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NASCAR Mourns the Loss of Ned Jarrett, Two-Time Champion and Hall of Famer, at 93

Shawn Henry June 5, 2026 2 minutes read

The motorsports world is grieving today following the passing of Ned Jarrett, one of NASCAR’s most celebrated figures. Jarrett, who won two Cup Series championships during his storied career, died Friday at the age of 93.

NASCAR confirmed the news in an official statement, calling Jarrett “one of our sport’s greatest ambassadors” and extending condolences to his family and loved ones.

Jarrett’s legacy in motorsports stretches far beyond his two premier-series titles. Known affectionately as “Gentleman Ned” for his sportsmanship and character both on and off the track, he earned the respect of fans, drivers, and officials throughout his decades of involvement in the sport. His success behind the wheel eventually gave way to a long and beloved career as a broadcaster, where his warm voice became synonymous with NASCAR’s growth into a mainstream American sport.

He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the all-time greats of stock car racing.

Jarrett is also widely known as the father of Dale Jarrett, himself a NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Famer — making the Jarretts one of the most accomplished father-son duos in the history of professional motorsports.

The racing community has rallied to honor his memory, with tributes pouring in from across the sport. His impact on NASCAR — as a driver, broadcaster, and ambassador — leaves a legacy that will endure for generations.

Ned Jarrett was 93 years old.

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Shawn Henry

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Shawn Henry has spent years writing about cars, and it shows—not in a resume kind of way, but in how he talks about them. He's the type who'll notice the weird trim option nobody remembers and actually know why it mattered. At Backfire News, he covers pretty much the whole spectrum: off-road trucks and trail builds, performance cars, racing, and the collector market. He's comfortable getting into the technical weeds, but he never forgets that most people read about cars because cars are fun, not because they want a spec sheet. His beat runs from classic and collector vehicles to overlanding culture, modified performance builds, new automotive tech, and the industry news that actually affects what ends up in your driveway. Mostly, though, Shawn thinks the best car stories are about people—the builds they pour money into, the road trips, the communities that form around a shared obsession. That's the stuff he likes writing about, and it's what you'll find in his work here.

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