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Beloved NASCAR Crew Chief Dies Unexpectedly

Published Dec 21, 2017 By Manly Bryant

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The NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and Cup Series Championship crew chief who has been a treasured part of the sport’s history passed away just days before Christmas at the age of 64.

Reported by multiple outlets, including NBC Sports, the death of NASCAR crew chief Barry Dodson has left the entire community shaken and in mourning. His former championship driver, Rusty Wallace, even took to social media to express his deep sense of loss and recall the great accomplishments Dodson earned.

Dodson earned 19 Cup Series wins with Wallace, fellow driver Tim Richmond, and legendary Darrell Waltrip. Additionally, Dodson garnered six wins in the Camping World Truck Series with driver Mike Bliss. He retired as a crew chief following the 2007 Truck Series season.

“Barry Dodson’s talent as a crew chief was evident, winning a championship in 1989 and a number of races throughout a career that lasted parts of three decades at the top levels of the sport,” NASCAR said in a statement. “His extraordinary skills around a race car were rivaled only by his passion for the sport, and his perseverance in the face of adversity. NASCAR extends its condolences to the family and friends of Barry Dodson. He will be missed.”

It has not been made known what Dodson’s cause of death was. His brother John confirmed his passing through a statement, saying “Barry’s passing leaves us all with heavy hearts. He left his mark in the NASCAR history books and he served the sport with a passion that few will ever match. We love him and we miss him.”

Other notable industry professionals also offered their condolences on Twitter following the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dodson family during this very difficult time.