Yes, the NASCAR community has just dealt with a major blow with the death of a true legend.

And, the person in question is the iconic Fred Lorenzen, who is one of the absolute fan favorites of NASCAR’s yesteryear. Lorenzen had been struggling with health problems for quite some time as well. Having started in the racing business as a mechanic in 1960, Lorenzen used his connection with Holman-Moody, one of NASCAR’s big figures of that time, to grow as a driver in the same year.

In his first full season as a driver, Fred Lorenzen showed signs of greatness. Having scored three wins in mere 15 starts in 1961, he climbed his way up in the NASCAR community with a third-place finish in 1963. 1964 brought even more success for ‘Fearless Freddie’ as he rose to eight wins in 62 races and buried his name in history with 1,679 laps led from a possible 1,953.

Saddened by Fred Lorenzen’s untimely death, NASCAR CEO, Jim France, who recently had a setback with an update on the ongoing Lawsuit against Michael Jordan & FRM, sent out an emotional message that read,

“Fred Lorenzen was one of NASCAR’s first true superstars. A fan favorite, he helped NASCAR expand from its original roots. Fred was the picture-perfect NASCAR star, helping to bring the sport to the silver screen – which further grew NASCAR’s popularity during its early years. For many years, NASCAR’s “Golden Boy,” was also its gold standard, a fact that eventually led him to the sport’s pinnacle, a rightful place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I want to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Fred Lorenzen,” Jim France added.

NASCAR community reacts to the Hall of Famer’s death

As expected, the news of Fred Lorenzen’s passing spread like wildfire, deeply affecting motorsports enthusiasts. Describing ‘Fearless Freddy’ as “one of NASCAR’s first true superstars”, Jim France’s kind words resonated deeply with one fan, who went on to write, “RIP Fred Lorenzen. A beautiful and fitting statement from NASCAR Chairman & CEO, Jim France.” The former driver battled dementia in his later years. Still, despite his advancing memory loss, Lorenzen became the second known driver to pledge his brain in 2016 to the Concussion Legacy Foundation and Boston University. Reflecting on his passing, a fan wrote, “Very sad. Fred Lorenzen had not been well for a long time. RIP.”

The memories of the iconic racer zipping across the racetrack while competing in Holman-Moody’s Ford factory team will remain etched in memories forever. His family confirmed the former driver’s death, and one fan expressed condolences by saying, “Rest in peace to 26-time Cup series winner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Fred Lorenzen. Thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans.” Echoing that sentiment, another fan couldn’t help but admit how big a loss his passing is, not just for Lorenzen’s family, but the NASCAR world as a whole. The fan wrote, “So sad to hear of the passing of the great Fred Lorenzen. “The Golden Boy“ was a true superstar in our sport, and an amazing storyteller. Prayers and condolences to his wonderful family.”

Few drivers achieved Fred Lorenzen’s level of success in the 1960s. He became the first driver to earn more than $100,000 in a single season and won the Daytona 500 in 1965 and two wins at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Reflecting on his stature in the sport, a fan wrote, “Fred Lorenzen made the white 1964 Fastback FORD famous. So many fans purchased them. Win on Sunday; buy on Monday. He admitted he retired too soon, later selling FL real estate. Always to be remembered🏁.”