Bill Rexford

Bill Rexford
Bill Rexford
1927–1994

Category
Auto Racing
Year Inducted
1997

Bill Rexford still holds the honor of being the youngest driver to ever win the coveted National Association Stock Car Automobile Racing (NASCAR) Grand National title. The former Conewango Valley resident was 23 when he captured the title and that is why Rexford, who passed away in 1994, was inducted into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.

Rexford was born in Conewango Valley on March 14, 1927 to Kermit and Edith Rexford. In the early 1940s, Rexford worked in his dad's Chevrolet dealership and raced track jalopies at bullrings (small local tracks) around the area. He got his start at the Pennyroyal Speedway in Leon. After competing there for several years following a two year stint in the United States Navy, Rexford's talents were recognized by promoter Ed Otto, one of the NASCAR founders. Thus, Rexford made the move to NASCAR in 1949 and participated in three late season Grand National races.

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