Veteran NASCAR crew chief Ryan Pemberton, dead at 54

Terrible news in the NASCAR world as Ryan Pemberton a longtime crew chief has died at the age of 54. Pemberton last worked as the competition director at JR Motorsports, leaving the team in 2022.

On Sunday, Ryan Pemberton died suddenly. He was a fixture in the sport for many years. Many in the garage had great respect for the former crew chief. Teams have put out statements and remembrance posts online.

RFK Racing was one of the teams that extended thoughts and prayers to the family of Pemberton.

We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Ryan Pemberton's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/NDs6QCa6Ks

— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) January 15, 2024

Driver Boris Said typed his farewell on Sunday on his Instagram page.

“Lost a great human being today, even better father and husband, have so many great memories driving and laughing with Ryan. RIP my friend.”

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A post shared by Boris Said (@borissaid)

Ryan Pemberton was a crew chief for 637 races across the Cup Series and Xfinity Series. He earned two Cup wins as well as three victories in the Xfinity Series.

In 2012, Pemberton joined up with JR Motorsports. Under his guidance, JRM won three Xfinity Series championships and 58 race wins. Given the passing of so many recently in the motorsports world, Gil de Ferran, Cale Yarborough, Tim Steele, and now Pemberton.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ryan Pemberton and all those who were impacted by his career on and off the track. Pemberton leaves behind a wife, Andrea, and two daughters, Payton and Britton.

JR Motorsports statement on Ryan Pemberton

Being his last stop in NASCAR, JR Motorsports released a statement on Pemberton this afternoon. The statement was signed by Kelley Earnhardt Miller. Pemberton spent 10 years with the organization and helped it reach the highs of the Xfinity Series.

“Ryan Pemberton was instrumental to JR Motorsports’ success during the decade he spent with us,” the statement reads. “He had such a passion for competition and, as a leader, knew how to motivate everyone he worked with. He will always be part of the JRM family. Our hearts go out to his wife Andrea and daughters Payton and Britton during this tremendously difficult time.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pemberton family. pic.twitter.com/Zu7kXIwyPz

— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) January 15, 2024

This is a tough day for JR Motorsports as they lose a figure so integral to their success. A fitting tribute from his former organization.