“RIP ‘Racer’” – NASCAR World in Utter Shock After Seeing Reports of 44-YO Modified Star Zach Brewer’s Untimely Demise

Zach Brewer may not have been the most popular driver in the Modified Division at Bowman Gray Stadium, but you would be hard-pressed to find anybody to say anything negative about him. Zach Brewer was more than simply a car enthusiast—he was a proud Winstonian who had positively impacted his neighborhood.

Zach Brewer’s impact on the Winston community cannot be overstated. He was deeply connected to his hometown. Zach’s influence went beyond the racetrack. Beyond the accolades, Zach was known for his sportsmanship, his willingness to help others, and his dedication as a father. The loss of Zach Brewer is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family and tracks were everything for Zach Brewer

As per reports, Zach Brewer had succumbed to complications arising from a medical procedure. His family, who are grieving his loss, have not revealed the details of his health condition or the nature of the procedure that led to his death.

Zach was very fond of his family and home. In May 2022, after his win at Bowman Gray Stadium and put his name in the stadium’s record put, Zach said it meant everything to him because “I’ve got a lot of family and friends here and just to win at home is huge. We live five minutes down the road from here and I’ve been coming over here since I was 5 years old. This completes my career.” 

Zach Brewer’s passing has left a huge void for everyone who knew him, especially his family. He married Kimberly Baker Brewer and had two children, Zachary and Kayla. Zach was also a coach in Arcadia and helped coach his daughter’s youth basketball team. A lasting photo of Brewer was taken by the Journal in April of 2019 when he was at the wall near the track at Bowman Gray Stadium and he reached out to grab his daughter’s hand just before the race was about to start.

Brewer’s passion for the sport was evident, with his contributions extending beyond the track through his assistance to fellow racers and involvement in community events. Gray Garrison, the promoter of one of NASCAR’s oldest weekly racing series, highlighted Brewer’s readiness to lend a hand and stated, “He was here every weekend helping on somebody’s pit crew or even as a spotter… He just loved racing…He loved coming over here every week and you would see him at the track in some capacity. He just loved racing and wanted to be here for the action.”

Gray Garrison, the promoter of one of NASCAR’s oldest weekly racing series, said Brewer was one of those guys who would help anybody out at the racetrack. “He didn’t race a lot over here in recent years, but he was here every weekend helping on somebody’s pit crew or even as a spotter,” Garrison said. It’s not surprising that the Bowman Gray Stadium drivers have already sprung into action through social media offering to help Brewer’s family. He further added, “That doesn’t surprise me that other drivers are helping Zach’s family… You know all those drivers are competitive on the track, but it’s a family and when somebody is in need, they help out.”

Riley Neal, who is a sophomore in high school, will be hosting an IRacing event on Thursday for $5 per driver with the funds going toward dinners for the Brewer family. Neal said, “We’ve got donations from some who aren’t even going to drive, so it’s been just so cool to see the racing community step up like this.”

Neal said that Brewer was just one of those people who was always smiling. “He was so down to earth, and he was always smiling even if he was mad at you… And he was a great dad who posted just about every day on social media, whether it was his daughter playing basketball or whatever. I’m just so thankful that we can do something for his family. And the support has been unbelievable.”

He was also a beloved coach who left an indelible mark on the lives of many. Zach worked as a coach for the Hillbilly Racing team, mentoring young drivers and sharing his expertise and enthusiasm. His leadership style was nothing short of inspirational. Zach was known for having a unique way of instilling confidence and belief in his athletes, pushing them to surpass their own expectations.

Fond memories of the late driver are being shared across social media platforms, illustrating how his impactful career not only left a mark on the racing world but also united fans in grief and remembrance.

The racing community will remember Zach Brewer’s smiling face forever

Brewer’s impact everywhere as a racer, a coach, and a person is undeniable. As a coach, Zach played a significant role in the lives of many. He not only taught athletic skills but also upheld valuable life lessons. As news of Zach’s passing spreads, tributes flood in from friends, colleagues, and former players, each one a reminder of the profound impact he had on their lives.

The late driver’s presence on the SMART Modified Tour was a source of inspiration for many, where he showcased his prowess and resolve in every race he entered. Reacting to the sad news, SMART Series Director Chris Williams, released a statement that read, “On behalf of the SMART Modified Tour, we offer our most sincere condolences to Zach’s beloved wife Kimberly, daughter Avery, and their family. Our heart goes out to their entire family and everyone in the Modified community. Zach was a true competitor, with a lot of fire and tenacity, but outside of the car, he was very humble and a great family man. We will all miss his wonderful smile and laugh and are appreciative of the times we all spent together at the race track.”

 

Offering condolences to the veteran driver’s demise, Rodney Childers wrote, “I’m in complete shock.. I raced against Zack my entire career of racing. He was a great person and great competitor. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. Kaulig Racing President, Chris Rice, also extended his support to his family, noting, “Zach was a great guy!! Prayers for the family!!” 

 

Zach was well-known for his love of driving and for having worked as a driver at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Zach’s life underwent a major transformation during his stay at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Driver Zack Staley said he had known Brewer for a long time.

“I knew him as a younger kid. He was a little older than me, but we grew up hanging in race shops around him and Bobby Hinkle,” Staley said. “I raced with him once in Modified and I was in his way and gave me the bumper … He was a good dude and I respected him as a driver and a man. He’s gone too soon.”

On Facebook, driver Tim Brown posted a tribute to Brewer and wrote, “I’m at a loss for words today.. Heartbroken for Zach’s wife, daughter, family and our racing community. Zach was a great friend, competitor, and just all around person. I always enjoyed racing with him and catching up with him in conversations. He will be missed incredibly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Brewer was respected for his humble nature, has a legacy of great sportsmanship and genuine engagement with the people.

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