The racing world is mourning the loss of a true icon. Gary Myers, a North Carolina stock car legend whose name echoed through the historic Bowman Gray Stadium for over six decades, has passed away at the age of 76.
His son, fellow NASCAR driver Burt Myers, broke the news on Friday with a heartfelt Facebook post that captured the depth of their bond.
“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!”
Gary Myers was more than just a racer; he was a torchbearer for a family tradition that stretched back generations. The son of Billy Myers, he carried on a legacy that began at the legendary quarter-mile track in Winston-Salem. Over his remarkable career, he amassed 38 Modified division victories at Bowman Gray and made 46 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series between 1974 and 1978. His versatility shone through in appearances across the Grand National East Series, the Featherlite Modified Tour, and even endurance classics like the 12 Hours of Sebring.
One of his crowning achievements came in 1996 when he captured the SMART Modified Tour championship. But perhaps his greatest legacy was the mentorship he provided to his sons, Burt and Jason, who followed in his tire tracks. His grandson, Slate Myers, has also taken up the family mantle, ensuring the Myers name remains a fixture in short-track racing.
Bowman Gray Stadium, the very place where the Myers family's story began, paid tribute to the fallen legend.
“Our Bowman Gray family is saddened by the loss of Gary Myers. Gary earned 38 wins at Bowman Gray in Modified competition, in a career that also saw him make starts in the NASCAR Cup Series and Grand National Series. Our thoughts are with his wife Pam, sons Burt and Jason, grandson Slate, and the entire Myers family.”
As the racing community reflects on his contributions, it's clear that Gary Myers was more than a driver—he was a cornerstone of the sport. His dedication to the craft and his family's involvement in racing have left an indelible mark. For those who followed his career, his passing is a reminder of the struggles and triumphs that define a life in NASCAR.
In an era when the sport has evolved dramatically, Myers remained a link to its grassroots. His presence at Bowman Gray was a constant, a familiar sight for fans who grew up watching him compete. His loss resonates not just with his family, but with the entire short-track community that considered him a hero.
Our thoughts are with the Myers family during this difficult time. Gary Myers may be gone, but his legacy will live on through the generations of racers he inspired, both on and off the track.
