The NASCAR community grieves the loss of a legendary figure as Ned Jarrett, a celebrated driver and broadcaster, has passed away at 93. Jarrett died of natural causes at his home in Newton, North Carolina. His illustrious career earned him a place among NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998.
Jarrett’s journey in racing began during his time working on his family’s farm and sawmill. When Hickory Speedway opened, he participated in its first race and quickly developed a passion for the sport. Jarrett’s talent on the track is evident in his 43 victories as a Ford driver, a record he still holds. Joey Logano is the highest active driver with Ford, boasting 35 of his 37 career wins with the car.
After retiring from racing, Jarrett transitioned to a successful broadcasting career. He started as a pit reporter for the Motor Racing Network before moving to TV with CBS and ESPN. One of his most memorable broadcasting moments was at the 1993 Daytona 500. During the race, Jarrett commented on a tense final battle between his son, Dale Jarrett, and Dale Earnhardt Sr. The race concluded with his son winning, providing a touching moment for Jarrett to witness live.
Jarrett’s legacy extends through his sons, Dale and Glenn, who also pursued careers in broadcasting after racing. Sadly, Jarrett’s wife of 67 years, Martha, passed away in 2023.