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5d ago

NASCAR Community Honors Dr. Jerry Petty's Legacy After His Passing at 90

The pioneering neurosurgeon and safety advocate, who shaped NASCAR’s medical standards over five decades, is remembered for his profound contributions and compassionate care.

Hall of Famer and JR Motorsports team owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr. waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
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Overview

  • Dr. Jerry Petty, a founding partner of Carolina NeuroSurgery and Spine Associates, passed away at age 90, as announced on April 22, 2025.
  • Petty played a pivotal role in advancing NASCAR safety, including advising on SAFER barriers after Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s 2001 death.
  • He treated numerous drivers, including sidelining Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2012 for a concussion and diagnosing Matt Tifft’s brain tumor in 2016.
  • Petty’s contributions earned him NASCAR’s Bill France Award of Excellence in 2006, recognizing his extraordinary impact on the sport.
  • Tributes from NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and others highlight his dedication to driver well-being and his lasting influence on motorsports medicine.