Once a part of a family, always a part of a family. NASCAR has existed for the past 77 years, creating strong legacies of racing and even stronger bonds in the racing community. When one of these bonds falls apart, it rattles the entire family that encompasses NASCAR. Pete Pistone, a prominent motorsports journalist who works for Motor Racing Network (MRN), has been an asset to the sport. So when one of his closest ones left his midst, the sport gave back to him.
NASCAR has lost quite a few gems in recent weeks. From Hendrick Motorsports executive Jon Edwards to championship-winning Craftsman Truck Series team owner Shigeaki Hattori, some rock-solid foundations came loose. Now, another such jewel just passed into the unknown.
NASCAR veteran loses his loved one
The Pistone family has been renowned in the sport for decades. Pete Pistone’s uncle Tom was a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and winner in the 1950s. Making his Grand National debut in 1955, Tom Pistone won two races and finished 6th in championship points in the 1959 season for Carl Rupert. Due to his uncle’s influence, Pete grew up racing at tracks like Grundy County, Iliana, or Slinger. That set the stage for his future career in NASCAR as a journalist and commentator. And his mother, Patsy Pistone, was there to support him all along. From graduating from Northern Illinois University to co-hosting “The Morning Drive” on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Pistone had the love of his mother by his side for his 30+ year career.
Now, a tragic piece of news has shaken the entire Pistone family. Patsy Pistone, the backbone of the success that her son accumulated, has passed away. The veteran NASCAR journalist penned a heartfelt tribute on X alongside a happy and smiling picture of Patsy in her latter years. He wrote, “Heartbroken our beloved mom passed away today – words can’t begin to describe what she meant to my family and everyone else who came in contact with her during her amazing life – we love you mom #Patsy”
Heartbroken our beloved mom passed away today – words can’t begin to describe what she meant to my family and everyone else who came in contact with her during her amazing life – we love you mom #Patsy pic.twitter.com/BQGtfeCarA
— Pete Pistone (@PPistone) May 5, 2025
Pete Pistone has written about the power of a family during his career. When Chase Elliott won the 2020 Cup Series championship, Pistone wrote about how Elliott was carrying forth his family’s legacy. The Hendrick Motorsports driver recorded three DNFs and three finishes outside the top 20 in the playoffs. Yet Elliott persevered with the love and support that his father and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, provided. In an interview with Pistone, Elliott shared how sharing the highest NASCAR honor with his parent meant everything to him. “Like when I’m dead and gone and my dad is dead and gone, he and I will share a championship with the last name Elliott forever,” he said of becoming a Cup champ like his father. “I don’t think it gets any cooler than that, in my opinion.”
Now, Pete Pistone feels some of that sentiment as he reminisces about everything cool that he shared with his mother. And the NASCAR community rallied together to support him like a strong pillar.
Veterans and fans unite at a time of distress
The NASCAR world has been going through a tough time recently. Besides Shigeaki Hattori and Jon Edwards, there have been other tragic deaths. They include Daniel Allor II, a dedicated sponsor of Brad Keselowski’s RFK Racing team. So, as another wave of sadness washes over the community, they stand together, supporting Pete Pistone’s loss. Fellow members of the NASCAR media gathered to express their condolences. Jeff Gluck, a prominent NASCAR journalist for The Athletic, wrote a heartfelt message. “Oh gosh, Pete. I’m so, so sorry for your loss. Felt like I heard about #Patsy so many times over the years!! Thinking of you and your family.” Then another motorsports media personality, Holly Cain, also left her condolences: “So incredibly sorry! I know how much you loved her!” A fan also sympathized with Pete Pistone in the comments: “Sorry for your loss Pete!! Condolences RIP.”
Even a renowned racetrack on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, Pocono Raceway, chipped in. Pete Pistone has covered races at the 2.5-mile ‘Tricky Triangle’ several times on MRN. Now, Pocono’s official X account penned its condolences to stand by Pistone in these difficult times. “Sorry for your loss Pete. Thoughts are with you and your family.” Andrew Stallings, founder and President of Athelo Group, manages partnerships and creative brand development for a roster of 20 professional athletes who include NASCAR drivers. Stallings also stood by Pistone, wishing the best for his children. President of Athelo Group, I manage partnerships and creative brand development for a roster of 20 professional athletes. I’m so sorry, Pete. Give the girls my love. She truly was the enigma of your family and then some. ” A diehard NASCAR fan empathized with Pistone by referring to his own loss. They wrote, “I’m sorry to hear this Pete. It’s hard. I lost my Mom in 2017. #Patsy”
As Pete Pistone weathers his challenges, the NASCAR world supports him. We express our deepest condolences to the Pistone family at this harsh time.
The post “Condolences & RIP” NASCAR Community Joins in Mourning as One of Their Own Loses His Mother appeared first on EssentiallySports.
