Remembering legendary sportswriter Monte Dutton, in his words and others'
Monte Dutton is being remembered for his coverage and impact in the NASCAR world, as well as his personality, wisdom and wit as seen in the pages of The Gaston Gazette.
Monte Dutton, a legendary sportswriter and NASCAR authority, passed away on October 8 at the age of 68. Known for his front-row seat to the sport's evolution from a regional phenomenon to a national spectacle, Dutton penned bylines for The Gaston Gazette and other publications, cementing his name with NASCAR.
Bob Pockrass, a NASCAR reporter for Fox Sports, expressed his sorrow, acknowledging Dutton as a pivotal member of the NASCAR media corps for decades. Dutton's writing skills informed and entertained, as praised by his colleagues. Born in Clinton, South Carolina and a Furman University graduate, Dutton began his career with the Spartanburg Herald-Journal and FasTrack Magazine before joining The Gazette.
During his tenure at The Gazette, Dutton shared the same space as NASCAR Hall of Famers such as Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart; his work encompassed biographies on these iconic drivers. He authored nine books, including non-fiction biographies and works shedding light on Americana. Dutton received numerous awards, including the Best Sports Column award from the National Newspaper Association in 1994 and other honors from the National Motorsports Press Association, Eastern Motorsports Association, and South Carolina Press Association.
Beyond his work, Dutton maintained a unique persona, playing guitar late at night and writing sketches. He was beloved for his wisdom, wit, and humor, as seen in numerous anecdotes from his career. Fellow NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck honored Dutton's legacy, noting his distinctive qualities.
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