One of NASCAR’s most beloved pioneers and decorated competitors, Hall of Famer Glen Wood passed away Friday at the age of 93.
Wood was part of the legendary Wood Brothers Racing team along with his brother Leonard and together the family team fielded five Daytona 500 winning cars with five different drivers. And Glen Wood was a remarkable driving talent in his own right as well, officially named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.
The Stuart, Virginia native was a popular presence in the NASCAR garage for decades and formally inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012.
His Wood Brothers Racing team, formed in 1950, is an iconic part of the sport and still competing today with 99 Cup Series wins, including the 2011 Daytona 500 with Trevor Bayne. The team’s last win came with driver Ryan Blaney in 2017 at Pocono Raceway.
“In every way, Glen Wood was an original,” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France said. “In building the famed Wood Brothers Racing at the very beginnings of our sport, Glen laid a foundation for NASCAR excellence that remains to this day.
“As both a driver and a team owner, he was, and always will be, the gold standard. But personally, even more significant than his exemplary on-track record, he was a true gentleman and a close confidant to my father, mother and brother.
“On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I send my condolences to the entire Wood family for the loss of a NASCAR giant.”
The list of drivers who competed for the Wood Brothers team is a Who’s Who of the sport and includes many other NASCAR Hall of Famers from David Pearson, Junior Johnson and Cale Yarborough to Dale Jarrett and Bill Elliott. The Wood Brothers fielded cars for the late Dan Gurney and IndyCar great A.J. Foyt as well some of the biggest names in the sport such as Neil Bonnett, Ricky Rudd and Ken Schrader.
Paul Menard currently drives the familiar No. 21 Ford in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
As expected on the loss of such an important figure in the sport, social media was full of condolences and fond memories on Friday.
“Prayers for the @woodbrothers21 Glen Wood and his family,” 2000 Cup champion Bobby Labonte said in a statement on Twitter. “Thanks for being a such a wonderful gentleman and paving the way for so many that followed.”
Championship crew chief Ray Evernham offered his condolences, “Sorry to hear about the passing of Glen Wood. One of the most respected men ever in our sport. The captain of the incredible Wood Brothers legacy.
“Always a smile, a handshake and a word of wisdom. Thank you for setting the standard of excellence in racing. RIP.”
And another racing legend, Mario Andretti sent his condolences as well, “Everybody who’s anybody in our sport loves the Wood Bros. Love & respect for the standards they set.”
Roger Penske, whose team has had a technical alliance with the Wood Brothers, issued a statement about his longtime friend and colleague.
“Glen Wood was one of NASCAR’s true pioneers and leaders,” 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Penske said Friday. “From our earliest years in the sport, Wood Brothers Racing set the gold standard of NASCAR teams, and that was a result of the vision and dedication of Glen and Leonard.
“Glen established himself in the sport first as a driver then as an innovator and team owner. Glen helped me and our team when we first became involved in NASCAR, he has been a trusted friend throughout the years. All of us at Team Penske are proud to be associated with the Wood Brothers organization to this day.”
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