Chase Pistone, Former NASCAR Driver and Second-Generation Competitor, Dies at 42

Pistone was the grandson of two-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner ‘Tiger’ Tom Pistone, who notably won over 80 feature racing events throughout his career.

Chase Pistone (C), driver of the NTS Motorsports Chevrolet, talks with his crew during practice for the NASCAR Camping World Series UNOH 225 at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., on June 26, 2014. Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Former NASCAR racer Chase Pistone, the grandson of two-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner “Tiger” Tom Pistone, has died at the age of 42, according to family members.

His older brother Nick Pistone confirmed news of his passing in an emotional tribute posted to social media on March 2.

“Well my young brother and best friend is gone,” the Facebook post reads. “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 in a better place. I love you and I miss you so much already!!!!!!!”

His family did not publicly disclose a cause of death; however, in a statement to “Legends Nation,” an outlet dedicated to covering Legend Car and Bandolero racing, Nick Pistone requested that the outlet “post the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is 988 on a phone or text.”

“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,” the outlet wrote in a tribute.

“Legends Nation sends our thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the friends and family of Chase Pistone.“

Born in 1983 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Chase Pistone grew up around the world of motorsports and began racing at the age of 6. He built a reputation as a tireless competitor across multiple national series, including in the NASCAR Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA events.

Between 1999 and 2005, he won the Summer Shootout Championship Legends as a driver on four separate occasions.

Notably, he recorded a top-10 finish in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Iowa Speedway in 2006, and won over 80 feature events in Legends Car, Late Model, and USAR racing competitions.

Chase Pistone retired from NASCAR in 2015, shifting his focus into team ownership with Chase Pistone Inc., where he built Legends and Late Model stock vehicles. During that time, he also used his expertise to coach and teach other aspiring racers.

To keep his love for the sport alive, his sister-in-law, Phaedra Pistone, asked the famed Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina, if it would “consider honoring Chase’s memory during your first race this weekend.”

She noted on social media that the track was a major part of his life and passion “filled with meaningful memories for our entire family.”

“Chase was always in a great mood and a joy to be around,” Kevin Piercy, the general manager of Hickory Motor Speedway, said in response. “I appreciate the support and love that we both share for Hickory Motor Speedway. He will be missed.”

“We will do our best to respect the family’s wishes and honor his memory before the race this Saturday night. We will be sharing funeral arrangements as they are released.”