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Tributes Pour In After Death Of Legendary NASCAR Reporter

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 2:15 PM ET

Longtime NASCAR reporter Al Pearce passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82.

Throughout his legendary career, Pearce worked as a correspondent for Autoweek and a reporter for the Newport News Daily Press in Virginia. He worked for the newspaper from 1969 to 2004, but after starting at Autoweek in 1973, continued writing for Autoweek the publication up until his death.

In his more than five decades covering the sport of racing, Pearce built up a loyal following among fans and a heavy amount of respect from his media peers.

NASCAR fans are mourning his death, and Pearce's fellow media members have been paying tribute to him on social media all afternoon.

LONG POND, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 24: A general view of cars entering pit road during the NASCAR Cup Series M&M's Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono Raceway on July 24, 2022 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)Logan Riely/Getty Images

"Devastating news. In college, I emailed Al Pearce my NASCAR column every week for his critiques. He always took time for aspiring journalists, and introduced me to dozens of industry professionals. He is one of the absolute best at his craft & will be greatly missed," said NASCAR on FOX's Kaitlyn Vincie.

"Al Pearce loved journalism and wasn't afraid to take a different / non-conforming look at things as NASCAR changed throughout the decades. Will miss seeing him at media centers and reading his stories. RIP," added FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass.

"The National Motorsports Press Association is saddened to learn of the passing of lifetime member Al Pearce," said the National Motorsports Press Association in a statement. "Pearce, 82, a U.S. Army and Vietnam War veteran covered a record 56 consecutive Daytona 500s and was a recipient of the American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence."

"Al Pearce was one of a kind. Man, you could tell he loved this sport. He wasn't afraid to let people know what he thought but he was also one of the nicest people I've met. He'll be missed," chimed in ESPN's Kelly Crandall.

"I’ll forever be grateful that I had the incredible privilege to not just meet Al, but work along side him and call him my friend. He was a terrific writer and human being. RIP sir, thank you for everything. Thankful I get to spend every Saturday in the 'Al Pearce Media Center,'" said pit road reporter Adam Wellbrock.

I'm going to miss my friend so much.

Al Pearce didn't like me at first. When Autoweek hired me, he thought they were pushing him out, as if I could ever replace what he's meant to that brand and the industry.

I was just happy that I could work with him. Over the next decade,… pic.twitter.com/RI4kAI9ZHb
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) April 10, 2025