
Ned Newton Jarrett
NASCAR Driver and Broadcaster
- Lifespan
- October 12, 1932 – June 4, 2026Oct 12, 1932 – Jun 4, 2026
- Location
- Newton, North Carolina, United StatesNewton, NC

NASCAR Driver and Broadcaster
Remembering those we recently lost
Plant the first tree in their honor
Key moments and achievements from Ned Jarrett's life.
Ned was born
· Newton, North Carolina, United States
First Race
Jarrett entered his first competitive race using his brother-in-law's car. To keep his racing activities a secret from his father, he competed under an assumed name. This clandestine start launched a career that would eventually lead to the highest levels of the sport.
First Race
Jarrett entered his first competitive race using his brother-in-law's car. To keep his racing activities a secret from his father, he competed under an assumed name. This clandestine start launched a career that would eventually lead to the highest levels of the sport.
Championship
Driving for owner B.G. Holloway, Jarrett secured his first NASCAR Grand National championship. This title established him as one of the premier drivers of the early 1960s. It marked the beginning of a period of sustained dominance in the series.
Championship
Driving for owner B.G. Holloway, Jarrett secured his first NASCAR Grand National championship. This title established him as one of the premier drivers of the early 1960s. It marked the beginning of a period of sustained dominance in the series.
Race Win
In a performance that remains unmatched in NASCAR history, Jarrett won the Southern 500 by a margin of 14 laps and 19 seconds. This victory showcased his technical precision and endurance. It was a key highlight of his most successful statistical season.
Race Win
In a performance that remains unmatched in NASCAR history, Jarrett won the Southern 500 by a margin of 14 laps and 19 seconds. This victory showcased his technical precision and endurance. It was a key highlight of his most successful statistical season.
Retirement
At the age of 34, Jarrett made the surprising decision to retire from professional racing. He became the only driver in NASCAR history to retire while holding the title of reigning series champion. This move allowed him to transition into a second career in broadcasting.
Retirement
At the age of 34, Jarrett made the surprising decision to retire from professional racing. He became the only driver in NASCAR history to retire while holding the title of reigning series champion. This move allowed him to transition into a second career in broadcasting.
Famous Broadcast
While working for CBS Sports, Jarrett famously called the finish of the Daytona 500 as his son, Dale Jarrett, raced toward victory. His emotional commentary as he cheered his son past Dale Earnhardt became an iconic moment in sports broadcasting. The call helped humanize the sport for a massive national television audience.
Famous Broadcast
While working for CBS Sports, Jarrett famously called the finish of the Daytona 500 as his son, Dale Jarrett, raced toward victory. His emotional commentary as he cheered his son past Dale Earnhardt became an iconic moment in sports broadcasting. The call helped humanize the sport for a massive national television audience.
Induction
Jarrett was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of its second-ever class of honorees. The induction recognized both his 50 career wins as a driver and his decades of service as a broadcaster. He described the honor as the pinnacle of his long career in the sport.
Induction
Jarrett was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of its second-ever class of honorees. The induction recognized both his 50 career wins as a driver and his decades of service as a broadcaster. He described the honor as the pinnacle of his long career in the sport.
Ned Jarrett passed away