Jarrett's Broadcasting Legacy: Bridging NASCAR Generations Through Commentary
Jarrett's broadcasting career connected his competitive legacy to his son's racing success across three decades.
Event / Sports
Ned Jarrett Death
NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett, two-time Cup Series champion and legendary broadcaster, died on June 4, 2026, at age 93 from natural causes. Jarrett won 50 premier-series races and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011. He became a prominent broadcaster for Motor Racing Network, CBS, and ESPN, famously calling his son Dale Jarrett's 1993 Daytona 500 victory.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 6 Jun, 01:31 UTC
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What happened
Ned Jarrett broadcast memorable 1993 Daytona 500 featuring his son Dale
Ned Jarrett called the 1993 Daytona 500 broadcast in which his son Dale Jarrett won the race by narrowly defeating Dale Earnhardt Sr. in a late-race battle. During the broadcast, Jarrett could not restrain from showing his enthusiasm for his son's victory, saying "You know who I'm pulling for, it's Dale Jarrett." This moment remains one of the most memorable in NASCAR broadcasting history.
Ned Jarrett worked as NASCAR broadcaster for Motor Racing Network, CBS, and ESPN
After retiring from racing in 1966, Ned Jarrett began a broadcasting career in 1978 with Motor Racing Network as a pit reporter. He later transitioned to television, working for CBS and ESPN. His broadcasting career spanned more than six decades and made him a recognizable figure to younger NASCAR fans.
Ned Jarrett's wife Martha died in 2023 after 67 years of marriage
Ned Jarrett's wife Martha died in 2023 after being married to Ned for 67 years. The couple had multiple children together, including Dale Jarrett and Glenn Jarrett, both of whom pursued careers in broadcasting after their racing careers ended.
Ned Jarrett inducted into NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011
Ned Jarrett was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011 as part of the second five-member class. His induction recognized his significant achievements as a driver and his contributions to the sport.
Dale Jarrett won NASCAR Cup Series championship in 1999
Dale Jarrett, the son of Ned Jarrett, won the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 1999. The Jarretts became the second father-son combination to win Cup Series championships, following Lee and Richard Petty. Bill Elliott and his son Chase later also achieved this distinction.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett dies at age 93
Ned Jarrett, a NASCAR Hall of Fame driver and two-time Cup Series champion, died on Thursday, June 4, 2026, of natural causes at his home in Newton, North Carolina. He was 93 years old. Jarrett was surrounded by family at the time of his death.
Ned Jarrett won two NASCAR Cup Series championships in 1961 and 1965
Ned Jarrett won the NASCAR Cup Series championship twice, in 1961 and 1965. He accumulated 50 premier-series race wins during his career and was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers in 1998. In the 1965 Southern 500, he set the record for the largest margin of victory in the premier series by winning by 14 laps.
Ned Jarrett holds record for Ford drivers with 43 Cup Series wins
Ned Jarrett remains the all-time leader among Ford drivers with 43 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. His position at the top of this list is considered secure, as the highest active Ford driver, Joey Logano, has only 37 career wins, with 35 of those coming with Ford.
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NASCAR Legend Ned Jarrett Left Indelible Mark on Racing
NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett, two-time champion with 43 wins, died at 93.