NASCAR veteran Gary Myers, the patriarch of one of stock car racing’s most recognizable multi-generation families, has died at 76.
Myers’ family announced the heartbreaking news Friday, with his sons paying emotional tribute to the man they called their hero, best friend and mentor.
“Last night I lost my hero,” son Burt Myers wrote on Facebook. “He fought so hard but was so tired. My daddy is in Heaven and can finally do the things he wanted to do the last several years.”
Burt said that while he desperately wished his father could still be with the family, he knew Gary was “much better off now.”
“I miss him so much. I love you Daddy!” he added.
Racing was more than a career for Gary Myers. It was in his blood.
He was the son of racing pioneer Billy Myers and later passed the family tradition down to his own sons, stock car racers Burt and Jason Myers. His grandson, Slate Myers, became the fourth generation to climb behind the wheel when he began his racing career in 2024.
Gary competed across several major NASCAR series during his career, including the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, Grand National East Series and Featherlite Modified Tour.
He made his Winston Cup debut in 1974 at the Yankee 400 and ultimately competed in 47 races at NASCAR’s highest level.
But Myers also built an impressive reputation in modified racing.
He became a founding member of the SMART Modified Tour and went on to win 15 races before capturing the tour championship in 1996.
The organization honored Myers following news of his death.
“We lost one of our heroes — Gary Myers,” the SMART Modified Tour said. “Gary was a founding member of the SMART MODIFIED TOUR & its 1996 champion. He had 15 wins.”
The tour also highlighted the racing legacy he left behind through Burt, Jason and grandson Slate.
Jason Myers’ family called Gary the family’s “patriarch” in another emotional tribute.
“Gary was Jason’s best friend,” the post said. “He taught him and Burt everything they know and touched so many people along the way. To know him was to love him.”
“Rest easy, legend. You will be with us always.”
Gary Myers leaves behind not only decades of racing memories, but a family legacy that has stretched across four generations — ensuring the Myers name will remain part of American stock car racing for years to come.