Former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone has passed away at 42, his family announced on Monday, March 2, 2026. The news sent shockwaves through the racing world as tributes poured in for the talented driver and respected mentor.
Nick Pistone shared confirmation of his younger brother’s death in a heartfelt Facebook message, though no details about the cause were provided. He and their brother Tom asked that the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be shared, urging those in crisis to use 988—an appeal that shows the deep sorrow surrounding this tragedy.
“Well My young brother and best friend is gone. I’m broken hearted and don’t know if I’ll ever get over this,” Nick Pistone wrote. “I miss you, Chase, already, and I hope you are in a better place.”
Born on August 20, 1983, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Pistone inherited his passion for racing from his grandfather, “Tiger” Tom Pistone, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner now 96 years old. Chase got behind the wheel at age six and built an impressive résumé, earning more than 80 victories across Legends, Late Model, and USAR divisions. He also claimed the Summer Shootout Championship Legends title four times between 1999 and 2005, cementing his reputation in grassroots racing.
Pistone competed in NASCAR from 2005 to 2014, running a total of 10 events—six in the Craftsman Truck Series and four in what was then the Nationwide Series. He raced for NTS Motorsports and Turner Scott Motorsports. His top result was a ninth-place finish in the 2014 Toyota 200 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in Madison, Illinois.
After stepping away from NASCAR in 2014, following a seven-year break between 2007 and 2013, Pistone dedicated himself to building cars and coaching young racers. Through his Chase Pistone Inc. Legends program, he became a major figure in the racing community. The company offered not only cars but also leasing options, tuning, and repair services—providing rising drivers with essential tools for success.
Legends Nation, the motorsports outlet that verified his death with his brothers, honored him in a social media post. They described his team as “a force to be reckoned with every time they showed up at a track,” noting how frequently they brought home trophies.
Friends and colleagues across the industry were deeply shaken. Brian Murphy of RFK Racing shared his sorrow online, calling Pistone “a true mentor who poured his time, knowledge, and passion into the next generation.” NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace, who raced against Pistone in Legends events when they were younger, also expressed heartfelt grief in a late-night post.
Pistone’s sister-in-law, Phaedra Pistone, contacted Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina to request a tribute during their first race of the weekend. The historic track, which meant a great deal to Pistone throughout his career, agreed to honor him.
In her message to the speedway, Phaedra explained that Chase “had a deep connection to Hickory Motor Speedway” and that it “was not just a place to him—it was part of his life, his passion, and a place filled with meaningful memories for our entire family.”
Kevin Piercy, general manager of Hickory Motor Speedway, confirmed the track would pay tribute to Pistone before Saturday night’s event, describing him as “always in a great mood and a joy to be around.”
Outside of NASCAR, Pistone also ran in the ARCA Re/Max Series, earning a top-10 at Iowa Speedway in 2006 in his lone appearance. He secured a win in the 2007 USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series at Concord Speedway, expanding his success across several racing categories including the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and ARCA Menards Series.
After retiring from full-time racing, Pistone continued shaping the sport as a respected car builder, working on Legends Cars and Super Late Models. As recently as 2024, he served as crew chief for Stephen Nasse Racing in the zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car Division. His technical skill and passion made him an important figure in racing circles throughout North Carolina and beyond.
The widespread tributes from the racing community reflect Pistone’s profound influence on and off the track. His legacy endures through the drivers he mentored, the championships his teams secured, and the winning culture he built within his Legends program.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, support is available around the clock by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or by visiting 988lifeline.org for free, confidential help.
