Former NASCAR driver Gary Myers, part of a four-generation racing family, has died at the age of 76.
His death was confirmed by his family on Friday, prompting an outpouring of emotional tributes from across the American motorsports community.
Myers was the son of auto racing pioneer Billy Myers, establishing a family lineage that went on to leave an indelible mark on racing for decades. He passed the torch to his sons, stock car drivers Burt and Jason Myers, as well as his grandson Slate Myers, who launched his own racing career in 2024.
Family tributes
Burt Myers shared the news on Facebook, leading tributes to his father's enduring strength and memory. "Last night I lost my hero," Burt wrote. "He fought so hard but was so tired. My daddy is in Heaven and can finally do the things he wanted to do the last several years."
"Selfishly I want him here but I know he is much better off now. I miss him so much. I love you Daddy!" Burt added.
Jason Myers echoed the heartbreak in a statement shared on his racing team's Facebook page, honoring Gary as his closest confidant and teacher. "Last night we lost our patriarch," Jason wrote. "Gary was Jason's [my] best friend. He taught him and Burt everything they know and touched so many people along the way. To know him was to love him. Rest easy, legend. You will be with us always."
A career on NASCAR's biggest stages
Myers competed at the highest levels of the sport throughout his driving career, racing in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, the NASCAR Grand National East Series and the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Tour.
He made his Winston Cup Series debut in 1974 at the Yankee 400 and went on to appear in 47 career races at stock car racing's premier level. The Winston Cup Series was the top tier of NASCAR competition for decades before evolving into today's NASCAR Cup Series.
A force on the short tracks
Myers was also a founding member of the SMART Modified Tour, establishing himself as a formidable presence on the short-track circuit. He claimed 15 race victories on the tour and captured the series championship in 1996.
