NASCAR Media Icon Steve Waid’s Celebration of Life

What’s Happening?

The NASCAR community gathered at the NASCAR Hall of Fame to celebrate the life and legacy of longtime journalist Steve Wade, with former coworkers, friends, and industry veterans sharing heartfelt memories of the man who helped shape Winston Cup Scene and NASCAR journalism for decades. Through humorous stories, emotional tributes, and reflections on his mentorship, the event highlighted Steve’s gift for storytelling, leadership, and the lasting impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.

• What hilarious pranks and unforgettable stories, from convincing Ben White’s future wife he had a criminal record to Rick Houston’s legendary foul ball chase, perfectly captured Steve’s playful personality?
• How did former Scene staffers describe Steve’s leadership style, balancing humor with genuine compassion while mentoring generations of NASCAR journalists?
• Why did so many colleagues credit Steve’s storytelling ability, both in print and in person, as one of the greatest gifts he brought to the sport?
• What emotional reflections from Rick Houston, Deb Williams, Jeff Owens, Mark Ashenfelter, Ben White, Jeff Hammond, and others revealed about Steve’s influence on their careers and friendships?

The celebration painted a picture of far more than an accomplished journalist. It honored a mentor, storyteller, and friend whose humor, generosity, and passion for NASCAR continue to live on through the people he inspired and the stories he helped tell.

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