NASCAR Legend Ned Jarrett Passes Away at 93
NASCAR Icon Ned Jarrett Dies at 93
Ned Jarrett, a legendary figure in NASCAR, has passed away at the age of 93, as confirmed by a statement from NASCAR. The two-time champion of the premier series died peacefully from natural causes at his residence in Newton, North Carolina, surrounded by family. The Jarrett family shared a heartfelt message, describing him as a devout Christian, a loving family man, and a friend to all. They honored him as NASCAR's oldest living champion and reflected on his role as an exceptional father. "While we grieve his loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he led," the family expressed.
NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell also expressed his condolences, highlighting Jarrett's reputation as one of the sport's fiercest competitors, despite his calm demeanor. O'Donnell noted that Jarrett's kindness off the track distinguished him from others and contributed to his successful broadcasting career. "He served as an outstanding ambassador for the sport for over sixty years," O'Donnell remarked.
A Unique Racing Career
Jarrett's impressive track record is a testament to his talent. He secured NASCAR Cup Series championships in 1961 and 1965, racing for two different team owners. His first title in 1961 was with B.G. Holloway, while his second championship in 1965 was achieved under owner Bondy Long. Additionally, he clinched consecutive NASCAR Sportsman titles in 1957 and 1958, finishing second to Ralph Earnhardt the previous year. One of his most remarkable feats remains unbroken: at the 1965 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, Jarrett won by an incredible 14 laps, marking the largest victory margin in NASCAR premier series history. Over his 13-year career from 1953 to 1966, he amassed 50 wins from 352 starts, along with 185 top-five finishes and 239 top-ten results. He was only the third driver in NASCAR history to achieve 50 wins, with 43 of those victories coming in Ford vehicles, the highest for any driver with that manufacturer.
Injury and Early Retirement
Jarrett's racing career was cut short due to an unexpected injury. In 1965, the same year he claimed the championship, he suffered a broken back in a crash at Greenville-Pickens Speedway. The subsequent temporary withdrawal of Ford from stock-car racing the following year further complicated his situation, leading to his retirement at the young age of 34. Reflecting on his NASCAR Hall of Fame induction in 2011, Jarrett expressed gratitude for his ability to overcome that injury and finish the season to secure the title.
Life Beyond the Track
Even after retiring from racing, Jarrett remained closely connected to the sport. He became a cherished figure on radio with his daily show, "Ned Jarrett's World of Racing," which became a staple for fans and industry insiders. His successful transition from driver to broadcaster made him one of the first to reinvent himself in the media. In 1998, he was recognized as one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers, and in 2011, he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of its second class of inductees.