Gary Myers, a true legend of NASCAR and the patriarch of a four-generation racing dynasty, passed away on Thursday, September 10th, at the age of 76. This isn’t just a loss for the racing world, it’s a gut punch for a family that lives and breathes speed.
A Family’s Heartbreak, A Son’s Tribute
Burt Myers, Gary’s son, poured his heart out on Facebook, letting everyone know the depth of his grief. “Last night I lost my hero,” he wrote, talking about how hard his dad fought but was just “so tired.” You can feel the raw emotion there, right? He knows his daddy is “in Heaven” now, finally able to “do the things he wanted to do the last several years.” Man, that hits hard. He thanked God for their time together, acknowledging everything his father taught him. While he admitted to selfishly wanting him here, he also knew his dad was “much better off now.” He closed with, “I miss him so much. I love you Daddy!” That’s the kind of message that makes you realize just how much these heroes mean to their families, not just the fans.
A Life Lived on the Track
Gary Myers wasn’t just a patriarch, he was a serious wheelman himself. This guy was on the starting line for NASCAR Winston Cup races every single year from 1974 to 1978! And get this, he wasn’t just showing up, he finished as high as 11th twice in those Cup races. Think about that for a second. Beyond the Cup Series, Myers tore it up in a bunch of other series too: the NASCAR Late Model Sportsman National Championship, the USAR Hooters Late Model Series, the NASCAR Modified National Championship, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, and the SMART Modified Tour. Talk about versatility! The man won a staggering 38 races at Bowman Gray Stadium, a track where his family’s name is practically etched into the asphalt. Bowman Gray, the quarter-mile track that hosted 29 Cup Series races through the 1960s, is truly home turf for the Myers dynasty. They even named the Myers Brothers 250 race after his father Billy and uncle Bobby, who tragically died racing as young men. That’s a legacy built with sweat and tears, folks.
The Legacy Continues
And the Myers family saga keeps on rolling. Gary’s sons, Burt and Jason, along with Burt’s son, Slate, have kept that racing fire burning bright right into the 21st century. Gary himself, in a 2008 interview, couldn’t hide his pride. “I’m very proud , I couldn’t help but to be proud of my boys,” he said, adding, “I just want to see them do well.” Fast forward to May 2026, and you see that pride come full circle. Slate Myers, the grandson, takes a victory lap at Bowman Gray, and who does he dedicate it to? His grandfather, Gary. Slate got emotional seeing Gary from the track, calling the whole moment “crazy” and “awesome.” You can just picture that, right? A win for Gary, even if he wasn’t behind the wheel. And let’s not forget Gary’s cousin, Danny “Chocolate” Myers, a legend in his own right, working as a general mechanic and refueler for none other than Dale Earnhardt at Richard Childress Racing, and now a Motorsports Hall of Fame recognized SiriusXM NASCAR Radio host. This family isn’t just about racing, it’s NASCAR.
While Gary Myers may have taken his last checkered flag on Earth, his spirit, his passion, and his incredible family legacy will continue to burn bright on the track for generations to come. Every time a Myers takes the wheel at Bowman Gray, you know Gary will be right there, watching over them. It’s not goodbye, it’s “see you at the finish line.”
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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