In the high-octane world of NASCAR, where speed and spectacle often dominate the headlines, Steve Waid stood apart as a steady, insightful chronicler whose words carried the weight of history and humanity. On June 15, 2026, the motorsports community lost one of its most respected figures. Waid, a trailblazing journalist, author, and storyteller who covered NASCAR for more than four decades, died at the age of 77 after a prolonged battle with the lingering effects of cancer. His passing has left a profound void in the sport he loved and documented so passionately.
Born Stephan Hamilton Waid on October 6, 1948, in Richmond, Virginia, his early life was shaped by his father’s military career. As an “Army brat,” young Steve lived in Puerto Rico, Japan, Pittsburgh, and Arizona before the family settled in Virginia Beach. He graduated from Old Dominion University in 1970 with a degree in political science and government. That same year, he married his college sweetheart, Margaret, and briefly served in the U.S. Marine Corps reserves. Journalism, however, would become his true calling.
Waid’s entry into NASCAR came in 1971 while working for the Martinsville Bulletin. Assigned to cover a race at Martinsville Speedway, he witnessed future Hall of Famer Bobby Isaac take the victory. That experience ignited a lifelong passion. Soon after, he joined the Roanoke Times & World News, where he spent a decade covering the stock-car circuit during the season and the local minor-league hockey team in the winter. His reporting was known for its fairness, depth, and attention to detail—qualities that would define his entire career.
In 1981, Waid took a significant risk by joining Grand National Scene, a relatively small weekly publication with limited circulation. This decision proved transformative. Under his leadership as writer, executive editor, and later publisher, the outlet evolved into the iconic NASCAR Scene. During an era when NASCAR was expanding from a regional Southern sport into a national powerhouse, Waid’s work helped fans connect with the drivers, teams, and stories behind the races. He also served as publisher of NASCAR Illustrated, further solidifying his influence.
What set Waid apart was his storytelling ability. He didn’t just report results; he captured the drama, rivalries, triumphs, and tragedies that defined the sport. He covered Dale Earnhardt from the Intimidator’s first Winston Cup start to his final race. Earnhardt even nicknamed him “Wages” and once offered him a place to stay early in his career—an offer Waid respectfully declined to maintain journalistic integrity. Waid also formed a close friendship with 1992 champion Alan Kulwicki. His co-authored biography of Junior Johnson with fellow legendary writer Tom Higgins remains a classic in racing literature.
Throughout his career, Waid earned widespread respect from drivers, team owners, and peers. He served 12 years as president of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) and was inducted into the NMPA Hall of Fame in 2014. In 2019, NASCAR honored him with the prestigious Squier-Hall Award for media excellence. Additional accolades included the George Cunningham Award as NMPA Writer of the Year and the Henry T. McLemore Award for lifetime contributions to motorsports.
Even after retiring from full-time reporting in 2010 when NASCAR Scene ceased publication, Waid remained active. He contributed columns to Frontstretch and co-hosted The Scene Vault Podcast with Rick Houston, where he revisited classic stories and shared behind-the-scenes insights. His final contributions, completed while battling illness, demonstrated his unwavering dedication to the sport.
Tributes poured in immediately after news of his death. NASCAR released a statement praising him as “one of the most respected and trusted voices in NASCAR journalism,” noting how his work helped generations of fans understand the sport and its personalities. Richard Petty, a seven-time champion, offered an emotional remembrance: “From the very first time I sat behind the wheel of a race car, Steve Waid was already writing about me. I spent a large part of my NASCAR career reading and believing everything Steve Waid wrote. He could find a story when others couldn’t.
Racing journalists back then were a different breed—and Steve Waid was at the very top of that list.”
Kyle Petty echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Waid’s ability to uncover compelling narratives. Bob Pockrass and many other journalists described working with him as both a joy and a privilege. On social media, fans shared memories of eagerly awaiting his columns, which often provided the most authoritative perspective on major storylines.
Waid is survived by his wife Margaret, children Celeste and Andrew, and brother Lewis. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Victory Junction and Levine Cancer Institute—organizations that held special meaning for him.
Steve Waid’s legacy extends far beyond awards and bylines. In an industry increasingly dominated by instant digital content, he represented the enduring value of thoughtful, ethical journalism. He mentored countless young writers, upheld high standards, and helped document NASCAR’s evolution from its moonshine-running roots to its modern multi-billion-dollar status.
His passing closes a significant chapter in NASCAR media history. As the sport continues to grow and change, future generations will rely on the rich archive of stories Waid left behind. He didn’t just witness history—he preserved it with clarity, compassion, and unmatched skill.
In the words of those who knew him best, Steve Waid was the gold standard. The press box will be quieter without him, but his stories will echo for years to come. Godspeed, Steve.
