Chalrotte's Felix Sabates is leaving NASCAR after 30 years as a team owner.
The Cuban refugee came to the United States at 15 and built a lucrative business that allowed him to enter NASCAR in 1989. He's been a Charlotte resident since 1963, according to his biography for Chip Ganassi Racing.
Sabates sold his controlling interest in SABCO Racing to Chip Ganassi before the 2001 season but remained involved with the team.
His record shows 50 Cup Series wins, including victories at the crown jewels Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and NASCAR's All-Star race.
Sabates also coaxed Ganassi into sports car racing and the IMSA teams won 64 races and seven series championships.
