Jarrett is a two-time NASCAR Senior Series champion and one of the first racers to successfully transition from the track to the television booth.
WASHINGTON — NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett has died. He is 93 years old.
his family was released statement on friday Former NASCAR driver confirmed dead at home in North Carolina.
“The family of NASCAR Hall of Fame driver and radio/television personality Ned Jarrett is deeply saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, June 4, 2026,” the statement said. “He passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home in Newton, North Carolina at the age of 93.”
“Our father was a devout Christian and a devoted, loving family man. He was a friend to everyone he met and NASCAR’s oldest living champion. As we all know, he was a true NASCAR legend. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate the extraordinary life of an amazing man who was truly the best father anyone could ever wish to have. Rest in peace, Dad,” the family statement continued.
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell paid tribute to the Hall of Famer.
“Despite his calm demeanor, ‘Gentleman’ Ned Jarrett was the fiercest competitor NASCAR has ever seen,” O’Donnell said in a statement. “His accomplishments on the track speak for themselves, with wins and championships in multiple NASCAR divisions.”
“But it was his off-field persona that set Ned apart from his peers. He was as kind as his nickname suggests. His likeable personality helped him excel in his second career as a broadcaster. Ned was an outstanding ambassador for the sport for more than six decades, and he will be deeply missed. On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I extend our deepest condolences to all of Ned’s family and friends on the passing of a NASCAR legend,” O’Donnell added.
Jarrett holds the record for the largest margin of victory in a premier series, winning the 1965 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway by 14 laps. That year, he suffered his most serious racing injury, breaking his back in a crash at Greenville-Pickens Speedway.
The injury caused Jarrett to retire at age 34.
He is considered one of the greatest NASCAR drivers. In 2011, he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
After retiring, he hosted “Ned Jarrett’s World of Racing,” a daily radio show, becoming a beloved voice behind the microphone, according to NASCAR.
