Former NASCAR Driver Chase Pistone Dies at 42

Pistone's brother shares heartfelt tribute after his passing

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:51pm

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Chase Pistone, a former NASCAR driver and grandson of racing legend Tom "Tiger" Pistone, has died at the age of 42. His brother Nick Pistone announced his death on March 2, describing himself as "brokenhearted" and asking people to share the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number. Chase Pistone had a racing career spanning from 2006 to 2014, with over 80 feature event wins in Legends, Late Model, and USAR competitions.

Why it matters

The NASCAR and racing community is mourning the loss of one of their own, a young driver with a promising career who came from a family of racing champions. His death at a relatively young age has raised awareness about mental health challenges that athletes can face.

The details

Chase Pistone, born in 1983 in Charlotte, North Carolina, began racing at the age of 6, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Tom "Tiger" Pistone, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner. Pistone competed in the NASCAR Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA Series, and won the Summer Shootout Championship Legends four times as a driver between 1999 and 2005. His racing career ended around 2014, and he later worked as a car builder and owner of CP Inc, building Legends and Late Model stock cars.

  • Chase Pistone was born on August 20, 1983 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • Pistone began racing at the age of 6, following in his grandfather's footsteps.
  • Between 1999 and 2005, Pistone won the Summer Shootout Championship Legends four times as a driver.
  • Pistone's racing career spanned from 2006 to 2014.
  • Pistone passed away on March 2, 2026 at the age of 42.

The players

Chase Pistone

A former NASCAR driver and grandson of racing legend Tom "Tiger" Pistone.

Nick Pistone

Chase Pistone's older brother, also a former race car driver, who announced his brother's death and shared a heartfelt tribute.

Tom "Tiger" Pistone

Chase Pistone's grandfather, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner.

William "Bubba" Wallace

A professional stock car racing driver who competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series and paid tribute to Chase Pistone on social media.

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What they’re saying

“Well, my young brother and best friend is gone. I'm brokenhearted and don't know if I'll ever get over this. I miss you Chase already and I hope you are [sic] in a better place. I love you and I miss you so much already!!!!!!!!”

— Nick Pistone, Chase Pistone's older brother

“Been in the feels… Woke up Sunday morning at 2am wide awake… stumbled across an old tune that shook me. Only to realize later on at 2am was when the shooting happened in Austin… A guy I raced with in legends cars took his life today… Just a lot of damn sadness man… Makes you think about life and how precious it is…”

— William "Bubba" Wallace

What’s next

The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is 988 on a phone or text, has been shared to provide support and resources for those struggling with mental health challenges.

The takeaway

This tragic loss has highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues within the sports community and the need for greater awareness and support for athletes facing personal challenges. The racing world has come together to mourn the passing of a talented driver and member of a renowned racing family.