Former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone has passed away at 42, his family announced on Monday, March 2, 2026. News of his death stunned the racing community, prompting an outpouring of tributes for the talented competitor and respected mentor.
Nick Pistone shared confirmation of his younger brother’s passing in a heartfelt Facebook post, though no cause was provided. Nick and their brother Tom asked that the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be included, reminding people that 988 is available to anyone in distress—a request that underscores the profound grief behind this loss.
“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 grew up immersed in racing as the grandson of “Tiger” Tom Pistone, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner who is now 96. Chase began racing at age six and became a standout competitor, earning more than 80 feature wins across Legends, Late Model, and USAR divisions. He also secured four Summer Shootout Championship Legends titles between 1999 and 2005, cementing his role as a powerhouse in grassroots motorsports.
Pistone raced in NASCAR from 2005 through 2014, making 10 total starts—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 came in the 2014 Toyota 200 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in Madison, Illinois, where he finished ninth in the Truck Series.
After stepping back from NASCAR in 2014, following a hiatus from 2007 to 2013, Pistone shifted to building race cars and mentoring young drivers. Through his Chase Pistone Inc. Legends team, he became a central figure in the racing community. His company offered cars, leasing options, setup work, and repair services—resources vital for aspiring racers.
Legends Nation, which confirmed his passing alongside his brothers, honored him in a social media tribute. They described his team as “a force to be reckoned with every time they showed up at a track,” noting they frequently left with trophies.
The news deeply affected those who knew him in both personal and professional circles. RFK Racing’s Brian Murphy expressed sorrow on social media, remembering Pistone as “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 their younger Legends days, also shared a late-night post mourning the loss and acknowledging its emotional impact across the sport.
Pistone’s sister-in-law, Phaedra Pistone, contacted Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina to ask that the track honor him during its first race of the weekend. The historic track, a meaningful place throughout his career, agreed to the family’s request.
In her message to the speedway, Phaedra Pistone wrote that Chase “had a deep connection to Hickory Motor Speedway” and that the track “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 race, describing him as “always in a great mood and a joy to be around.”
Outside his NASCAR career, Pistone also competed in the ARCA Re/Max Series, finishing in the top 10 at Iowa Speedway in 2006 during his lone series appearance. He earned a victory in the 2007 USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series at Concord Speedway, reinforcing his versatility across racing disciplines. His career spanned the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and ARCA Menards Series.
After retiring from competition, Pistone continued shaping the sport as a skilled race-car builder, working on 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 skill and enthusiasm for racing made him a trusted figure throughout North Carolina’s motorsports community.
The widespread tributes reflect the lasting influence Pistone had both on the track and within the racing world during his 42 years. His legacy continues through the drivers he guided, the championships his teams achieved, and the winning reputation he built through his Legends program.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available at any time by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or by visiting 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support.
