NASCAR Legend Ned Jarrett Passes Away at 93

The NASCAR community is in mourning following the passing of Ned Jarrett, a celebrated driver and broadcaster. Jarrett, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, died at his home in Newton, North Carolina, due to natural causes. He was 93 years old.

Jarrett’s illustrious career saw him recognized as one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998. He began racing in the Cup Series in 1953, continuing until 1966. His passion for racing started while working on his family’s farm and sawmill when Hickory Speedway opened. Jarrett remarked on his early interest, saying, “I played a little basketball and baseball in high school and thought I had some athletic ability. When they opened the speedway, I ran the first race they ever run there. I was hooked.”

He remains a dominant figure on Ford’s all-time wins list, with 43 victories in a car donning the Blue Oval. Currently, Joey Logano, with 35 of his 37 wins with Ford, is the highest active driver on that list, yet Jarrett’s top position seems safe.

Following his retirement from racing, Jarrett transitioned into broadcasting. He initially worked as a pit reporter for the Motor Racing Network before joining television networks like CBS and ESPN. A defining moment came during the 1993 Daytona 500, where Jarrett delivered an unforgettable call of a critical race section featuring his son, Dale Jarrett, and Dale Earnhardt Sr. His son ultimately triumphed, leading to Jarrett’s enthusiastic call, “You know who I’m pulling for, it’s Dale Jarrett. Bring her to the inside, Dale, don’t let him get down there. He’s gonna make it! Dale Jarrett’s gonna win the Daytona 500! Alright!”

Ned Jarrett’s influence extended into his family, with his sons Dale and Glenn both pursuing broadcasting after their own racing careers. Jarrett’s wife, Martha, whom he married 67 years ago, passed away in 2023.