Al Pearce is one of the most recognized names in NASCAR journalism. For more than half a century, the writer was a familiar face in media centers across the country, reporting from Daytona Beach, Indianapolis, Darlington, and every other stop on the NASCAR circuit. Known for his deep knowledge, passion for stock car racing, and sharp reporting style, Pearce made quite a name for himself in the motorsports circles.

Occupying the last row at ‘The World Center of Racing’, Pearce covered every single Daytona 500 from 1970 to his death in 2024. His passing at the age of 82 marks the end of an era in the field of motorsports journalism.

Who was Al Pearce?

Al Pearce has had quite a journey in the world of motorsports. Hailing from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War before beginning his career as a journalist. He began covering NASCAR in 1969 while working for the Newport News Daily Press in Virginia, where he remained until his retirement in 2004. However, despite calling it a day, Pearce was far from done. He began writing for Autoweek magazine and its online platforms, covering stories even when he was in his 80s.

Al Pearce is well known for covering 56 Daytona 500s. Going to the ‘World Center of Racing’ for the season-opener became something of a norm for the sports journalist, who was always seen sitting in the first seat on the last row of the infield media center. Wearing his well-worn cap, concentrating on his weathered laptop with a drink in his hand, Al Pearce had a handwritten note taped to his computer, which read, “SAVE SAVE SAVE.” The message was also a painful reminder of the time he wrote a particularly long story, only for it to vanish after he didn’t ‘save’ his work. “A lesson I learned a long time ago,” he said.

From US Army officer to NASCAR journalist, Al Pearce’s journey in the world of motorsports

Al Pearce wasn’t always an expert on motorsports. Far from it. He recalls the time he embarrassingly asked Richard Petty once “Why did you come out of the window instead of opening the door?” He was blissfully unaware that NASCAR stock cars didn’t open like ‘regular’ vehicles. That’s when he knew that he needed to brush up on his motorsports knowledge. Over the decades, the journalist became known for his well-researched articles, and a keen eye for stories in the NASCAR garage.

Pearce authored a total of 13 books, including NASCAR 75 Years in 2023. He was also inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. Such was the quality of his work that he also received the American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence in 2004. Known as a ‘road warrior’, Al Pearce would travel thousands of miles between tracks, often staying in budget motels, where he would share stories from his career. He was often seen walking around barefoot in the media centers, not even wearing socks despite being in ‘official capacity.’

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The NASCAR community mourns the passing away of the veteran journalist Al Pearce

As expected, the NASCAR community was full of tributes for Al Pearce after the news about his passing became public. Despite facing plenty of highs and lows in his illustrious career, the journalist was a force to be reckoned with during his long career, and ESPN’s Ryan McGee couldn’t help but write on X, “There isn’t enough space to list the motorsports media accomplishments of Al Pearce. A caretaker of the sport for six decades, even when the newspaper industry and his health seemed so determined to stop him. They did not. The media center will be so strange without him there.”

He wasn’t the only one. FOX Sports play-by-play commentator Mike Joy also took to social media and reflected on Al Pearce’s many achievements. He wrote, “Sad news: Al Pearce, career sportswriter and most recently Autoweek’s Nascar editor, passed yesterday. Al also administered the Henry McLemore Award, now the American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence, voted on annually by past winners, including Al.”

Bob Pockrass couldn’t help but admire Pearce’s bravery for not letting his voice get silenced, despite going against the popular narrative whenever he saw fit. Expressing his condolences, the FOX Sports journalist said, “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.”

Taking a trip down memory lane, NASCAR on FOX broadcaster Kaitlyn Vincie recalled how Al Pearce played a mentorship role when she was back in college. Recalling his assistance back in the day, she wrote, “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.”

Sirius XM NASCAR host Davey Segal also shared a heartfelt message for the veteran journalist. Recalling Pearce’s many contributions to the sport, he wrote, “RIP to a true legend of the game, Al Pearce. Seeing all the tributes pouring in paints a picture of the kind of journalist, mentor, and man he was. A life well lived.”