Once you are a part of NASCAR, you always remain a part no matter where you go. As Dale Earnhardt Jr. embarked on a massive project of co-owning the CARS Tour in 2023, the help he got to sustain the decade-old late-model racing enterprise has been phenomenal. And it was none other than Les Westerfield, who was one of those NASCAR pioneers to help define this springboard for racers—and now the series has lost this gem.

Usually, the spotlight hovers around the brightest jewels of the sport. For instance, we were in step with Kyle Larson’s activities throughout the year, ranging from his double effort to his heartbreaking ejection from the Round of 8. However, many people work behind the scenes in NASCAR who are seldom acknowledged. Les Westerfield was one of those silent heroes.

He had been working tirelessly as the touring series technical coordinator for NASCAR and as the K&N East race director. Soon after Dale Earnhardt Jr purchased ownership of the CARS Tour along with Kevin Harvick, Justin Marks, and Jeff Burton, significant changes were made. Last year in August, efforts to create more synergy between NASCAR and CARS Tour were initiated, and Les Westerfield was involved. He ensured unity among regional track operators and technical directors in making decisions. After Les passed away recently, veterans of the sport flocked to social media to pay tributes to the lost jewel who contributed so much to the CARS Tour.

Kip Childress, executive director at CARS Tour, who worked closely with Westerfield to develop Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s series and put their heads together to align the NASCAR Weekly Racing and CARS Tour rulebooks, penned a heartfelt message on X. Childress wrote, “Just learned of the passing of Les Westerfield. What an incredibly knowledgeable, humble and loyal man and those of us who were able to learn from him are extremely fortunate. Godspeed, Les. You will certainly be missed.” The two Late Model officials worked to ensure that chassis builders continued to build cars that met both NASCAR and CARS Tour standards.

Les Westerfield also received an emotional tribute from a remarkable female leader in NASCAR, Cherie Putnam. Cherie, who became the sport’s first woman leader of NASCAR’s only sanctioned series based in Canada in 2017, wrote, “Godspeed Les 💔 words can’t describe what you did for my career with NASCAR, such a pleasure to work with you for those years. Success is achieved by a team and happy to have had you on mine. My thoughts and prayers to the Westerfield family.rest easy my friend.”

NASCAR fans also acknowledged the bereavement of the sport’s silent pillar.

NASCAR fans gather to see off the veteran

Dale Earnhardt Jr acts as an important point of contact between NASCAR and the CARS Tour. The 26-time Cup Series race winner used his wealth of NASCAR experience to fuel the Late Model Series, which acts as a springboard for upcoming short-track racers. Yet Les Westerfield was among those sustaining the sport on asphalt short tracks throughout Virginia and the Carolinas with both Pro Late Model and Late Model Stock divisions. So fans acknowledged the absence of the veteran on these regional short tracks with heavy hearts. “Saddened to hear this. Loved seeing Les and catching up at the track. Always a pleasure to be around. Godspeed Les.” Another fan chipped in, sending wishes to the Westerfield family. “Dang. Sorry to hear that. Condolences to his family and friends.”

The CARS Tour is a continuation of the former USAR Pro Cup Series. Coordinating this racing legacy is no mean feat, and achieved by people like Les Westerfield. Given the glamorous attraction of prominent drivers and crew members, it is easy to miss out on people like Westerfield who worked in the shadows. So one fan lamented about his missed opportunity: “Remember seeing him around the tracks. Unfortunately, never had the chance to really talk to him. Thoughts go out to his family and friends.” 

Many NASCAR racers have filtered through the CARS Tour to advance to the upper levels. For instance, William Byron, Harrison Burton, Ty Gibbs, Josh Berry, and many more raced here before transitioning to national levels. Many more young racers are in this process, and one fan acknowledged Westerfield’s contribution to churning out great racers. “Les was a great guy! I met him in the All-Pro days, like late 1990’s. We have been friends since! I learned a great deal from him! My daughter got to know him at some ARCA races the last few years. Godspeed Les. 🙏🏻 Prayers for your family and all of those who will miss you!”

EssentiallySports sends its heartfelt condolences to the entire Westerfield family and friends.