The National Motorsports Press Association sends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, fans and former colleagues of NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett, who passed away Friday, June 6 at the age of 93 in his beloved North Carolina.
A two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Jarrett was an early (1973) and deserving inductee into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame. Jarrett’s remarkable excellence on track featured 50 victories and the 1961 and 1965 Cup titles even though he never competed in a full season. He was the third person in NASCAR history to achieve that 50-win mark.
The hard-working, kind-hearted Jarrett was known as “Gentleman Ned” both while competing and later as a highly-respected broadcaster – working both for the Motor Racing Network (MRN) as well as multiple national television networks.
His emotional call from the CBS television booth of his son Dale winning the 1993 Daytona 500 in a final lap duel with the late Dale Earnhardt is one of the most iconic “final lap” play-by-play moments in the sport’s broadcast history. Ned and Dale would go on to become one of only six father-son pairings to be honored in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Both are also members of the NMPA Hall.
For so many, Jarrett’s historic achievements in the race car are equalled only by the strong and good character he always displayed. He will be remembered foremost for his generous spirit – a kind-hearted, devoted man of faith and family, his legacy on track and off track, forever cherished in the sport.
Please keep Jarrett’s family, including his children Glenn, Dale and Patti close to your heart during this difficult time.
