NASCAR historian Bob Latford passed away Wednesday, July 23rd. At this time, no funeral arrangements have been announced. The family is considering waiting until next Tuesday to conduct the service to give the racing community time to return from this weekend’s event. Latford came up with the Winston Cup points system that is in use to this day. See a nice and informative column on Latford by David Poole at Thatsracin.com: Sport loses Bob Latford, originator of NASCAR’s modern points system . Latford was also the author of NASCAR: A Celebration .(7-23-2003) many articles/columns about Latford on my Articles/Columns/Story Links page .(7-24-2003) AND A statement from H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, president and general manager of Lowe’s Motor Speedway, concerning the death of longtime public relations practitioner and motorsports historian Bob Latford follows: Bob had a thorough knowledge and in-depth appreciation of our sport’s history. He was a valuable resource in retrospect of that history. As a public relations practitioner, he understood what the media needed and provided it in a concise, accurate manner. His passing leaves a giant void that connects our sport’s past to the present. My condolences go out to his wife, Leslie, and their family.”(LMS PR) SERVICES: Robert Graham “Bob’ Latford, 67, died July 23, 2003. Memorial service is 2 PM Wednesday, July 30 at Hartsell Funeral Home, Concord. Visitation is 7-8:30 PM Tuesday, July 29, at the funeral home.( Charlotte Observer )(7-25-2003)
