The NASCAR Community Pays Tribute to Legendary Reporter

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Only weeks after the passing of NASCAR legends Kyle Busch and Ned Jarrett, more sad news swept through the NASCAR garage. Steve Waid, one of the sport’s longest-serving journalists, who told NASCAR’s story over decades, died in North Carolina at 77 following a lengthy battle with the aftereffects of cancer.

Shortly after Waid’s long-time Scene Vault Podcast co-host Rick Houston shared news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the garage for one of the most well-regarded and respected recipients of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin was among the first to react, taking to X to express his sorrow. “This is gut wrenching. Steve was covering NASCAR when I showed up and was always solid. I have lots of fond memories.”

Kyle Petty also paid tribute to the veteran journalist, highlighting how their careers intersected, writing, “From the very first time I sat in a race car, Steve Waid was writing about it. I spent a large portion of my NASCAR years reading and believing everything Steve Waid wrote. He could find a story when others couldn’t. Racing journalists were a different breed then. And he was at the top of that list. God Speed.”

Kenny Wallace echoed the sentiments, posting, “Oh my. Sigh 😔 Steve Waid was one of the original Media personalities in @NASCAR . Steve was really good to me. My prayers to his family ❤️”

Rick Mast also reflected on Waid’s impact, writing, “Steve Waid was one of the last of our generation’s journalists. If his name was penned as the writer then you knew that the story was 100 percent factual. Plus it was a joy just reading his stuff. No doubt he helped move NASCAR forward. RIP ole buddy.”

Jeff Gluck shared a personal memory of meeting Waid, writing, “I was 25 when I first met Steve Waid while covering a race in Indianapolis. For whatever reason, he invited me to grab a bite at the old Union Jack Pub near the track. I told him about my career goals, and he listened and actually made me feel for the first time ever that they were possible.”

Bob Pockrass also honored Waid’s legacy, writing, “Sad news. Steve Waid was a joy to work with at NASCAR Scene and Illustrated. His wealth of knowledge was only surpassed by his abundance of kindness. RIP.”

Fans felt the loss just as deeply, with many recalling an era that Waid helped chronicle. One fan wrote, “Man, this is hard. Steve Waid, Ned Jarrett, Benny Parsons, Steve  Byrnes, Buddy Baker, Randy Pemberton, Bob Jenkins…the golden era of racing is fast becoming a distant memory. Rest well, gentlemen, and thank you. 💔”

Another fan posted, “Steve Waid was one of the more reputable #NASCAR journalists in the world, one of the best to ever do it. Rest easy legend! “

A NASCAR follower who had spent years reading Waid’s work during his iconic run with NASCAR Scene also paid tribute, writing, “Before the internet, Steve Waid and his Winston Cup Scene were the best thing going. RIP Steve.”

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