For more than five decades, Dr. Jerry Petty was a constant and reassuring presence in the world of NASCAR, guiding drivers through some of the most physically and emotionally difficult moments of their careers. Known as a pioneering neurosurgeon and a trusted advisor, Dr. Petty’s influence stretched far beyond the operating room. Sadly, earlier this week, NASCAR lost one of its most cherished figures as Dr. Petty passed away at the age of 90.

Throughout his long tenure in the sport, Dr. Petty developed a reputation not only for his incredible medical expertise but for his genuine compassion and personal connection with the athletes he cared for. His impact was so profound that tributes from across the NASCAR community poured in almost immediately upon news of his passing.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., one of NASCAR’s most recognizable figures, was among the first to express his grief and gratitude, calling Dr. Petty “a friend of the NASCAR industry” who played an integral role in helping countless drivers over the course of his long medical career. The sentiment was echoed widely—drivers, team owners, broadcasters, and crew members all voiced their admiration for the man whose calm demeanor and skill had guided them through moments of fear and uncertainty. NASCAR on FOX’s Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds shared heartfelt memories, while former drivers like Jeff Burton, Kyle Petty, Rick Mast, Max Papis, Phil Parsons, Todd Bodine, and Matt Tifft added their voices to the chorus of appreciation.

On Thursday, NASCAR legend and Hendrick Motorsports executive Jeff Gordon added his own deeply personal tribute, giving the public a glimpse into just how much Dr. Petty had meant to him, both professionally and personally.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Jerry Petty,” Gordon wrote in a heartfelt post. “He was the person I trusted most with anything related to my head, neck, or spine. He helped me through some of the most challenging moments of my career, including severe back pain episodes. But what stood out even more than his medical expertise was his kindness. After every serious accident, he would visit—not just as a doctor, but as someone who genuinely cared. Through his compassion and support, he became a dear friend. I will always be grateful for his guidance, and I will never forget the impact he had on me and so many others in our sport.”

The emotional weight of Gordon’s words highlighted just how much Dr. Petty’s presence had become a foundational part of NASCAR’s fabric. His blend of technical excellence and profound humanity made him irreplaceable.

In honor of Dr. Petty’s extraordinary contributions, it was announced that all four Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet entries would carry a special memorial decal on their cars during the upcoming race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The decal, simple yet poignant, is a small token of appreciation from an organization—and a sport—that owes so much to the quiet strength and care that Dr. Petty provided over the years.

In a statement, Hendrick Motorsports praised Dr. Petty, calling him a “pioneering neurosurgeon and trusted medical advisor to countless drivers and race teams,” and “a beloved figure within the NASCAR community.” The team emphasized that his legacy would endure not only through the drivers he helped return to the track but also through the sense of safety and trust he built within the sport.

For drivers who take risks every time they strap into a race car, the knowledge that someone like Dr. Petty was there—ready to care for them if disaster struck—was a source of immeasurable comfort. His understanding of their injuries, both physical and psychological, made him uniquely qualified to offer the kind of support that went beyond what any ordinary doctor could provide. In many ways, he wasn’t just healing bodies; he was healing spirits.

The memorial decals this weekend will serve as a visible reminder of a man whose influence touched every corner of the NASCAR world. But the true memorial to Dr. Petty’s life will be in the stories drivers continue to tell, the gratitude they carry in their hearts, and the standards of care that he helped set for future generations.

As NASCAR moves forward, it does so with the bittersweet recognition that while legends like Dr. Petty may leave us, their spirit—and the humanity they brought to a high-speed, high-risk world—remains deeply woven into the fabric of the sport.