Gary Myers Dies: NASCAR Driver and Patriarch of Four-Generation Racing Family Was 76
Gary Myers, the veteran NASCAR driver and celebrated figure at Bowman Gray Stadium, has died at the age of 76.
Myers died on Thursday, September 10, following a period of declining health. His family announced the news through emotional messages shared on social media. A specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. (deadline.com)
Son Burt Myers Pays Emotional Tribute
Myers’ son, accomplished Modified racer Burt Myers, remembered his father as his hero and the man who taught him everything he knew.
“He fought so hard but was so tired,” Burt wrote. He said his father was now at peace and expressed gratitude for the years they spent together.
A tribute shared on behalf of Gary’s other son, Jason Myers, described him as the family’s patriarch and Jason’s best friend. It said Gary had passed his knowledge to both sons while positively influencing countless people throughout the racing community.
A Bowman Gray Stadium Legend
Gary Myers’ name became closely associated with Bowman Gray Stadium, the historic quarter-mile racetrack in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
He earned 38 victories in Modified competition at the venue, establishing himself as one of its most recognizable and respected racers. His relationship with Bowman Gray stretched across more than six decades—from watching his father and uncle compete in the 1950s to racing himself and later supporting the careers of his sons. (Jayski)
Bowman Gray Stadium mourned his death in a public statement and extended its condolences to his wife, Pam, sons Burt and Jason, grandson Slate and the entire Myers family.
NASCAR and Modified Racing Career
Myers competed in 46 NASCAR Cup Series races between 1974 and 1978. He made his Cup debut in the 1974 Yankee 400 at Michigan International Speedway and recorded a career-best championship position of 27th during the 1978 season.
He also competed in the NASCAR Grand National East Series and the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Tour.
One of the greatest achievements of Myers’ career came in 1996 when he captured the SMART Modified Tour championship. He was a founding member of the series and collected 15 victories during his time on the tour. (Jayski)
The SMART Modified Tour honored Myers as one of its heroes, recognizing his contributions as both an early member and a championship-winning driver.
Four Generations United by Racing
Gary Myers belonged to one of stock-car racing’s most enduring family dynasties.
His father, Billy Myers, and uncle, Bobby Myers, were early racing standouts. Gary continued that tradition before passing his experience and passion to his sons, Burt and Jason, who became successful Modified drivers.
The family’s racing story entered a fourth generation when Burt’s son, Slate Myers, began pursuing his own career behind the wheel.
Gary was therefore much more than a successful driver. He served as the vital link connecting several generations of the Myers family and helped preserve their place in the history of American short-track racing.
A Lasting Motorsports Legacy
Although Gary Myers competed on NASCAR’s biggest stage, his reputation was built primarily through Modified racing, where skill, determination and close relationships with local supporters defined his career.
His 38 victories at Bowman Gray, SMART Modified Tour championship and guidance of the racers who followed him created a legacy extending well beyond statistics.
Myers is survived by his wife, Pam, his sons Burt and Jason, his grandson Slate and other members of the Myers family.
The racing community will remember Gary Myers as a fierce competitor, devoted mentor and beloved patriarch whose influence will continue through the generations he inspired.
