Ned Jarrett Dies at 93, NASCAR Hall of Famer Won Cup Series Titles in 1961 and 1965

NASCAR legend Ned Jarrett has died at the age of 93.

The Jarrett family said in a statement released through NASCAR that Ned died of natural causes while at his home on Thursday:

"With profound sadness, the family of NASCAR Hall of Fame driver and radio/TV personality, Ned Jarrett, announces his passing on Thursday, June 4, 2026. He died peacefully of natural causes at his home in Newton, North Carolina, with his family by his side. He was 93 years old. Our father was a devout Christian and a devoted, loving family man. He was a friend to everyone he met and NASCAR's oldest living champion. By all accounts, he was a true NASCAR legend. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate the remarkable life of an amazing man and truly the best father anyone could have wished for. Rest in Peace, Dad."

Jarrett made his professional debut as a 19-year-old in 1952, then joined the main NASCAR circuit in September 1953 at the Southern 500 in Darlington.

Over the course of his 13-year NASCAR career, Jarrett won 50 races and finished in the top 10 239 times. He won the Cup Series title in 1961 and '65.

Jarrett retired from competition in 1966 due in part to a dispute between Ford and NASCAR, resulting in the car manufacturer boycotting the circuit for a brief period. He also broke his back the previous year in a crash at Greenville-Pickens Speedway.

Following the end of his racing career, Jarrett moved into broadcasting. He worked for CBS and later ESPN, including being in the booth as the color commentator for his son Dale Jarrett's victory at the 1993 Daytona 500.

Ned was also the father of Glenn Jarrett, who had an eight-year career on the top NASCAR circuit.

Jarrett has been inducted into at least 12 Halls of Fame, including NASCAR, Motorsports of America, International Motorsports and North Carolina Sports.

In celebration of NASCAR's 75th season in 2023, Jarrett was included on the list of the 75 greatest drivers of all-time.