Remembering Those We Lost in 2024

Fred Lorenzen (89) – Dec. 18

Just a couple of weeks ago, 1965 Daytona 500 champion Fred Lorenzen died after facing health problems over the last few years. Known as the Golden Boy during his racing days, Lorenzen scored 26 wins across 12 seasons between 1956 and 1972.

“Fred Lorenzen was one of NASCAR’s first true superstars. A fan favorite, he helped NASCAR expand from its original roots,” NASCAR Chairman/CEO Jim France said. “Fred was the picture-perfect NASCAR star, helping to bring the sport to the silver screen — which further grew NASCAR’s popularity during its early years.

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“For many years, NASCAR’s Golden Boy was also its gold standard, a fact that eventually led him to the sport’s pinnacle, a rightful place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I want to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Fred Lorenzen.”

Bobby Allison (86) – Nov. 9

After facing declining health for the last few years, one of the founding members of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison died in his sleep at age 86 in November. The Hall of Famer had one championship to his name, along with 85 wins and 336 top fives. With his championship at age 45 in 1983, Allison remains as the oldest NASCAR Cup champion.

The month before his death, Allison was awarded his 85th win after 53 years when he was declared the official victor at Bowman Gray Stadium in 1971.

“Bobby was the ultimate fan’s driver,” Allison’s family said in a statement announcing his passing. “He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his fans and would stop to sign autographs and have conversations with them everywhere he went.”

Paul Goldsmith (98) – Sept. 6

Former NASCAR Cup Series and Indianapolis 500 competitor Paul Goldsmith competed in eight USAC Championship events, along with several NASCAR Grand National events. He also made three Formula 1 starts, including a podium finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1960.

Parnelli Jones (90) – June 4

The 1963 Indianapolis 500 champion battled Parkinson’s the last few years before his death. As recently as 2017, he had competed in the Stadium Super Truck Series.

Eddie Gossage (65) – May 16

Just three years after stepping down as Texas Motor Speedway’s general manager and president, Eddie Gossage died at age 65 in May. He was well known for thinking outside the box to encourage fans to interact and be more involved with each race.

“Today we have lost one of the world’s biggest race fans,” Marcus Smith, SMI president and CEO, said at the time. “From his legendary promotions to the lasting relationships he developed throughout the sports and entertainment industries, Eddie Gossage meant so much to the world of motorsports. On behalf of our Speedway Motorsports teammates across the country, our hearts go out to his many friends and his beloved family.”

Tim Steele (55) – Jan. 7

Following a battle with illness and a short hospice stay, the three-time ARCA Menards Series champion died in his home state of Michigan. Though he retired from racing long before he passed, Steele remains as the third-most-winningest driver in series history.

“This morning, my dad peacefully took the checkered flag here on earth,” his daughter wrote in a Facebook post. “His life was an exhilarating ride, always at full throttle, driven by a passion for racing and a wild spirit. While many knew him for his accomplishments on the racetrack, his role as a dad and grandpa was by far the greatest victory! God Speed Dad, I love you!!”

Cale Yarborough (84) – Dec. 31, 2023

While technically not this year, three-time Cup champion Cale Yarborough died on the final day of 2023. The Hall of Famer scored 83 wins, 255 top fives and was the first driver to win three straight titles from 1976-1978.

“Cale Yarborough was one of the toughest competitors NASCAR has ever seen,” France said at the time. “His combination of talent, grit and determination separated Cale from his peers, both on the track and in the record book. He was respected and admired by competitors and fans alike and was as comfortable behind the wheel of a tractor as he was behind the wheel of a stock car. On behalf of the France family and NASCAR, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cale Yarborough.”