A former lieutenant governor who helped steer the state of New Mexico and a Hall of Fame racing owner who conquered the World of Outlaws, Casey Luna died on June 2, 2026, at the age of 95. Known as much for his political acumen as his iconic No. 10 sprint cars, Luna was a titan of industry and public service whose influence spanned nearly a century.

Born in the rural landscape of Canon de Jemez to Casimiro Luna and Ruby Armenta, he embodied the grit of a self-made New Mexican success story. As a teenager in Albuquerque, he worked as a bicycle delivery boy for Western Union, a role that brought him into the presence of global leadership in 1948 when he personally delivered a telegram to President Harry S. Truman. This early proximity to power foreshadowed a life spent in the corridors of influence, though his path first led through the United States Army where he served as a trained medic. His competitive spirit found its first outlet on the dirt tracks of Albuquerque, where he secured track championships as a driver in 1955 and 1956 at Speedway Park.

The Ford brand became the connective tissue of his professional life, beginning with the establishment of Casey Luna Ford-Mercury in Belen. He operated this dealership for decades, turning it into a cornerstone of the local economy with the support of his wife, Beverly, whom he married in 1965. His daughter, Carisa Yozelle Luna, eventually became an active participant in the family business, solidifying the dealership as a multi-generational venture. In 1985, he expanded his reach into the national spotlight by founding Casey Luna Racing. He famously fielded the No. 10 sprint car and revolutionized the sport by pioneering the use of Ford-powered engines during an era when Chevrolet dominated the field. According to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum, Luna stated that his vision was two-fold: he wanted to supply his team with a Ford engine while introducing the brand to a new racing arena.

His dual life in the pits and the statehouse reached its zenith in the early 1990s. He served as the 26th Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico from 1991 to 1995 under Governor Bruce King, bringing a businessman's perspective to the executive branch. While he was a dedicated public servant, his competitive fire remained unquenched. When he unsuccessfully challenged King in the 1994 Democratic gubernatorial primary, he later remarked that he discovered he was not a good loser. This same intensity fueled his racing triumphs. His team won the World of Outlaws championship in 1989 with Bobby Davis Jr. and again in 1995 with Dave Blaney. Blaney, who considered Luna the gold standard for owners, noted the deep respect he commanded in the garage. (HoseHeadForums)

In his later years, the accolades reflected a lifetime of excellence. He was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2010, a testament to his status as a pioneer who prioritized the safety of his drivers and the integrity of the sport. He often credited Beverly as an instrumental part of the racing team, acknowledging that her support allowed him to follow his dreams. Luna remained a figure of rugged respect, a man who transitioned seamlessly from the formal suits of Santa Fe to the grease-stained pits of the World of Outlaws. He leaves behind a legacy defined by a relentless drive for victory and a deep, abiding pride in his home state. He is survived by his wife, Beverly.