Former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone has died at age 42, his family announced on Monday, March 2, 2026. News of his passing quickly spread through the racing community, where many shared tributes to the talented competitor and admired mentor.
His older brother, Nick Pistone, confirmed Chase’s death in an emotional Facebook post, though no cause was provided. Nick and their brother Tom requested that people share the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline information, emphasizing that 988 is available to anyone experiencing a crisis—a reminder of the heartbreak they are facing.
“Well my young brother and best friend is gone. I’m broken-hearted and don’t know if I’ll ever get over this,” Nick Pistone wrote. “I miss you, Chase, already, and I hope you are in a better place.”
Born on August 20, 1983, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Pistone was steeped in racing heritage as the grandson of “Tiger” Tom Pistone, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, now 96. Chase began racing at age six and progressed through the ranks, earning more than 80 feature victories in Legends, Late Model, and USAR events. He also won the Summer Shootout Championship Legends title four times between 1999 and 2005, establishing himself as a standout at the grassroots level.
Pistone competed in NASCAR from 2005 through 2014, entering 10 races—six in the Craftsman Truck Series and four in what was then the Nationwide Series. He raced for NTS Motorsports and Turner Scott Motorsports. His best finish was ninth place in the 2014 Toyota 200 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in Madison, Illinois.
After stepping away from NASCAR in 2014, following a seven-year hiatus between 2007 and 2013, Pistone focused on building race cars and mentoring young talent. Through his Chase Pistone Inc. Legends program, he became a major influence in the development of aspiring drivers, providing cars, leasing options, setup guidance, and repair services.
Legends Nation, the motorsports outlet that verified his death with his brothers, honored him with a social media message. The publication described his team as “a force to be reckoned with every time they showed up at a track,” adding that they often left victorious.
The loss struck many who knew him both personally and professionally. Brian Murphy of RFK Racing posted a message expressing his sadness, calling Pistone “a true mentor who poured his time, knowledge, and passion into the next generation.” NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace, who raced against Pistone in Legends cars during their youth, also shared a late-night message describing the heavy impact the news had on the racing community.
Pistone’s sister-in-law, Phaedra Pistone, reached out to Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina to ask that the track honor him during its first event the weekend of March 6–7. The historic track—one that held special meaning for Pistone—agreed to pay tribute.
In her message, Phaedra Pistone explained that Chase “had a deep connection to Hickory Motor Speedway” and that it “was not just a place to him—it was part of his life, his passion, and a place filled with meaningful memories for our entire family.”
Kevin Piercy, the general manager of Hickory Motor Speedway, confirmed the track would honor Pistone before the Saturday night race on March 7.. He remembered Chase as “always in a great mood and a joy to be around.”
Beyond NASCAR, Pistone competed in the ARCA Re/Max Series, earning a top-10 finish at Iowa Speedway in 2006 in his only start. He also captured a 2007 USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series victory at Concord Speedway, further showcasing his ability across multiple racing divisions. His career included starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and ARCA Menards Series.
After concluding his driving days, Pistone continued to shape the sport as a skilled race car builder, working on both Legends Cars and Super Late Models. As recently as 2024, he was the crew chief for Stephen Nasse Racing in the zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car Division. His expertise and commitment made him a respected figure throughout North Carolina’s racing scene and beyond.
Tributes from throughout the motorsports world reflect the profound impact Pistone made personally and professionally over his 42 years. His influence lives on through the drivers he supported, the championships his teams achieved, and the winning culture he built through his Legends program.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or by visiting 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support.