NASCAR has lost one of its true pioneers.
Ned Jarrett, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Famer known to generations of fans as “Gentleman Ned,” died Thursday, June 4, at the age of 93.
NASCAR and the Jarrett family confirmed that the racing legend died of natural causes at his home in Newton, North Carolina, surrounded by loved ones. Jarrett was the oldest living NASCAR Cup Series champion at the time of his death.
“A friend to everyone he met,” his family said in a statement.
“While we mourn his passing, we celebrate the remarkable life of an amazing man and truly the best father anyone could have wished for,” the family added.
Jarrett’s racing story began in 1953 after a local speedway opened near his hometown. Over the next 13 years, he became one of NASCAR’s most respected and successful drivers.
He won two NASCAR premier-series championships, taking the title in 1961 and again in 1965. Across his career, Jarrett won 50 races, making him one of the sport’s early giants.
His most famous victory came at the 1965 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Jarrett won the race by an incredible 14 laps, the largest margin of victory in NASCAR Cup Series history. That record still stands decades later.
His 1965 season remains one of the most dominant campaigns in NASCAR history. Jarrett won 13 races that year and finished in the top five in 42 of the 54 races he entered.
Despite his success, Jarrett walked away from driving at just 34 years old after Ford withdrew factory support from NASCAR. But he did not leave the sport behind.
Jarrett later became one of NASCAR’s most beloved voices, transitioning from the race car to broadcasting. He hosted Ned Jarrett’s World of Racing and went on to work with outlets including MRN Radio, CBS and ESPN.
One of his most emotional broadcasting moments came during the 1993 Daytona 500, when he called his son Dale Jarrett’s dramatic win. Dale later became a NASCAR Cup Series champion himself in 1999, making the Jarretts one of the sport’s most famous father-son racing families.
Ned Jarrett was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011 and was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998.
He was also remembered for the way he carried himself outside the car. His nickname, “Gentleman Ned,” reflected his reputation for kindness, professionalism and respect throughout the racing world.
Jarrett was preceded in death by his wife, Martha, who died in 2023. He is survived by his children, including Dale, Glenn and Patti.