Netflix Releases Highly Anticipated Documentary “Tradition Is Excellence” Showcasing NASCAR Legend Terry Labonte’s Legacy
April 2, 2025
Netflix has officially released its latest sports documentary, Tradition Is Excellence, a deep dive into the life and career of NASCAR Hall of Famer Terry Labonte. The film chronicles Labonte’s journey from a young Texas racer to a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, capturing his contributions to the sport, his lasting influence on future drivers, and his reputation as one of NASCAR’s most consistent and respected competitors.
With never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews, and in-depth analysis, Tradition Is Excellence is already being hailed as one of the greatest NASCAR documentaries ever produced. The film not only explores Labonte’s dominance on the track but also delves into his humble beginnings, his fierce rivalries, and the challenges he overcame throughout his decades-long career.
A LEGEND’S STORY: WHAT THE DOCUMENTARY COVERS
Tradition Is Excellence offers a comprehensive look at Terry Labonte’s career, capturing key moments that shaped him into the legend he is today.
1. Humble Beginnings and Rise to Stardom
Labonte’s story begins in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he first discovered his passion for racing. Raised in a working-class family, young Terry spent his childhood watching stock car races, working on cars with his father, and dreaming of one day competing on NASCAR’s biggest stage.
The film showcases how Labonte’s racing career began at local short tracks in Texas, where he honed his skills against older, more experienced drivers. His talent was undeniable, and by 1978, at just 21 years old, he made his NASCAR Cup Series debut—an early sign that a future star was emerging.
Through interviews with family members, childhood friends, and early competitors, Tradition Is Excellence paints a picture of Labonte’s determination, work ethic, and relentless drive to succeed.
2. First Championship and the Birth of “Texas Terry”
Labonte’s breakthrough moment came in 1984, when he won his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. At the time, he was one of the youngest champions in the sport’s history.
The documentary explores how Labonte earned his nickname “Texas Terry”—a testament to his calm, calculated, and fearless driving style. Unlike many of his contemporaries who relied on aggressive tactics, Labonte became known for his steady consistency, rarely making mistakes, and always being in contention for wins.
One of the most gripping segments of the documentary covers Labonte’s rivalry with Dale Earnhardt Sr. The two drivers had multiple run-ins on the track, and their iconic battles at Bristol Motor Speedway in 1995 and 1999 remain some of the most talked-about moments in NASCAR history.
3. The Comeback: Second Championship in 1996
After winning his first title in 1984, Labonte spent years struggling with inconsistent performance, battling through car issues and team changes. Many believed his championship days were behind him.
However, the film highlights his remarkable comeback when he joined Hendrick Motorsports in the 1990s. With the legendary Rick Hendrick as his team owner and crew chief Gary DeHart in his corner, Labonte reached the pinnacle of success once again in 1996, capturing his second NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
This segment features emotional interviews with Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, and fellow competitors who discuss how Labonte’s work ethic and commitment to “playing the long game” helped him win another title over a decade after his first.
4. Longevity and Lasting Impact on NASCAR
Unlike many of his peers, Labonte’s NASCAR career spanned over three decades, making him one of the longest-tenured drivers in the sport’s history. Even though he was never the flashiest driver, Labonte’s longevity, professionalism, and adaptability made him a fan favorite.
The documentary takes a deep dive into his later years, including:
• His final full-time NASCAR seasons.
• His influence on younger drivers, such as Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, and Joey Logano.
• His induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Through Labonte’s story, Tradition Is Excellence captures what it truly means to build a legacy in NASCAR—not just through race wins, but through consistency, class, and a lifelong commitment to the sport.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE
One of the biggest highlights of Tradition Is Excellence is its exclusive interviews with some of NASCAR’s biggest names, including:
• Jeff Gordon – Discusses Labonte’s calm demeanor and unwavering consistency.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. – Shares insights into Labonte’s rivalry with his father, Dale Sr..
• Rick Hendrick – Talks about Labonte’s role in building Hendrick Motorsports into a NASCAR powerhouse.
• Bobby Labonte – Shares personal stories about growing up with Terry and following in his footsteps.
In addition to interviews, the documentary includes rare, never-before-seen footage of Labonte from his early years in Texas, private moments with his family, and in-car radio conversations during legendary races.
REACTION FROM NASCAR FANS AND INDUSTRY INSIDERS
Since its release, Tradition Is Excellence has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with fans and critics calling it a must-watch for NASCAR enthusiasts.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
• @RacingFan88: “Terry Labonte never got the recognition he deserved. This documentary does an incredible job showing why he was one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers.”
• @TexasSpeedster: “Netflix knocked it out of the park. The Bristol battles with Dale Sr. still give me chills. Texas Terry forever!”
• @CheckeredFlag92: “I grew up watching Labonte race. Seeing his story told in such detail is amazing. So much respect for what he accomplished.”
Praise from NASCAR Legends and Analysts
• Kyle Larson: “Terry Labonte was the definition of consistency. This documentary proves why every young driver should study his approach.”
• Kevin Harvick: “So many people forget just how great Terry was. Glad to see him finally getting the recognition he deserves.”
• NASCAR Analyst Jamie Little: “This is one of the most in-depth NASCAR documentaries ever made. It captures everything about Labonte’s journey—his wins, his struggles, and his impact on the sport.”
Even Netflix executives have acknowledged the film’s success, with reports that Tradition Is Excellence quickly climbed to the Top 10 most-watched documentaries worldwide.
WHERE TO WATCH “TRADITION IS EXCELLENCE”
The documentary is now available exclusively on Netflix, and is streaming in over 190 countries. Fans can watch it on-demand, allowing new and old NASCAR enthusiasts alike to experience the story of one of the greatest drivers in racing history.
For those who love sports documentaries that go beyond the highlights, Tradition Is Excellence is a must-watch—offering a powerful, emotional, and inspiring look at Terry Labonte’s legendary career.
Whether you’re a longtime NASCAR fan or new to the sport, this documentary brings to life the heart, grit, and determination of a true racing icon.
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