(WJHL) – The Southwest Virginia community and the world of NASCAR lost one of its most respected members on Saturday.

Longtime Abingdon resident and race team owner, Charlie Henderson, died on Saturday. The Henderson Motorsports team made the announcement via social media.

Henderson was the head of the second-oldest active NASCAR team, trailing only the Wood Brothers in longevity. He started in racing locally at Kingsport Speedway in 1975 and moved into the NASCAR ranks by 1982, according to the team’s statement.

“His passion for racing, commitment to his team, and love for the sport left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him,” Henderson Motorsports’ statement read, in part.

Henderson raced a Cup Series car from 1982-84, entering a total of 24 races, per racing reference. The team made a staggering 298 Xfinity Series starts from 1982 until 2007, earning three wins and 23 Top-5 finishes.

Since 2012, the single-car, Abingdon-based team shifted its focus to the Craftsman Truck Series. They’ve accumulated 108 starts over 14 seasons, earning two wins with Parker Kligerman at the wheel.

Kligerman also took to social media Saturday, calling it a “very sad day for this sport and the Henderson family.”

“Thank you Charlie for being the incredible, supportive, passionate racer that myself and many other racers owe a debt of gratitude for your support and love of racing,” he concluded his post.