueytown, Alabama
- Died: February 11, 1994, in Daytona Beach, Florida
- NASCAR driver from 1974 to 1994
- Won 18 NASCAR Cup races
- Appeared in the films Stroker Ace (1983) and Days of Thunder (1990)
- Killed in a crash during practice for the 1994 Daytona 500
Neil Bonnett Age
Bonnett was 47 years old when he died in a crash during practice for the Daytona 500 on February 11, 1994. He was born on July 30, 1946, in Hueytown, Alabama.
Neil Bonnett Family
Neil Bonnett was born to parents John William Bonnett and Eula Faye (née Thompson) in Hueytown, Alabama, on July 30, 1946. He had one older brother, Larry, and one younger sister, Sheila.
His father, John William Bonnett, was a mechanic and his mother, Eula Faye (née Thompson) was a homemaker. They were both very supportive of Neil’s racing career.
Larry Bonnett was also a NASCAR driver, competing in the Busch Series from 1983 to 1986. He died in a plane crash in 1986 at the age of 39.
Sheila Bonnett was not a NASCAR driver, but she was very involved in her brother’s racing career. She was his personal assistant and she often traveled with him to the races. She died in 2007 at the age of 58.
Neil Bonnett was very close to his family and they were a great source of support for him throughout his racing career. He was always grateful for their love and support.
Neil Bonnett Wife Remarried | Neil Bonnett Children
Neil Bonnett was married to Susan Bonnett from 1965 until his death in 1994. They had two children together: David and Kristen.
- David Bonnett is a NASCAR driver who competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 2007 to 2012. He is currently the director of competition for Richard Childress Racing.
- Kristen Bonnett is a lawyer who works in the area of intellectual property law.
Neil Bonnett was very proud of his children and he always supported their dreams. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Neil Bonnett measurements
Neil Bonnett’s height and weight are not publicly available. However, he is estimated to have been around 5 feet 10 inches tall and 170 pounds. He was a physically fit driver who was known for his aggressive driving style.
Neil Bonnett Net worth
Neil Bonnett had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 1994. His net worth was largely from his career as a NASCAR driver. He won 18 NASCAR Cup races, including back-to-back World 600s (NASCAR’s longest race, now the Coca-Cola 600) and back-to-back Busch Clash (now Bud Shootout) victories. He also won at tracks such as Daytona, Talladega, Rockingham and North Wilkesboro.
Neil Bonnett Death | Neil Bonnett Cause of Death
Neil Bonnett died on February 11, 1994, at the age of 47, in a crash during practice for the Daytona 500. The crash occurred when Bonnett dropped below the apron of the track and lost control, veering to the right causing almost a head-on hit.
In an eerie twist of fate, Dale Earnhardt would die in an identical accident, in the same place on the track, just 10 months later. Since then, NASCAR has mandated that no car may drop below the apron at Daytona, and at Talladega Superspeedway.
