Former NASCAR Driver Chase Pistone Dies at 42
Former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone has died at the age of 42, his family confirmed Monday.
Pistone’s older brother, Nick Pistone, shared the news in a Facebook post on March 2.
“Well my young brother and best friend is gone,” Nick wrote. “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!!!!!!!”
No cause of death was disclosed. Nick and their brother Tom later asked Legends Nation to include information for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988, in its coverage.
A Fixture in Motorsports
Legends Nation described Pistone as “a fixture in motorsports and especially Legend Car racing.”
“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.
Pistone built a reputation both as a driver and team owner. His presence in regional and national racing circuits made him a recognizable figure in the motorsports community.
Racing Roots and Early Success
Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Pistone came from a racing family. He was the grandson of early NASCAR legend “Tiger” Tom Pistone.
He began racing at age 6 and quickly found success in Legends competition.
Between 1999 and 2005, Pistone won the Summer Shootout Championship Legends four times, capturing two Semi-Pro and two Pro titles. Over his career, he earned more than 80 feature event wins across Legends, Late Model and USAR competition, according to his biography.
His accomplishments in grassroots racing helped propel him to national series opportunities.
NASCAR and ARCA Career
Pistone competed in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In 2006, he finished in the top 10 at Iowa Speedway while driving the No. 50 Dodge for Bobby Jones Racing.
While he did not achieve the same level of prominence in NASCAR’s top divisions as some of his contemporaries, Pistone remained active and respected within the racing community.
His work with Chase Pistone Inc. further cemented his influence, particularly in Legend Car racing, where his team regularly contended for wins.
Remembering a Racing Legacy
The racing world reacted with an outpouring of condolences following news of Pistone’s death. His family’s public expressions of grief underscored the personal loss felt beyond the track.
Pistone’s career spanned grassroots racing and national series competition, continuing a family legacy rooted in NASCAR history.
He is remembered as both a competitor and a mentor figure within the sport.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress or substance use issues, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day.