Waid’s World: 30 Years Later, It Remains True, Alan Kulwicki Did It His Way
He defied the odds. He beat others with more resources. He remained stalwart. In other words, as has been said of him often: He did it his way.
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: How Ricky Rudd Went from a Babyface to 1 Tough Competitor
In the first two races of the 1984 Cup season, in immense physical pain, Rudd scored a victory and a top 10, forever changing his image in NASCAR.
Waid’s World: The Radical Radial Ends the Costly Tire Competition
While the Tire Wars caused problems for NASCAR and its drivers, they led to technical improvements that made tires more durable and safer.
Waid’s World: Tire Wars Escalate & The Casualties Begin to Mount
When the Tire Wars began in earnest with the start of the 1988 NASCAR Cup Series season, the conclusion, as it is with most wars, wasn’t certain.
Waid’s World: Competition Was Hot, Heavy & Dangerous in 1988 Tire Wars
After the first two races of the 1988 Cup season, a tire war was waged between Goodyear and Hoosier.
Waid’s World: Daytona Not Starting the NASCAR Season Is Nothing New
The Daytona 500 became the Cup Series season opener in 1983, replacing Riverside.
Waid’s World: Dale Earnhardt’s Christmas Parade With a Nervous Driver
Steve Waid recalls a Christmas parade spent with the 1980 Cup champion.
Waid’s World: On the NASCAR Playoffs & the 1st Driver to Win One
From that notable achievement – Busch was the first driver to win a championship under a playoff format – the driver from Las Vegas has gone on to experience a career littered with controversy and incidents.
Waid’s World: The Final Champ of the Winston Cup Era Was the Subject of Controversy
Who would be the driver to be crowned the last Winston Cup champion?
Waid’s World: Condemnation of a New NASCAR-Mandated Car Has Been Heard Before
Complaints about cars NASCAR legislated in the past are nothing new.