Over the course of five decades, neurosurgeon Dr. Jerry Petty was a constant presence in NASCAR, helping drivers navigate difficult injuries throughout their careers. He passed way earlier this week at the age of 90.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. called him “a friend to the NASCAR industry” who helped many during his lengthy career as a medical professional. He was one of many to share such sentiments, from drivers to owners and broadcasters alike. NASCAR on FOX’s Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds posted tribute to him, as did former drivers such as Jeff Burton, Kyle Petty, Rick Mast, Max Papis, Phil Parsons, Todd Bodine and Matt Tifft.
On Thursday, NASCAR legend and Hendrick Motorsports executive Jeff Gordon joined in the tributes, sharing his own personal story about Dr. Petty.
“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Jerry Petty,” Gordon’s post read. “He was the person I trusted most for anything related to the head, neck or spine. He helped me through some of the toughest moments, including times when I was dealing with severe back pain. But what stood out even more than his medical expertise was his kindness. After every hard crash, he would check in — not just as a doctor, but as someone who truly cared. Through his compassion and support, he became a dear friend. I’ll always be grateful for his guidance, and I’ll never forget the impact he had on me and so many others in our sport.”
It was also announced that all four Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets will carry memorial decals on their cars this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, honoring Dr. Petty for his many contributions to the sport. In a statement, HMS called him a “pioneering neurosurgeon and trusted medical consultant to countless drivers and teams” and “a beloved figure in the NASCAR community.” You can see the decal below in Gordon’s post:
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