Former NASCAR driver Gary Myers has died at the age of 76, marking the loss of one of the most respected figures in the history of short-track racing and Bowman Gray Stadium.
Myers died Thursday night, according to his son Burt Myers, who shared an emotional tribute on social media. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Gary Myers dies at 76
The death of the former NASCAR driver Gary Myers was confirmed by his family and drew tributes from the racing community. Burt Myers described his father as his hero and said Gary had fought hard but had become tired in recent years.
Burt also credited his father with teaching him everything he knows about racing, highlighting the deep connection between Gary Myers and the next generation of the Myers racing family.
Gary is survived by his wife, Pam, sons Burt and Jason Myers, and grandson Slate.
Gary Myers’ NASCAR career
Gary Myers competed across several major racing series during a five-year NASCAR career. According to Motorsport Stats, he made 47 starts during that period.
His résumé included appearances in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and Grand National East Series, along with competition in the Featherlite Modified Tour. While his NASCAR career was relatively brief, his influence on short-track racing extended far beyond those starts.
Myers became particularly associated with Bowman Gray Stadium, where he established himself as a legendary Modified driver.
Bowman Gray driver Gary Myers remembered
The legacy of Bowman Gray driver Gary Myers is especially significant at the historic North Carolina short track. Bowman Gray Stadium said Myers earned 38 Modified victories at the venue during his career.
His success at Bowman Gray helped make him one of the track’s most recognizable and accomplished drivers. He also became a key figure in the SMART Modified Tour, winning its championship in 1996.
Beyond his own achievements behind the wheel, Myers became an important mentor and patriarch within a family deeply connected to racing.
A four-generation NASCAR racing family
Racing was part of the Myers family long before Gary entered the sport. His father, Billy Myers, and uncle, Bobby Myers, were both NASCAR drivers and early figures associated with Bowman Gray Stadium.
Gary continued that family tradition, with his son Burt Myers also becoming a successful NASCAR and short-track driver. His other son, Jason Myers, followed a similar path, while his grandson Slate has also competed successfully.
Gary’s cousin Danny “Chocolate” Myers became a well-known NASCAR personality and longtime member of the racing community.
The family’s four-generation connection to NASCAR and short-track competition makes Gary Myers’ legacy particularly notable.
Gary Myers’ impact beyond NASCAR
Although many fans remember Gary for his NASCAR appearances, his importance to motorsports was not limited to the national series. His achievements at Bowman Gray and in Modified racing established a lasting reputation among short-track fans.
After stepping away from regular competition, Myers continued to play a guiding role within his family. His experience helped shape the careers of Burt and Jason, extending his influence from one generation of racers to another.
His death therefore represents not only the passing of a former NASCAR competitor but also the loss of a central figure in one of American short-track racing’s notable families.
Racing community mourns Gary Myers
Tributes following Myers’ death have focused on his accomplishments, family and influence on generations of racers. Bowman Gray Stadium expressed its condolences to the Myers family while remembering his 38 Modified victories at the track.
For Burt Myers, the loss was deeply personal. His tribute portrayed Gary not simply as a racing legend, but as a father, teacher and hero.
Gary Myers leaves behind a racing legacy built on NASCAR competition, Modified success, Bowman Gray victories and a family tradition that continues through his children and grandson.
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