Terry’s Years Racing for Billy Hagans
Billy Hagan, a NASCAR driver/owner from Lillie, Louisiana, died a few years ago on the fifty-first birthday of one of his prized drivers, Terry Labonte. The two had spent many years together on the NASCAR circuit. It all started in 1978 when Labonte replaced Skip Manning. He remained with Hagan until 1986. Five years later he returned to the Hagan team but with little success. During his years with Hagan, Labonte became the youngest champion, of his era. He was 27 years old and was driving the 44 Piedmont Airlines Chevy for Hagan. The following year, in 1985, Labonte won the Busch Clash.
Hagan and Labonte met while Labonte was racing in Houston and San Antonio between 1975 and 1977. During this time Hagan was a successful business man who had a Winston racing team. He was impressed with Labonte’s skills and offered him a job of working at least five races during his first year. Labonte’s first race was at Darlington Raceway. He made Hagan proud by placing in fourth position. He went on to win two top ten finishes during that season. The following year he competed for “Rookie of the Year.” Although he did not win he was one of three rookies to finish in the top ten in points. In 1980, with Hagan by his side, he won his first career Winston Cup race.
Hagan and Labonte were not only strong business partners they were also good friends.