NASCAR legend Gary Myers, part of four-generation racing family, dies at 76

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —

Gary Myers, a NASCAR legend and part of a four-generation racing family, has died. He was 76.

Myers was a North Carolina stock-car racer whose career was closely tied to Winston-Salem’s historic Bowman Gray Stadium.

He competed in 46 NASCAR Winston Cup Series races between 1974 and 1978, with a best finish of 27th in the 1978 season.

Although he did not win a Cup race, Myers built his reputation in modified and short-track competition, including a 1996 championship in the SMART Modified Tour.

He was the son of Billy Myers, an early Bowman Gray standout, and carried on a family racing tradition that began there in the 1950s.

Myers later became known as the father of modified-racing stars Burt and Jason Myers.

Both Burt Myers and Jason Myers commemorated their father on social media in the wake of his passing.

“Last night I lost my hero. 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. Thank God for the times we had. He taught me everything I know. Selfishly I want him here but I know he is much better off now. I miss him so much. I love you Daddy!” wrote Burt Myers on Facebook.

Jason Myers’ racing team also eulogized Gary Myers, writing “Last night we lost our patriarch. Gary was Jason’s best friend. 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.”

A cause of death has not been released.