Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Ned Jarrett passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026, aged 93. NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell released a public statement mourning the death of the legend.
Known as “Gentleman” Ned Jarrett because of his calm demeanor, the North Carolina native gave over six decades of his life to the sport. First, as a racer, making it to the premier series, and then trading the tarmac for the booth, becoming the announcer.
The icon won the NASCAR Grand National Series title (now Cup series) in 1961 and 1965, securing 50 wins in the 352 races he ran over a span of 13 seasons. With Ford opting to pull out from the sport in 1966, Jarrett lost the manufacturer’s support and decided to retire in his prime, aged 34.
In 1991, he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. In 2011, Ned Jarrett was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as a second-year inductee.
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell released a statement as the legend of the sport passed away.
“Despite his calm demeanor, “Gentleman” Ned Jarrett was as fierce a competitor as NASCAR has ever seen. His on-track accomplishments speak for themselves with wins and championships across several NASCAR divisions. But it was his off-the-track persona that separated Ned from his peers.”
“He was as kind as his nickname indicated. And his endearing 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 dearly missed. On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I offer my deepest condolences to all of Ned’s family and friends on the loss of a NASCAR legend,” added Steve O’Donnell
Ned Jarrett’s family releases statement following the demise of the NASCAR Hall of Famer
Ned Jarrett’s family, including his son Dale Jarrett, who is also a NASCAR Cup Series champion, released a statement as the legend of the deceased passed away. It revealed that Ned passed away due to natural causes, as the statement read,
“With profound sadness, the family of NASCAR Hall of Fame driver and radio/TV personality, Ned Jarrett, announces his passing on Thursday, June 4, 2026. He died peacefully of natural causes at his home in Newton, North Carolina, with his family by his side. He was 93 years old.”
“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. By all accounts, he was a true NASCAR legend. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate the remarkable life of an amazing man and truly the best father anyone could have wished for. Rest in Peace, Dad.”
Ned Jarrett and his son became only the second father-son duo to win Cup Series championships, as Dale Jarrett won the title in 1999. Lee Petty and Richard Petty were the first father-son duo to attain the accomplishment.
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