NASCAR driver Gary Myers, one of four generations of NASCAR drivers in his family, has died. He was 76.
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Gary's sons, Burt Myers and Jason Myers, announced his death Sept. 10 on social media.
"Last night I lost my hero," Burt, 50, captioned a photograph of himself and his dad on Facebook. "He fought so hard but was so tired. My daddy is in Heaven and can finally do the things he wanted to do the last several years."
"Thank God for the times we had. He taught me everything I know. Selfishly, I want him here, but I know he is much better off now. I miss him so much. I love you Daddy," Burt continued.
A post on Jason's Facebook also shared a heartfelt message alongside a picture of himself and his father.
"Last night we lost our patriarch," the post read.
"Gary was Jason's best friend. He taught him and Burt everything they know and touched so many people along the way," it continued. "To know him, was to love him. Rest easy, legend. You will be with us always."
Gary was part of four generations in his family who participated in race car driving. He was preceded by his father, Billy Myers, and his uncle, Bobby Myers, before his sons Burt and Jason took up racing.
Slate Myers, Burt's son and Gary's grandson, made history in May as the youngest Bowman Gray Stadium modified race winner. He is also the Stadium's first-ever fourth-generation driver to reach victory lane, extending the Myers family's winning pedigree.
NASCAR Community Mourns Gary Myers
On Friday, Bowman Gray Stadium wrote a statement reflecting on Myers' legacy.
"Our Bowman Gray family is saddened by the loss of Gary Myers. Gary earned 38 wins at Bowman Gray in Modified competition in a career that also saw him make starts in the NASCAR Cup Series and Grand National Series. Our thoughts are with his wife Pam, sons Burt and Jason, grandson Slate, and the entire Myers family."
Myers started in 47 races during his five-year NASCAR career, according to motorsportstats.com.
Myers was on the starting line for NASCAR Winston Cup races every year from 1974-78, twice finishing as high as 11th.
