Gary Burton Myers was an American stock car racing driver and longtime figure in the North Carolina racing community, best known for his accomplishments at Bowman Gray Stadium and his participation in NASCAR’s premier division. Born on March 4, 1950, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, and raised in Walnut Cove, Myers grew up surrounded by racing. He came from a prominent motorsports family and carried on a tradition that would eventually span four generations.
Myers built a respected racing career during the 1970s, competing in 46 NASCAR Winston Cup Series races between 1974 and 1978 while also establishing himself as a formidable Modified driver. At Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, he recorded 38 Modified victories, becoming one of the notable competitors in the track’s storied history. He was also a founding member of the SMART Modified Tour and captured its championship in 1996, finishing his tour career with 15 victories.
Beyond the racetrack, Myers was a skilled automotive mechanic and businessman who owned and operated Myers Automotive for four decades. Racing remained a family tradition throughout his life, with his sons Burt and Jason Myers and grandson Slate Myers continuing the family’s involvement in motorsports. Gary Myers died on September 10, 2026, at the age of 76, following a period of declining health, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a racer, mechanic, businessman, father, grandfather, and member of one of North Carolina’s notable racing families.
Gary Burton Myers Early Life
Gary Burton Myers was born on March 4, 1950, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, and was raised in the nearby community of Walnut Cove. From the beginning, his life was closely connected to the world of stock car racing. He was born into a prominent racing family as the son of early NASCAR driver William “Billy” Myers and Arlene Boles Myers, while his uncle, Bobby Myers, was also an accomplished NASCAR driver. Growing up around racers, cars, and short-track competition, Myers was exposed to motorsports at an early age.
His childhood, however, was marked by devastating losses. In 1957, when Gary was seven years old, his uncle Bobby Myers died in a crash during the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. The following year brought another tragedy when his father, Billy Myers, suffered a fatal heart attack while competing at Bowman Gray Stadium. Gary was only eight years old at the time. Losing both his uncle and father within a year profoundly changed his early life, but the racing culture that surrounded his family remained an important part of his upbringing.
Despite these hardships, Myers continued to grow up around North Carolina’s short-track racing scene. The influence of his father, uncle, and the local racing community helped establish his lifelong connection to motorsports. As he grew older, he developed practical skills as an automotive mechanic while becoming increasingly involved in racing himself. Those early experiences eventually laid the foundation for a career that would take him from local short tracks to NASCAR competition and make him a respected figure at Bowman Gray Stadium.
Gary Burton Myers Education
Gary Burton Myers grew up in Forsyth County, North Carolina, and received his early education while being raised in Walnut Cove. Details about the specific schools he attended have not been widely documented publicly. Much of his early life, however, was shaped by his family’s deep involvement in stock car racing, giving him an unusual practical education around automobiles, racing equipment, and short-track competition from a young age.
Rather than pursuing a prominently documented college education, Myers developed many of his professional skills through hands-on experience and work in the automotive trade. His exposure to racing through his father, William “Billy” Myers, and uncle, Bobby Myers, gave him an early understanding of race cars and mechanical work. As he became more involved with automobiles, he developed the technical knowledge and mechanical abilities that would later support both his racing career and his work as an automotive business owner.
Myers’ education therefore extended well beyond the classroom. Years of working with vehicles, maintaining race cars, and participating in competitive motorsports provided him with practical knowledge that became central to his career. His experience as an automotive mechanic and his four decades operating Myers Automotive reflected a lifetime of learning through craftsmanship, problem-solving, and direct experience in the automotive industry.
Gary Burton Myers Career
Gary Burton Myers began building his racing career during an era when North Carolina short-track racing was a major proving ground for stock car drivers. Growing up in a family deeply connected to motorsports, he developed an early understanding of race cars and competition. His mechanical skills and familiarity with local tracks helped him establish himself as a capable driver while continuing to work in the automotive trade.
Myers eventually reached NASCAR’s premier division, competing in 46 Winston Cup Series races between 1974 and 1978. His time in NASCAR placed him among the drivers competing at some of the sport’s most demanding tracks during the 1970s. Although his NASCAR career was relatively brief, those starts represented an important part of his professional racing journey and added to his reputation within the broader stock car community.
Much of Myers’ greatest success came in Modified racing, particularly at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He recorded 38 Modified victories at the historic short track, establishing himself as one of its notable competitors. His ability to compete consistently on the demanding quarter-mile circuit made him a respected figure among fans and fellow racers, while his connection to Bowman Gray further strengthened the Myers family’s longstanding place in North Carolina racing.
Myers was also a founding member of the SMART Modified Tour and enjoyed considerable success in the series. He recorded 15 tour victories and reached the pinnacle of the championship by winning the 1996 SMART Modified Tour title. His involvement in the tour demonstrated that his racing abilities extended beyond Bowman Gray and contributed to the development and popularity of Modified racing in the region.
Away from the racetrack, Myers built a second career around his mechanical expertise. He worked as an automotive mechanic and eventually founded Myers Automotive, where he served as owner and operator for approximately 40 years before retiring. Through his racing and automotive work, Myers remained closely connected to cars throughout his professional life. He also passed his passion for motorsports to the next generation, with his sons Burt and Jason Myers and grandson Slate Myers continuing the family’s racing tradition.
Gary Myers Death and Cause of Death
Gary Burton Myers, the longtime NASCAR driver and Bowman Gray Stadium legend, died on September 10, 2026, at the age of 76, following a period of declining health. His death was announced by his sons, Burt and Jason Myers, who shared emotional tributes describing him as their father, mentor, and family patriarch. Bowman Gray Stadium also confirmed his passing and expressed condolences to his wife Pam, sons, grandson Slate, and the wider Myers family.
In his tribute, Burt Myers described his father as his “hero” and said that Gary had fought hard but had become very tired in his later years. Jason Myers similarly remembered him as his best friend and credited him with teaching both sons much of what they knew about racing. Their tributes reflected not only Gary’s importance to his family but also his lasting influence on several generations of the Myers racing dynasty.
The exact cause of Gary Myers’ death has not been publicly disclosed. Recent reports consistently state that he had experienced a period of declining or worsening health before his death, but neither his family nor an official representative has announced a specific medical condition or cause. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to attribute his death to a particular illness without further confirmation.
Gary Myers Personal Life and Family
Gary Burton Myers was a devoted family man whose personal life was closely intertwined with his passion for motorsports. He was married to Pam Myers, who remained his wife until his death on September 10, 2026. Together, Gary and Pam raised two sons, Burt Myers and Jason Myers, both of whom followed their father into stock car racing. Bowman Gray Stadium specifically remembered Gary’s wife Pam, sons Burt and Jason, and grandson Slate following his death.
Racing was a multigenerational tradition in the Myers family. Gary was the son of early racing figure Billy Myers and was also related to NASCAR pioneer Bobby Myers. He later passed that racing heritage to Burt and Jason, who became accomplished Modified racers themselves. Burt remembered his father as his “hero” and credited him with teaching him everything he knew, while Jason described Gary as his best friend and the family patriarch.
The family’s racing legacy continued into a fourth generation through Slate Myers, Gary’s grandson and Burt’s son. Slate began his racing career in 2024 and has competed in the SMART Modified Tour, further extending the family’s connection to the sport. Gary’s influence therefore went beyond his own achievements: he served as a mentor and role model to his sons and grandson, helping preserve a racing tradition that had been part of the Myers family for generations.
Gary Myers Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Gary Burton Myers was 76 years old at the time of his death on September 10, 2026. He was born on March 4, 1950, in North Carolina and spent much of his life closely connected to the state’s stock car racing community. His career at Bowman Gray Stadium and in NASCAR made him a familiar figure among generations of racing fans.
Myers was American by nationality. Regarding his religion, available biographical information describes him as a Christian, although detailed information about his personal religious practices or church affiliation has not been widely documented. His son Burt’s public tribute following his death included a reference to his father being in Heaven, reflecting the family’s Christian faith and beliefs.
There are no reliable publicly documented records of Gary Myers’ exact height or weight, so a specific measurement should not be presented as fact. Likewise, detailed descriptions of his physical appearance from his racing years are limited. As a longtime driver and automotive mechanic, he was frequently associated with the practical, rugged image of a hands-on short-track racer. Any claims about his exact height, weight, hair color, or other physical measurements should therefore be treated as estimates unless confirmed by his family or an authoritative biographical source.
Gary Myers Net Worth
Gary Myers’ exact net worth was not publicly documented, so any figure should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed financial record. Based on his long career as a professional stock car driver, automotive mechanic, and business owner, his estimated net worth at the time of his death in 2026 can reasonably be placed at approximately $1 million to $2 million. His 46 NASCAR Cup Series starts and decades of involvement in Modified racing contributed to his career earnings, although racing purses during much of his active era were considerably lower than those available to modern NASCAR drivers.
A significant portion of Myers’ long-term financial position likely came from his work outside professional racing. He spent about four decades as the owner and operator of Myers Automotive, building a career around his mechanical expertise and automotive knowledge. Unlike today’s top NASCAR drivers, Myers was primarily an independent and regional racer rather than a highly paid full-time Cup Series driver with major sponsorship contracts. His business ownership therefore likely provided a more consistent source of income throughout his working life.
The estimated $1 million–$2 million range should consequently be viewed as a reasonable approximation based on his decades of skilled automotive work, business ownership, racing income, and accumulated assets rather than an officially reported figure. His 38 Modified victories at Bowman Gray Stadium, 1996 SMART Modified Tour championship, and 15 tour wins established his reputation in motorsports, while his long-running automotive business provided another important foundation for his financial success.
Gary Myers Legacy
Gary Myers left behind a lasting legacy in North Carolina stock car racing, particularly at Bowman Gray Stadium, where he became one of the track’s most successful Modified drivers. His 38 Modified victories stand as a significant part of his racing record, while his participation in NASCAR’s premier division during the 1970s brought his name to a wider audience. His 1996 SMART Modified Tour championship and 15 tour victories further cemented his reputation as a talented and accomplished Modified racer.
Perhaps the most enduring part of Myers’ legacy is the racing tradition he helped carry through his family. He was part of a lineage that began with his father, Billy Myers, and included his uncle Bobby Myers. Gary later passed his knowledge and passion for racing to his sons, Burt Myers and Jason Myers, both of whom became Modified racers. His grandson, Slate Myers, continued the family tradition, making the Myers name part of a remarkable four-generation connection to motorsports.
Beyond his statistics and championships, Myers was remembered as a mentor, mechanic, businessman, father, and grandfather who devoted much of his life to automobiles and racing. His decades of work through Myers Automotive demonstrated his commitment to the automotive trade, while his influence on his sons and grandson ensured that his knowledge would continue beyond his own driving career. Following his death in September 2026, Gary Myers was remembered not simply for the races he won, but for the family, friendships, and racing culture he helped shape throughout his life.
Conclusion
Gary Burton Myers will be remembered as a respected NASCAR driver, accomplished Modified racer, skilled automotive mechanic, and dedicated family man whose life was deeply rooted in North Carolina’s racing culture. From competing in NASCAR’s Winston Cup Series to winning 38 Modified races at Bowman Gray Stadium and capturing the 1996 SMART Modified Tour championship, he established a remarkable legacy on the track. Beyond racing, his four decades as the owner of Myers Automotive and his influence on sons Burt and Jason and grandson Slate ensured that his impact extended across generations. His death on September 10, 2026, at age 76 marked the loss of an important figure in the Myers racing dynasty, but his achievements and family legacy will continue to keep his name connected to the sport he loved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gary Burton Myers
Who was Gary Myers?
Gary Myers was an American NASCAR and Modified stock car racing driver best known for his success at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He competed in NASCAR’s Winston Cup Series and became a prominent figure in Modified racing.
How old was Gary Myers when he died?
Gary Myers was 76 years old when he died on September 10, 2026. He was born on March 4, 1950, in Forsyth County, North Carolina.
When did Gary Myers die?
Gary Myers died on September 10, 2026, at the age of 76. His death followed a period of declining health.
What was Gary Myers’ cause of death?
The exact cause of Gary Myers’ death has not been publicly disclosed. His family said he had experienced declining health before his death.
How many NASCAR races did Gary Myers compete in?
Gary Myers competed in 46 NASCAR Winston Cup Series races between 1974 and 1978. His NASCAR career took place during the 1970s.
How many races did Gary Myers win at Bowman Gray Stadium?
Gary Myers won 38 Modified races at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The victories made him one of the track’s notable Modified competitors.
Did Gary Myers win the SMART Modified Tour championship?
Yes, Gary Myers won the 1996 SMART Modified Tour championship. He was also a founding member of the tour and recorded 15 SMART Modified Tour victories.
Who was Gary Myers’ wife?
Gary Myers’ wife was Pam Myers. She survived him following his death in September 2026.
Who are Gary Myers’ children?
Gary Myers had two sons, Burt Myers and Jason Myers, who both became Modified racing drivers. They continued the Myers family’s longstanding involvement in motorsports.
Who is Gary Myers’ grandson?
Gary Myers’ grandson is Slate Myers, a racing driver who continued the family’s motorsports tradition. His involvement represents the fourth generation of the Myers family in racing.
Who was Gary Myers’ father?
Gary Myers’ father was William “Billy” Myers, an early stock car racing driver. His uncle was NASCAR pioneer Bobby Myers, making Gary part of a prominent North Carolina racing family.
What was Gary Myers’ net worth?
Gary Myers’ estimated net worth was between $1 million and $2 million at the time of his death. The estimate is based on his decades as an automotive mechanic, business owner, and professional and regional racing driver.
What did Gary Myers do for a living?
Gary Myers was an automotive mechanic, business owner, and stock car racing driver. He owned and operated Myers Automotive for approximately 40 years while also pursuing his racing career.
Where was Gary Myers born?
Gary Myers was born on March 4, 1950, in Forsyth County, North Carolina. He was raised in Walnut Cove and spent much of his life involved in North Carolina’s short-track racing community.
What was Gary Myers best known for?
Gary Myers was best known for his 38 Modified victories at Bowman Gray Stadium, 46 NASCAR Winston Cup Series starts, and 1996 SMART Modified Tour championship. He was also known for being part of a four-generation racing family.