Cheatin’ May Not Be What It Once Was, but It Certainly Ain’t Gone
When it comes to rule bending — or breaking — in NASCAR, it’s always been known as simply “cheatin’.” And it has had many practitioners.
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: An Unexpected Call Was Part of NASCAR’s Dinner at the White House
Certainly one of the most memorable events in NASCAR history occurred on July 4, 1984.
Waid’s World: A Meeting, Yes, But Also a Sentimental NASCAR Reunion
For me, March 22 was something of a reunion. Not a high school class reunion, where most folks congregate mainly to see who has become … Continue Reading
Waid’s World: A Wild Richmond Finish, a Surprised First-Time Winner & Lucky Underwear
This season, the first NASCAR Cup race at Richmond Raceway is scheduled for April 3. For a long time, the event was either the second … Continue Reading
Waid’s World: Charlotte 1983 — When Cheating in NASCAR Reached Its Most Controversial Level
Let’s be honest. Cheating has been a part of NASCAR since its first race at the Charlotte Fairgrounds on June 19, 1949.
Waid’s World: The Speedway Once Known As Rockingham Fell to Progress – and the Elements
For decades at this time of the year, the NASCAR Cup Series would travel to the rolling pine forests in the Sandhills of North Carolina … Continue Reading
Waid’s World: Daytona 1981 — NASCAR’s ‘New Generation’ Cars Don’t Always Perform as Desired
NASCAR’s much anticipated “Next Gen” car will make its debut in an official Cup point race in the Daytona 500. While the new car — … Continue Reading
Waid’s World: With Financial Commitment, Hope for North Wilkesboro Rebirth Rises
The recent announcement that the state of North Carolina has allocated millions of dollars via its budget toward the maintenance of some of its speedways … Continue Reading
Waid’s World: NASCAR’s 1st Time in New York Was an Adventure for Many, to Say the Least
Well, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season is over, and the new series champion, a very deserving Kyle Larson (don’t even try to argue with … Continue Reading
Waid’s World: Victory at Martinsville Was Special for Buddy Baker
The next episode of The Scene Vault Podcast features a roundtable discussion with three long-time crewmen for, and friends of, NASCAR Hall of Famer and … Continue Reading