Bobby Hamilton Jr.
Bobby Hamilton Jr. (born January 8, 1978) is an American former professional stock car racing driver and team owner, best known for his five victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series during the early 2000s.[1][2] Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Hamilton began his racing career at age 15, competing in local events before advancing to national series.[2][3] As the son of late NASCAR driver and 2004 Craftsman Truck Series champion Bobby Hamilton Sr., he followed in his father's footsteps, making his NASCAR debut in the Xfinity Series in 1998 with Sadler Brothers Motorsports.[4][5] Hamilton's most successful season came in 2003, when he drove for Team Rensi Motorsports and secured four Xfinity Series wins—at Kentucky Speedway, Chicago Motor Speedway, Memphis Motorsports Park, and Phoenix International Raceway—while finishing fourth in the championship standings. His lone prior victory was at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2002.[5] Over 253 Xfinity starts from 1998 to 2009, he recorded 30 top-five finishes and 63 top-10 results, along with four pole positions.[5] He also competed in 64 NASCAR Cup Series races between 1999 and 2006, primarily as a part-time driver, achieving a best finish of 17th place without a victory.[6] In the NASCAR Truck Series, Hamilton made 37 appearances from 2000 to 2005, posting three top-five and 11 top-10 finishes.[7] After stepping back from full-time driving, Hamilton transitioned into team ownership, co-founding Rensi-Hamilton Racing in 2009 and later Hamilton-Hughes Racing in 2016, both fielding cars in the ARCA Menards Series. In recent years, he has also promoted sprint car racing events.[3][8] He returned to driving sporadically in ARCA through 2016, competing in 19 total races across multiple seasons without a win in that series.[9] In late 2010, Hamilton was accused of pulling a gun on a race crew at Highland Rim Speedway, a track he owned, though no charges resulted.[10] By the mid-2010s, his team efforts in ARCA faced challenges, including lawsuits from drivers over unpaid wages and equipment issues in 2016.[11]Early Life and Beginnings
Family Background
Charles Robert Hamilton Jr., known professionally as Bobby Hamilton Jr., was born on January 8, 1978, in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the son of prominent NASCAR driver Bobby Hamilton Sr. and his wife, Lori Hamilton, growing up in a household deeply immersed in motorsports due to his father's career.[12] Bobby Hamilton Sr. achieved significant success in NASCAR, including winning the 2004 Craftsman Truck Series championship with four victories that season, which profoundly influenced his son's early interest in racing.[13] The Hamilton family was based in the Nashville area throughout Bobby Jr.'s childhood, providing a racing-oriented environment where he was exposed to the sport from a young age through his father's professional endeavors. Inspired by his father's achievements, Hamilton Jr. began his initial racing exposure around age 15, starting with local efforts that built on the family legacy.[3]Entry into Racing
Bobby Hamilton Jr. began his competitive racing career at the age of 15 in 1993, starting with local short tracks in Tennessee. Gifted a Ford Pinto by his father, he and his family repaired the vehicle and debuted it at Highland Rim Speedway, a quarter-mile track near his hometown of Nashville. This marked his entry into organized racing on weekend events, where he honed fundamental skills in handling and strategy amid the competitive environment of regional short-track racing.[3] Drawing from his family's deep racing heritage, Hamilton Jr. received direct mentorship from his father, Bobby Hamilton Sr., a prominent NASCAR driver who provided guidance on car setup and racecraft. He progressed from local short tracks, making his debut in national series such as ARCA in 1998. These early experiences built his technical proficiency and competitive edge, as he navigated the demands of higher-powered vehicles on both flat and banked ovals typical of Tennessee's short-track circuit.[3]Professional Racing Career
NASCAR Cup Series
Bobby Hamilton Jr. debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series on November 12, 2000, at the Pennzoil 400 in Homestead, finishing 33rd in the No. 57 Chevrolet fielded by his father's Bobby Hamilton Racing team.[14] Over the course of his part-time career spanning 2000 to 2005, he accumulated 64 starts across multiple underfunded teams, including stints with Team Sabco in 2001, Andy Petree Racing that same year, Morgan-McClure Motorsports in 2001, Team Rensi Motorsports in 2003, Phoenix Racing and PPI Motorsports in 2004 and 2005, and [Front Row Motorsports](/page/Front Row Motorsports) in 2005.[14] His efforts were hampered by inconsistent sponsorship and equipment reliability, leading to an average finish of 30.72 across his outings.[15] Hamilton's most competitive season came in 2005, where he ran 33 races primarily for BAM Racing and Phoenix Racing, earning a career-best 36th-place points finish with 2,721 points.[16] That year highlighted his potential with three 11th-place finishes, including at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Richmond Raceway, as well as several other top-20 results at intermediate tracks like Charlotte and Michigan, though mechanical failures often prevented higher placements.[17] In 2004 with Phoenix Racing and PPI Motorsports, he achieved an 11th at Richmond but struggled overall to 39th in points after 17 starts.[16] Earlier seasons were more sporadic; in 2001, he made 10 starts split between Team Sabco, Andy Petree Racing, and Morgan-McClure Motorsports, finishing 50th in the standings, while 2003 saw limited action with Team Rensi Motorsports, yielding 54th in points.[16] His final Cup appearances came in 2005. Hamilton stepped away from the series after the season, citing difficulties securing stable sponsorship and competitive opportunities as key factors limiting his full-time prospects.[18] Over his Cup tenure, he earned approximately $3.5 million in prize money, underscoring the financial strains of mid-pack racing in the era.[15]NASCAR Xfinity Series
Bobby Hamilton Jr. began his NASCAR Xfinity Series career in 1998 with two starts, finishing 29th and 20th on average without a top-10 result, marking initial rookie struggles as he adapted to the series' competitive demands.[19] He transitioned to a full-time schedule in 1999 with 18 starts, improving to 39th in points, and continued building experience through 2001, where he ran 33 races and earned his first pole at California Speedway while finishing 17th in the standings.[19] By 2002, Hamilton Jr. had established himself as a contender, competing in all 34 events for a career-best eighth-place points finish and securing his first victory in the Busch 200 at New Hampshire International Speedway on July 20.[19] His pinnacle arrived in 2003, driving the No. 25 Ford for Team Rensi Motorsports with primary sponsorship from the U.S. Marine Corps, as he captured four wins across diverse track types and clinched fourth in the final points standings—his highest career placement—with 13 top-five finishes and 22 top-10s in 34 starts.[20][19] Those triumphs included the Meijer 300 at Kentucky Speedway on June 14, the Tropicana Twister 300 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 12, the Sam's Town 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park on October 18, and the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix Raceway on November 1, showcasing his versatility on short ovals, intermediates, and road courses. Additional sponsorship support from brands like McDonald's and Eckrich bolstered the team's efforts during this dominant campaign.[21] Following his breakout year, Hamilton Jr. scaled back to 23 starts in 2004 amid occasional NASCAR Cup Series opportunities, finishing 22nd in Xfinity points without a win but posting seven top-fives and 12 top-10s.[19] He returned to full-time competition in 2007 with Team Rensi Motorsports in the No. 35 Ford, logging 35 races for a strong sixth-place points result, highlighted by three top-10s despite no victories.[22] The 2008 season saw him run 33 events for 15th in points, with one top-five at Iowa Speedway, before concluding his Xfinity tenure part-time in 2009 with nine starts across multiple teams, averaging a 25th-place finish.[19] Overall, his 253 outings reflected steady growth from an unproven newcomer to a mid-pack mainstay capable of championship contention, amassing 30 top-fives and four poles while balancing pursuits in higher divisions.[23]NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Bobby Hamilton Jr. made 37 starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series between 2001 and 2011, primarily on a part-time schedule that complemented his commitments in the Xfinity Series.[24] His involvement often centered on tactical, shorter-distance events that served as a developmental platform, honing skills in truck-specific handling amid challenges like vehicle durability under heavy loads.[25] In 2006, Hamilton Jr. achieved his career-best points finish of 16th, competing in 25 races for the family-owned Bobby Hamilton Racing team and recording six top-10 finishes, including a ninth-place result at Bristol Motor Speedway.[26][27] Overall, he tallied 11 top-10 finishes and three top-five results across his starts, with an average finish of 18.5.[25] Hamilton Jr. earned two pole positions in the series, starting with his debut outing at Martinsville Speedway in 2001, where he substituted for his father in the No. 4 truck.[28] Following his father's passing in 2007, his Truck Series appearances became more sporadic, including substitute and one-off drives for teams like Rick Ware Racing, such as a 13th-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in 2010.[29] These limited runs highlighted the series' role as a bridge for occasional competition rather than a full-time pursuit.[22]Other Racing Involvement
ARCA Series Participation
Bobby Hamilton Jr. began his national-level stock car racing career with the ARCA Racing Series in 1998, competing for Sadler Brothers Racing in a total of eight starts across the 1998 and 1999 seasons.[30] These outings provided early exposure to high-speed oval racing and helped develop his skills for the transition to NASCAR's Busch Series the following year.[31] Hamilton recorded five top-5 finishes, demonstrating strong potential on superspeedways, including a third-place result at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1998, a runner-up finish from the pole at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1998, a third-place finish at Daytona International Speedway in 1999, and fifth-place finishes at Pocono Raceway and Talladega Superspeedway in 1998.[32][33][34] After focusing on higher NASCAR divisions through the early 2000s, Hamilton announced plans to return to ARCA in 2014 with Carter 2 Motorsports in the No. 40 Dodge. However, funding challenges prevented any participation that year.[35][36] He debuted his return in 2015, re-signing with Carter 2 Motorsports to drive the No. 97 Dodge backed by Nitroforce Industries and Titan 1000 for a planned full-season effort.[37] He competed in 10 races, earning one top-10 finish and concluding the year 14th in the driver points standings with 1,975 points.[38][9] These sporadic outings marked the later stages of his driving career amid semi-retirement, with the team parting ways after the 10th event due to ongoing sponsorship constraints.[39]Post-Retirement Racing Activities
Following his retirement from full-time NASCAR competition after the 2009 season, Bobby Hamilton Jr. shifted his focus to behind-the-scenes roles in motorsports, emphasizing team operations and mentorship for up-and-coming drivers. This transition was profoundly influenced by the death of his father, Bobby Hamilton Sr., in 2007 from oral cancer, which motivated him to preserve his family's racing legacy through nurturing the next generation rather than solely pursuing personal driving achievements.[3] In 2015, Hamilton Jr. returned to competitive driving for Carter 2 Motorsports in the ARCA Racing Series, piloting the No. 97 Dodge Charger. He competed in 10 events that season before the partnership ended due to performance and contractual issues.[30][39][37] By 2016, Hamilton Jr. ventured into team ownership by co-founding Hamilton-Hughes Racing with Jack Hughes, fielding the No. 4 Dodge in the ARCA Series with sponsorship from Makeover Mortgage and American Stair Design. He served as the primary operator and made a single start for the team at Daytona International Speedway, finishing 25th.[40][22][9] The team emphasized driver development, providing testing opportunities and guidance to rookies such as Cassie Gannis and Brandon McKenzie to help them build experience and visibility in stock car racing.[3] However, Hamilton-Hughes Racing encountered significant hurdles, including multiple breach-of-contract lawsuits from drivers like Kevin Hinckle and Cassie Gannis, who alleged unfulfilled payment and equipment promises, leading to the team's cessation of operations later in 2016. Since then, Hamilton Jr. has not attempted a full-time racing comeback and has limited his involvement to advisory capacities, such as occasional testing sessions for emerging ARCA talents, without entering any events as of November 2025. Over his ARCA career, he made 19 starts with five top-5 finishes, one pole position, and no wins.[11][41][9]Business and Other Ventures
Speedway Ownership and Management
In 2009, Bobby Hamilton Jr., through his company Hamilton Entertainment, Inc., acquired Highland Rim Speedway, a 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval in Ridgetop, Tennessee, with the goal of revitalizing local short-track racing by attracting more fans and drivers to the facility.[42][43] In November 2010, Hamilton was accused of pulling a gun on members of a race crew during an event at the speedway, though no charges were filed.[44] In 2011, he secured a two-year promotional contract for Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, a historic concrete oval in Nashville, Tennessee, aiming to enhance event programming and draw larger crowds to the venue amid declining attendance at regional tracks.[37] Hamilton's management focused on renovations and scheduling adjustments to boost community engagement, such as updating facilities at Highland Rim Speedway and organizing diverse racing events at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway to revive interest in grassroots motorsports.[43][45] These initiatives included targeted promotions for local drivers and families, leveraging his racing background to foster a supportive environment for emerging talent in the Nashville area.[42] However, financial difficulties led to Chapter 11 bankruptcy for Hamilton Entertainment in early 2012, resulting in the public auction sale of Highland Rim Speedway later that year.[46] At Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, his contract ended prematurely in November 2011 after city officials determined a breach due to operational disputes, leading to his removal as promoter.[45] Further challenges emerged in 2016, including multiple breach-of-contract lawsuits from drivers alleging non-payment and unfulfilled agreements, alongside eviction from a team shop in Russellville, Kentucky, amid ongoing legal battles.[41][47] As of 2025, Hamilton maintains limited direct involvement in speedway ownership or management, with both Highland Rim Speedway and Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway operating under new ownership and promotional teams following years of transitions and legal resolutions.[48][49] His focus has shifted toward occasional racing and event promotion in other series, such as open-wheel sprint cars.[8]Additional Business Endeavors
Following financial difficulties associated with his speedway operations, Bobby Hamilton Jr., his wife Stephanie, and their company Hamilton Entertainment filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Tennessee on January 5, 2012, aiming to reorganize substantial debts.[50] The filing listed assets of approximately $551,825 against liabilities exceeding $1.29 million, including over $929,000 in property mortgages and loans, as well as $198,000 in unpaid IRS taxes dating back to 2005.[50] These issues arose in part from challenges in promoting events at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, where Hamilton had issued bounced checks to the board and canceled the track's premier All-American 400 race in October 2011 due to insufficient funding.[46] The bankruptcy proceedings facilitated the resolution of key assets tied to Hamilton Entertainment, which had acquired Highland Rim Speedway in Ridgetop, Tennessee, in December 2009 as part of broader entertainment and motorsports promotion efforts.[42] The 1/3-mile asphalt oval, spanning 30 acres, was sold at a public auction on February 3, 2012, to Community Bank and Trust for $605,000, with additional equipment auctions planned separately.[46] This sale helped address outstanding obligations and marked the end of Hamilton's direct involvement in that Tennessee-based racing venue. In the years following the bankruptcy, Hamilton encountered further legal disputes related to sponsorship arrangements in the motorsports sector. In 2016, ARCA drivers Kevin Hinckle and Cassie Gannis filed breach-of-contract lawsuits against him, alleging unfulfilled promises of sponsorship funding and testing opportunities for a planned racing effort; Hinckle claimed Hamilton had solicited $60,000 in upfront payments that were not refunded despite repeated assurances.[11] Additional claims emerged from driver Jack Hughes, who accused Hamilton of similar issues with payment and commitments, though specific outcomes of these cases remain unresolved in public records.[41] These incidents highlighted ongoing challenges in Hamilton's entrepreneurial pursuits within automotive and sponsorship consulting post-2016, amid a broader pivot away from large-scale ownership.Personal Life and Legacy
Family and Residence
Bobby Hamilton Jr. married Stephanie Cantrell in January 2002. The couple welcomed daughter Haylie Denise on October 12, 2004. During Hamilton Jr.'s career transitions, particularly following his retirement from full-time NASCAR competition in the late 2000s, his family provided emotional support as he shifted focus to local racing and business ventures; in a 2014 interview, he noted his daughter's growth from infancy during his peak racing years influenced his decisions to prioritize family stability over high-stakes touring.[51][52][53] Hamilton Jr. and his family reside in Greenbrier, Tennessee, a suburb northwest of Nashville, where they maintain close ties to the local community through involvement in regional events and motorsports heritage.[24][54] The death of Hamilton Jr.'s father, Bobby Hamilton Sr., from head and neck cancer on January 7, 2007, profoundly impacted the family, leading to a public dispute over ownership of Bobby Hamilton Racing; Hamilton Jr. and his infant daughter held shares alongside stepmother Lori, but he ultimately sold his stake amid tensions, citing irreconcilable differences in team direction. The family coped through community support and private mourning, issuing a statement thanking fans and colleagues for their prayers and assistance during the illness and aftermath. Memorials included tributes from the NASCAR community, with Hamilton Sr.'s legacy honored through ongoing track events at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.[55][56][12] Hamilton Jr., Stephanie, and Haylie have been active in Greenbrier's local scene, participating in community gatherings such as the annual Turning of the Pig festival, which celebrates Robertson County's agricultural roots and draws family-oriented crowds.[57]Tributes and Influence
Bobby Hamilton Jr. has been widely recognized for perpetuating the legacy of his father, Bobby Hamilton Sr., a four-time NASCAR Cup Series winner and 2004 Craftsman Truck Series champion, following the elder Hamilton's death from head and neck cancer in January 2007. In reflections on his career, Hamilton Jr. has emphasized the opportunities provided by his father, stating, "I was fortunate enough to grow up with a legend that made my start possible," while committing to replicate such support for others in the sport. His efforts to honor this heritage include maintaining family involvement in racing operations and publicly discussing the challenges of living up to his father's achievements, as explored in a 2023 podcast interview where he detailed the pressures of succeeding a NASCAR icon.[3][58] Hamilton Jr. has exerted significant influence on younger drivers through mentorship programs and team ownership, particularly in the ARCA Menards Series. As co-owner of Hamilton-Hughes Racing, formed in 2016 with Jack Hughes, he has guided emerging talents such as Cassie Gannis and Brandon McKenzie, providing hands-on training in driving techniques, mechanics, and pit crew operations to prepare them for professional competition. He has articulated this role as a dual learning experience, noting, "Although I am helping young drivers learn what it takes to compete today, I am also learning what it takes to become a team owner." This initiative extends his father's tradition of fostering talent development within the racing community.[3] Media appearances and interviews have offered insights into Hamilton Jr.'s career trajectory and personal growth, with notable features in 2016 highlighting his transition from driver to owner and mentor. In one such profile, he discussed the rigors of team management, observing, "While both career paths are challenging… it is amazing to see just how tough it is to run a successful business." These discussions underscore his resilience amid controversies and retirements, positioning him as a candid voice on the evolving demands of stock car racing.[3] Hamilton Jr.'s broader contributions to Tennessee's racing culture stemmed from his former ownership of local tracks. He purchased Highland Rim Speedway in Ridgetop, Tennessee, in December 2009, operating it until 2012 to attract fans and drivers to the 1/3-mile dirt oval. He further expanded this impact in 2011 by securing a two-year contract to operate Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville, revitalizing short-track racing in the Nashville area and supporting grassroots events that echo his family's roots in the region. While not yet inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, his multifaceted role in preserving Tennessee's motorsports heritage has positioned him as a potential candidate for such honors in recognition of his sustained influence.[43][37]Controversies
In 2006, Hamilton Jr. was involved in an altercation at Nashville Superspeedway that led to assault charges, though he was later cleared. Additionally, in 2016, his ARCA team faced multiple lawsuits from drivers, including Cassie Gannis and Kevin Hinckle, alleging breach of contract, unpaid wages, and equipment issues. These legal challenges highlighted difficulties in his transition to team ownership.[10][11]Career Statistics and Achievements
Key Wins and Milestones
Bobby Hamilton Jr. achieved his greatest success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he secured five victories over two seasons. His first win came on May 11, 2002, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the Busch 200, marking his breakthrough as a full-time competitor with Team Rensi Motorsports.[59] In 2003, Hamilton Jr. had a career-best year, winning four races and finishing fourth in the final points standings with 4,588 points. His victories that season included the Meijer 300 at Kentucky Speedway on June 14, the Tropicana Twister 300 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 12, the Sam's Town 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park on October 18, and the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix Raceway on November 1.[60][61][62][63][64] In the NASCAR Cup Series, Hamilton Jr. made 64 starts from 2000 to 2006 but recorded no wins, with his best finish being 17th on multiple occasions, including at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2001. He debuted in the series on November 12, 2000, at Homestead-Miami Speedway, driving the No. 57 Chevrolet for Bobby Hamilton Racing and finishing 33rd after six laps down.[65] His Cup career emphasized consistency, often placing in the mid-pack with 15 finishes between 20th and 30th, reflecting reliable but non-podium performances amid limited resources. Hamilton Jr. also showed promise in other series, earning two pole positions in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In the ARCA Menards Series, he competed in 19 events without a win.[25][66]Series-by-Series Results
Bobby Hamilton Jr. competed in four major stock car racing series throughout his career, primarily in NASCAR-sanctioned events, with the bulk of his activity in the Xfinity Series where he achieved his greatest success. His statistics reflect a journeyman driver who showed promise in mid-tier divisions but struggled for consistency at the highest levels due to limited resources and team support. The following tables summarize his performance metrics, including starts, wins, top finishes, poles, average results, and earnings where available, drawn from comprehensive historical records.[2]NASCAR Cup Series
Hamilton Jr. made 64 starts in the Cup Series from 2000 to 2006, primarily as a part-time driver for underfunded teams, resulting in no victories or top-10 finishes and an average finish of 30.7, reflecting challenges with equipment reliability. His best championship position was 36th in 2005. Total earnings in the series amounted to $4,915,269.[2]| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Starts | 64 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Top 5s | 0 |
| Top 10s | 0 |
| Poles | 0 |
| Average Finish | 30.7 |
| Best Championship | 36th (2005) |
| Total Earnings | $4,915,269 |
NASCAR Xfinity Series
In the Xfinity Series, Hamilton Jr. logged 253 starts over 10 seasons (1998–2009), securing 5 wins, 30 top-5 finishes, and 63 top-10s, with 4 poles. His average finish was 19.1, and he earned a career-best 4th in points in 2003 driving for Team Rensi Motorsports. Series earnings totaled $7,437,775.[2]| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Starts | 253 |
| Wins | 5 |
| Top 5s | 30 |
| Top 10s | 63 |
| Poles | 4 |
| Average Finish | 19.1 |
| Best Championship | 4th (2003) |
| Total Earnings | $7,437,775 |
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Hamilton Jr. participated in 37 Truck Series races across 6 years (2001–2008), achieving 3 top-5s and 11 top-10s but no wins, with 2 poles. His average finish stood at 18.5, and his best points finish was 16th in 2006. He earned $456,644 in the series.[2]| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Starts | 37 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Top 5s | 3 |
| Top 10s | 11 |
| Poles | 2 |
| Average Finish | 18.5 |
| Best Championship | 16th (2006) |
| Total Earnings | $456,644 |
ARCA Menards Series
Hamilton Jr. ran 19 ARCA events over 4 seasons (1998, 1999, 2015, 2016), posting 5 top-5 finishes and 6 top-10s without a win, including 1 pole. His average finish was 14.3, with a best championship of 14th in 2015. No earnings data is tracked for ARCA.[67]| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Starts | 19 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Top 5s | 5 |
| Top 10s | 6 |
| Poles | 1 |
| Average Finish | 14.3 |
| Best Championship | 14th (2015) |