Ned Jarrett, Two-Time NASCAR Champion and Broadcaster, Dies at 93

Ned Jarrett died on 4 June 2026 at his home in Newton, North Carolina, aged 93. The family said he was “a devout Christian and a devoted, loving family man” and “NASCAR’s oldest living champion.” NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell noted his calm demeanor and competitive fierceness.

Vale Ned Jarrett: gentleman racer, voice of a sport

Born on 12 October 1932 in Newton, Jarrett began racing at Hickory Speedway in 1953. He won his first Cup Series championship in 1961, edging Rex White despite only one win in 46 starts. His second title in 1965 included 13 victories and a record-setting 14-lap margin at the Southern 500, the largest in premier-series history.

Vale Ned Jarrett: gentleman racer, voice of a sport

Jarrett’s 13-year career (1953-1966) yielded 50 wins from 352 starts, 185 top-five and 239 top-ten finishes. He recorded 43 Ford-powered wins, the most for any driver with that make. His 1965 season remains the benchmark for Cup Series dominance.

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After retiring at 34, Jarrett launched the radio show “Ned Jarrett’s World of Racing,” then served as a pit reporter for the Motor Racing Network and a TV analyst for CBS and ESPN. His most memorable broadcast was the 1993 Daytona 500, where he emotionally called his son Dale’s final-lap win over Dale Earnhardt.

Vale Ned Jarrett: gentleman racer, voice of a sportNew Tang DynastyNASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett Passes Away at Age 93The Sun - US

Jarrett’s influence extended beyond driving. He promoted Hickory Speedway (1968-1977), earning Promoter of the Year twice. His children continued his NASCAR involvement: Dale won the 1999 Cup championship and entered the Hall of Fame in 2014; Glenn raced and later broadcast; daughter Patti’s husband Jimmy Makar served as senior vice president of racing operations at Joe Gibbs Racing. Jarrett’s sportsmanship earned him the nickname “Gentleman Ned” and a spot among NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.

New Tang DynastyNASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett Passes Away at Age 93Vale Ned Jarrett: gentleman racer, voice of a sportThe Sun - US

Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR CEO, said: “His on-track accomplishments speak for themselves… It was his off-the-track persona that separated Ned from his peers. He was as kind as his nickname indicated.” Jarrett family released: “He was a devout Christian and a devoted, loving family man… a friend to everyone he met and NASCAR’s oldest living champion.”

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Sources differ on Jarrett’s Hall of Fame induction year: one account cites the inaugural class of 2010, while two others list the second class of 2011. No other substantive discrepancies appear.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett Passes Away at Age 93

• “He was as kind as his nickname indicated.” — Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR CEO

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• “C’mon Dale, go baby, go. Don’t let him get to the inside of you coming around this turn. Here he comes, Earnhardt; it’s the Dale and Dale show as they come off of Turn 4. 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, CBS broadcast

Vale Ned Jarrett: gentleman racer, voice of a sport

• “There’s very little glamour in this business of stock-car racing.” — Ned Jarrett, Associated Press

Vale Ned Jarrett: gentleman racer, voice of a sport

• “A full, epic life lived. Godspeed, Ned.” — User, The Sun

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• “Benny [Parsons], Bob [Jenkins] and Ned The voices of NASCAR in heaven.” — User, The Sun

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