Bob Latford
Encyclopedia
Robert Graham 'Bob' Latford (d. July 23, 2003) was a NASCAR
historian best known for developing the point system used in the Sprint Cup Series from 1975 to 2010 (Slightly modified in later years), Nationwide Series and Craftsman Truck Series
.
, the father of Bill France, Jr. who was one of Latford's classmates at Seabreeze High School
. Following a stint in the U.S. Armed Forces, Latford was attending the University of Florida
when he was offered a public relations job at the new Daytona International Speedway
by France, Sr. and Houston Lawing. The first Daytona 500 took place in 1959.
Later on, Latford served as a public relations official and press box director at several tracks, including Charlotte Motor Speedway
. He devised NASCAR's most popular points system, which was adopted in 1975, which NASCAR used two different versions for their series from 1982 until 1998. In the system, the winner received 175 points, second 170 points, and other positions exactly the same as the current points system.
From 1979–2000, Latford was the statistician for all NASCAR broadcasts on CBS
.
Latford also published a weekly newsletter for motorsports journalists, The Inside Line, along with four books (see below).
Latford worked his final race in the press box at North Carolina Motor Speedway, the Pop Secret 400 on October 22, 2000.
On July 23, 2003 Latford passed away at the age of 67.
editor and hall of fame board member Deb Williams paid tribute to Latford.
In 2004, Latford was posthumously awarded the National Motorsports Press Association/Pocono Spirit Award which recognizes "recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity as well as sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports."
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
historian best known for developing the point system used in the Sprint Cup Series from 1975 to 2010 (Slightly modified in later years), Nationwide Series and Craftsman Truck Series
Craftsman Truck Series
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is a pickup truck racing series owned and operated by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing...
.
Career In Motorsports
Latford began his 55-year career in motorsports media and public relations by selling programs for the Daytona Beach races in 1946 for NASCAR founder Bill FranceBill France
Bill France may refer to one of two people involved in NASCAR, father and son:*Bill France, Sr. , nicknamed "Big Bill", the founder of NASCAR and its president from 1948–1971...
, the father of Bill France, Jr. who was one of Latford's classmates at Seabreeze High School
Seabreeze High School
Seabreeze High School is a high school located in Daytona Beach, Florida. The school has been named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.- Notable alumni :...
. Following a stint in the U.S. Armed Forces, Latford was attending the University of Florida
University of Florida
The University of Florida is an American public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university located on a campus in Gainesville, Florida. The university traces its historical origins to 1853, and has operated continuously on its present Gainesville campus since September 1906...
when he was offered a public relations job at the new Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, Grand-Am and Motocross...
by France, Sr. and Houston Lawing. The first Daytona 500 took place in 1959.
Later on, Latford served as a public relations official and press box director at several tracks, including Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a motorsports complex located in Concord, North Carolina, United States 13 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. The complex features a quad oval track that hosts NASCAR racing including the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend and the Sprint All-Star Race...
. He devised NASCAR's most popular points system, which was adopted in 1975, which NASCAR used two different versions for their series from 1982 until 1998. In the system, the winner received 175 points, second 170 points, and other positions exactly the same as the current points system.
From 1979–2000, Latford was the statistician for all NASCAR broadcasts on CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
.
Latford also published a weekly newsletter for motorsports journalists, The Inside Line, along with four books (see below).
Latford worked his final race in the press box at North Carolina Motor Speedway, the Pop Secret 400 on October 22, 2000.
On July 23, 2003 Latford passed away at the age of 67.
After His Death
At the annual North Carolina Auto Racing Hall Of Fame ceremony in October 2003, NASCAR SceneNASCAR Scene
NASCAR Scene was a weekly magazine about NASCAR stock car racing published by Street & Smith's Sports Group in North Carolina. It was established in 1976 and lasted until 2010, making it one of the oldest NASCAR-specific publications at the time of this final issue...
editor and hall of fame board member Deb Williams paid tribute to Latford.
In 2004, Latford was posthumously awarded the National Motorsports Press Association/Pocono Spirit Award which recognizes "recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity as well as sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports."
Books
- Built For Speed (1999 HC, 2002 PB) Courage Books. PB ISBN 978-0762412051
- 50 Years Of NASCAR (2002) Carlton Books.
- NASCAR: A Celebration (2002) Carlton Books. ISBN 978-1858687964
- ARCA 50th Anniversary Book (2002) Written for ARCA