Former NASCAR Driver, Racing Family Patriarch Gary Myers Dies

Gary Myers, a legendary NASCAR driver and the patriarch of a storied stock car racing family, passed away on September 10 at the age of 76 after battling declining health. Born on March 4, 1950, in Walnut Cove, North Carolina, racing was an integral part of the Myers lineage from its very inception. His father, Billy Myers, and uncle, Bobby Myers, were early trailblazers at Bowman Gray Stadium, where the family's racing journey began.

Billy Myers met his untimely demise during a Modified race at Bowman Gray in 1958, while Bobby succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash at Darlington Raceway in 1957. Gary Myers, however, continued the family's racing legacy. Between 1974 and 1978, he made 46 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, achieving his best finish of fourth place at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1976. Myers also competed in the Grand National East Series, NASCAR Modified competition, and various regional touring series.

His most significant accomplishments came in Modified racing, where he secured a remarkable 38 victories at Bowman Gray, claiming the prestigious 1996 SMART Modified Tour championship. The Myers family's strong connection to Bowman Gray Stadium spanned over six decades. Gary watched his relatives race from the stands as a young boy, then took to the track himself, and eventually watched his sons Burt and Jason carry on the family tradition.

Gary Myers took immense pride in his sons' achievements. "I'm very proud—I couldn't help but be proud of my boys," he expressed. "I just want to see them do well." Burt and Jason also became successful Modified drivers, extending the family legacy to a fourth generation when Burt's son, Slate Myers, secured his first Modified race victory at Bowman Gray in May 2026.

Slate's emotional reaction upon seeing his grandfather from the track stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Gary Myers's influence on the family's racing dynasty.