NASCAR Mourns Death Of Beloved Racer
on Nov 13, 2018
One of America’s most beloved and well-known stock car legends in the history of NASCAR has sadly passed away at the age of 83.
Known for his incredible skill on the track and great accomplishments in a career that often rivaled Richard Petty’s, this treasured racing champion was truly a role model for the sport.
https://twitter.com/AllWaltrip/status/1062156207924895744
RIP David Pearson.
I’d have to say if their was one driver who inspired me the most on the race track it was you. Always gritty, witty and in position at the end when it counted.
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) November 13, 2018
David Pearson, who led this illustrious career in motorsports, was known industry-wide as the “Silver Fox” and won 105 races, 113 poles, with 3 championship titles in NASCAR’s top-tier Cup Series.
From 1960 through 1986, Pearson competed fiercely as one of the top racers in the series and earned a reputation that has carried on in the decades since he retired.
We are very sad to learn that "The Silver Fox", David Pearson has passed away at the age of 83.
Starts: 574
Wins: 105
Poles: 113
Championships: 3Learn more about this Legend by visiting @NASCARHall of Fame of clicking this link 👇https://t.co/avftCtHTPb pic.twitter.com/ciIE3owVNi
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 13, 2018
David Pearson was one of the all time greats. Anyone who raced him will tell you he was the best. The Silver Fox lived up to his persona on and off the track. What a badass. RIP pic.twitter.com/LGGJ7ZIje9
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) November 13, 2018
The NASCAR Hall Of Fame honoree truly was one of the most revered and beloved members of the community – and the world of motorsports is mourning the passing of Pearson in the hours following the news.
He was a legend & one of the all time best to ever drive a stock car. We will all miss you David Pearson “The Silver Fox”. #RIP pic.twitter.com/QK78Enu2OT
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) November 13, 2018
Unbelievably sad day today after hearing of the passing of (one of) THE ABSOLUTE GREATEST #nascar drivers. We wouldn’t be here today without him and we’re thinking of the entire David Pearson family tonight.
— Wood Brothers Racing (@woodbrothers21) November 13, 2018
Such sad news that David Pearson past away today. Got a chance to meet David a few times and share some good stories and laughs. May he RIP as our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones! pic.twitter.com/Hpts8LIrtL
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) November 13, 2018
We lost another racing icon. David Pearson was tough, tenacious and in my opinion one of the top five #NASCAR drivers of all time. Feel so privileged to have raced against him. #RIPDavid
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) November 13, 2018
His nickname stemmed from his prematurely-gray hair and his cunning nature during the later parts of races – many times cinching a top spot for this racing heavyweight.
105 wins, and 3 @NASCAR championships, and a @NASCARHall of Famer
David Pearson was a wheelman. Here is part of his induction speech, where he talks about racing for @woodbrothers21 and against Richard Petty. pic.twitter.com/FGNimI2anD
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 13, 2018
NASCAR’s CEO and Chairman issued a statement on Pearson’s passing that was shared widely across social media.
“David Pearson’s 105 NASCAR premier series victories and his classic rivalry in the 1960s and ’70s with Richard Petty helped set the stage for NASCAR’s transformation into a mainstream sport with national appeal. When he retired, he had three championships — and millions of fans. Richard Petty called him the greatest driver he ever raced against. We were lucky to be able to call him one of our champions. The man they called the ‘Silver Fox’ was the gold standard for NASCAR excellence.
“On behalf of the France Family and everyone at NASCAR, I want to offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of David Pearson, a true giant of our sport.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Pearson’s family, friends, and his fans during this very difficult time. The passing of an icon like Pearson leaves the world just a little bit darker.
Watch this unforgettable video of David Pearson’s supersonic career below.
