Former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone, who followed in his grandfather’s footsteps to be a professional racer, making a name for himself in the sport along the way, has passed away at the age of 42. Nick Pistone, his brother, announced the news in an emotionally devastating post published on Facebook. During his racing career, Pistone competed in several NASCAR ranks, including the Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the ARCA Menards Series.
While taking after his grandfather, Pistone did well for himself, earning a reputation for being steady both in the garage and on the track, being fondly remembered as a fierce competitor. He logged starts in both Trucks and Xfinity competitions during the latter part of the 2000s and early 2010s. He also battled for racing domination on short tracks in the Southeast, but later shifted to helping younger drivers through the development of his Legends and Late Model programs.
“Well, my young brother and best friend is gone,” Nick Pistone wrote in a post on Facebook. “I’m broken-hearted and don’t know if I’ll ever get over this. I miss you Chase already and I hope you are you are in a better place. I love you and I miss you so much already!!!!!!!” Legends Nation also confirmed his passing on March 2, 2026.
“Chase was not only a wheelman in Legends and Late Models, but his Chase Pistone Inc. Legends team was a force to be reckoned with every time they showed up at a track, and they usually walked away with the winner’s trophy,” Legends Nation posted on X, according to Trending Politics News. As of this writing, no cause of death has been released.
However, TPN noted that Pistone’s brothers, Tom and Nick, asked that Legends Nation “post the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is 988 on a phone or text.” The name of Pistone is well-known in the world of professional racing. His grandfather, NASCAR legend Tom Pistone, won two NASCAR Cup Series races in 1959, during the sport’s early days. The elder Pistone, also known as “Tiger,” is 96 years old.
Tributes from all over the racing world poured in on social media. “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of our friend Chase Pistone,” Brian Murphy of RFK Racing stated on X. “He was not only a talented racer but a true mentor who poured his time, knowledge, and passion into the next generation.” Chase Pistone’s sister-in-law requested Hickory Motor Speedway, a well-known and historic racing venue located in Hickory, North Carolina, to “consider honoring Chase’s memory during your first race this weekend.”
“Chase had a deep connection to Hickory Motor Speedway, and the racing community meant so much to him,” Phaedra Pistone said, according to NBC News. “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.” The speedway put out a statement of their own in response to Phaedra, saying it will do its “best to respect the family’s wishes and honor his memory before the race this Saturday night.”
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“Chase was always in a great mood and a joy to be around. I appreciate the support and love that we both share for Hickory Motor Speedway,” Hickory Motor Speedway General Manager Kevin Piercy went on to say in the statement. “He will be missed.” NBC News reached out to NASCAR for a comment concerning Pistone’s death, but has not received a response.
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