The NASCAR community is mourning the loss of one of its most respected and influential voices. Steve Waid, a pioneering journalist whose career spanned more than four decades chronicling the highs and lows of stock-car racing, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the age of 77. His death, following a lengthy battle with the aftereffects of cancer, marks the end of an era for NASCAR media.
Waid was far more than just a reporter. He was a historian, a storyteller, a mentor, and a trusted figure in the garage who earned the respect of drivers, team owners, and fans alike. From the dirt tracks of the 1970s to the modern superspeedway spectacle of the 21st century, Waid’s pen captured the soul of NASCAR like few others could.
Early Life and Entry into Journalism
Stephan Hamilton Waid was born on October 6, 1948, in Richmond, Virginia. As an “Army brat,” he spent parts of his childhood in Puerto Rico, Japan, Pittsburgh, and Arizona before his family settled in Virginia Beach after his father’s military retirement. Waid graduated from Old Dominion University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and government. That same year, he married his college sweetheart, Margaret, and served in the United States Marine Corps reserves.
His entry into motorsports journalism came somewhat by chance. In 1971, while working for the small-town Martinsville Bulletin, Waid covered his first NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway—a race won by future Hall of Famer Bobby Isaac. From that moment, the sport became part of his DNA. He joined the Roanoke Times & World News shortly after, spending a decade there covering NASCAR full-time while also reporting on the city’s minor-league hockey team during the off-season.
Rise to Prominence with NASCAR Scene
In 1981, Waid made a bold career move by joining Grand National Scene, a fledgling weekly publication based in Concord, North Carolina, with a modest circulation of around 9,000 readers. It was here that he truly cemented his legacy. The publication later became known as NASCAR Scene, and under Waid’s leadership as writer, executive editor, and eventually publisher, it grew into one of the most influential voices in stock-car racing.
During NASCAR’s explosive growth in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, NASCAR Scene provided fans with in-depth features, behind-the-scenes reporting, and compelling storytelling that went beyond race results. Waid had a gift for finding the human element in racing—the rivalries, the tragedies, the triumphs, and the personalities that defined the sport. He covered Dale Earnhardt from the driver’s first Winston Cup race to his last, and shared a particularly close friendship with 1992 champion Alan Kulwicki.
Waid also served as publisher of the monthly NASCAR Illustrated, further expanding his reach. Even after NASCAR Scene ceased publication in 2010, he continued contributing to outlets like Frontstretch and co-hosted The Scene Vault Podcast, where he revisited classic stories and shared memories with longtime colleague Rick Houston.
Awards, Leadership, and Lasting Impact
Waid’s contributions to motorsports journalism were recognized with numerous accolades. He served as president of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) for 12 years and was inducted into the NMPA Hall of Fame in 2014. In 2019, he received the prestigious Squier-Hall Award from the NASCAR Hall of Fame for media excellence. He was also a recipient of the George Cunningham Award as NMPA Writer of the Year and the Henry T. McLemore Award for lifetime contributions to motorsports.
Beyond awards, Waid’s true legacy lies in the respect he commanded across the industry. Drivers trusted him because he reported with integrity and fairness. Fellow journalists viewed him as the gold standard—a mentor who guided younger writers and upheld the highest standards of the profession. Kyle Petty, among many others, publicly remembered Waid as someone who could “find a story when others couldn’t.”
His co-authored biography of Junior Johnson with Tom Higgins remains a classic in racing literature. Waid’s writing style blended sharp reporting with rich narrative, making complex racing strategies and technical details accessible to everyday fans while never losing the emotional core of the sport.
A Life Well Lived
Waid is survived by his wife Margaret, children Celeste and Andrew, and brother Lewis. In lieu of flowers, donations have been suggested to Victory Junction and Levine Cancer Institute—causes close to his heart.
The outpouring of tributes since his passing has been overwhelming. NASCAR issued a statement praising Waid as “one of the most respected and trusted voices in NASCAR journalism,” noting how his storytelling helped generations of fans better understand the sport and the people who shaped it.
Bob Pockrass, a longtime friend and colleague, called working with Waid a joy, highlighting his vast knowledge and kindness. On social media and in racing forums, fans shared memories of eagerly awaiting his columns in NASCAR Scene, which often provided the definitive take on major storylines.
The End of an Era
Steve Waid’s death comes at a time when traditional print journalism in NASCAR has largely given way to digital media, podcasts, and social platforms. Yet his influence endures. In an age of instant information and hot takes, Waid represented the value of deep reporting, context, and storytelling—qualities that helped elevate NASCAR from a regional Southern sport to a national phenomenon.
He once said he never expected his career to take him so far, but he embraced every lap with passion and professionalism. From covering races with a notebook in hand to mentoring the next generation, Waid lived a life dedicated to preserving the history and heart of stock-car racing.
As the checkered flag falls on his remarkable journey, the NASCAR world pauses to remember a true legend of the press box. Steve Waid didn’t just report on the sport—he helped write its story.
