Former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone has passed away at 42, his family shared on Monday, March 2, 2026, sending reverberations through the racing world as tributes quickly emerged for the skilled racer and respected mentor.
Nick Pistone confirmed the loss of his younger brother in a heartfelt Facebook message, though no cause of death was revealed. However, Nick and their brother Tom asked that the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be shared, noting that 988 is available for anyone in crisis—a request that underscores the depth of their grief.
“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 was steeped in racing heritage as the grandson of “Tiger” Tom Pistone, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner who is now 96. Chase began driving at age six and continued to climb the ranks, ultimately claiming more than 80 feature wins in Legends, Late Model, and USAR competition. He also secured the Summer Shootout Championship Legends title four times between 1999 and 2005, cementing his status as a standout in grassroots racing.
Pistone raced in NASCAR from 2005 to 2014, participating in 10 events—six in the Craftsman Truck Series and four in what was then the Nationwide Series. He drove for NTS Motorsports and Turner Scott Motorsports. His top performance was ninth place in the 2014 Toyota 200 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in Madison, Illinois.
After leaving NASCAR competition in 2014, following a seven-year break from 2007 to 2013, Pistone dedicated himself to building race cars and guiding young drivers. Through his Chase Pistone Inc. Legends team, he became an influential figure in the racing scene. The organization offered race cars, leasing options, setup adjustments, and repair services—everything an aspiring driver required to pursue their goals.
Legends Nation, the motorsports outlet that confirmed his passing with his brothers, honored him in a social media tribute. The publication praised his team as “a force to be reckoned with every time they showed up at a track,” noting they frequently left victorious.
The news deeply affected those who knew him on and off the track. Brian Murphy of RFK Racing shared his sorrow on social media, calling Pistone “a true mentor who poured his time, knowledge, and passion into the next generation.” NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace, who competed against Pistone in Legends cars during their youth, also expressed his grief in a late-night message that conveyed how heavily the loss weighed on the racing community.
Pistone’s sister-in-law, Phaedra Pistone, contacted Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina to request that the track honor him during its first race of the weekend. The historic speedway, a place that held great significance for Pistone, agreed to pay tribute.
In her message to the track, Phaedra Pistone 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 honor Pistone before Saturday night’s race, 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, scoring a top-10 finish at Iowa Speedway in 2006 in his lone start. He won a 2007 USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series race at Concord Speedway, further demonstrating his versatility across several racing categories. His résumé included starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and ARCA Menards Series.
Following his driving career, Pistone continued to influence the sport as a talented car builder, working on both Legends Cars and Super Late Models. As recently as 2024, he served as crew chief for the Stephen Nasse Racing team in the zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car Division. His technical insight and dedication made him a valued figure throughout North Carolina’s racing community and beyond.
Tributes from throughout the racing world highlight the mark Pistone left both personally and professionally during his 42 years. His legacy endures through the drivers he guided, the championships his teams earned, and the winning culture he created with his Legends program.
If you or someone you know is experiencing 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.
