NASCAR insider dispels rumors of NASCAR legend Ned Jarrett’s death

Rumors were circulating online this week about Ned Jarrett supposedly passing away. Well, the rumors are not true. The NASCAR Hall of Famer and icon is still with us.

Ned Jarrett, 91, is a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. He is one of the most legendary racers in the history of stock car racing. 50 wins, 35 poles, two championships – he’s done it all.

Of course, Jarrett and his family have been integral to the history of the sport. They mean a lot to a lot of NASCAR fans.

Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports took to his social media page and dispelled the rumors. He spoke directly with Jarrett’s granddaughter-in-law and the NASCAR great is still with us. His granddaughter-in-law just spoke recently with him.

For those asking having seen social media posts … Ned Jarrett's granddaughter-in-law posted that he is alive and she had just talked to him.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 28, 2024

Ned Jarrett raced for a lot of teams and in a lot of cars. Often, he was identified in the No. 11 car. With Ford pulling out of NASCAR after 1966, Jarrett decided to pull himself out as well. Despite being a young 34-year-old, still in the prime of his career, he called it quits.

In that 1965 season, Jarrett put up 13 wins on his way to his second and final championship. However, he would not be completely done with NASCAR. While he hung up his helmet, Jarrett would end up in the sport again.

Ned Jarrett as a TV broadcaster

With his driving career ending so early, Ned Jarrett was not always a driver in the minds of fans. In fact, most fans today, if they remember him, remember him for his broadcasting, more than likely.

For decades, Jarrett was on CBS, ESPN, MRN Radio, and elsewhere. He was the voice of NASCAR and an important one at that. With his voice and personality on TV and radio, fans fell in love with the sport with each broadcast, show, and inside info provided by Jarrett.

Of course, you can’t talk about his broadcast career without talking about his son, Dale Jarrett. One of the most famous calls in NASCAR was Ned calling his son Dale’s Daytona 500 victory over none other than Dale Earnhardt.

Ned Jarrett is still alive and with us. But this is a great reminder to look back on all that he accomplished and appreciate everything that he has done in the sport and for the sport of NASCAR.