Waid’s World: A Coca-Cola 600 That Lasted Many Hours Thanks to Mother Nature
Speedways with or without lights can’t withstand the wrath of Mother Nature. In 1997, the lady was especially mean to Charlotte
Steve Waid first started in motorsports journalism since 1972, when he began his newspaper career at the Martinsville (Va.) Bulletin. He spent over 50 years in the profession, first with the Roanoke Times-World News and later as publisher and vice president for NASCAR Scene and NASCAR Illustrated.Steve has won numerous state sports writing awards and several more from the National Motorsports Press Association for his motorsports coverage, feature and column writing.
For several years, Steve was a regular on “NASCAR This Morning” on FOX Sports Net and he was the co-author, with Tom Higgins, of the biography “Junior Johnson: Brave In Life.” In January 2014, Steve was inducted into the NMPA Hall of Fame. Additionally, in 2019 he was presented the Squier-Hall Award by the NASCAR Hall of Fame for lifetime excellence in motorsports journalism.
From 2020 to 2026, Steve was a contributor to Frontstretch with the biweekly column Waid’s World, taking a look back at his time in the sport. In addition to writing for Frontstretch, Steve was also the co-host of The Scene Vault Podcast with Rick Houston.
Sadly, Steve passed away in June 2026 after a lengthy illness. He was 77. Read our tribute to Steve and also watch our tribute podcast to our wonderful colleague and friend.
Waid’s World: The Glen 1986, a Historic Race Won by NASCAR’s Charismatic Young Driver
Take a walk down memory lane with Steve Waid, who covered the 1986 NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International.
Waid’s World: In 1977, Darrell Waltrip Rose to Stardom & Two Writers Began a Lifelong Journey
The 1977 season emerged a lifelong friendship between two reporters based upon a mutual dedication to NASCAR, its competition and its people.
Waid’s World: When Dave Marcis Was Poised to Rise into NASCAR’s Championship Ranks
For two seasons, NASCAR “Everyman” Dave Marcis was on the verge of Cup championship greatness
Waid’s World: In 1979, Buddy Baker Wins on a Short Track & This Time, It’s No Gift
There was a time when all Buddy Baker could win on was superspeedways. But one day at Martinsville Speedway, that narrative changed.
Waid’s World: In 1998, Jack Roush’s 5 Teams Struck It Rich in Las Vegas
In the first Cup Series race in Vegas, Roush won with Mark Martin, and all five Roush drivers finished inside the top 10.
Waid’s World: David Pearson Gets No. 100 at Rockingham, Gamblers Get Nothing
Pearson earned his 100th Cup victory at The Rock. None of the media members expected him to triumph there.
Waid’s World: How Cup Sponsor Woes Caused an Unlikely, Popular 1975 Daytona 500 Winner
How financial troubles before the 1975 Cup Series season set the stage for an underdog Daytona 500 victory
Waid’s World: There May Be a Better Title Format – But Not Perfect
One of the most memorable championships was largely decided by a points penalty.
Waid’s World: Yes, NASCAR Star Harry Gant Has Aged – But He Sure Doesn’t Look It
If Gant’s youthful appearance didn’t fade during the years, neither has his personality.