Two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Sam Ard passes away

Ard was late to start his NASCAR national series career, running his first full-time season in what was formerly called the Busch Series in 1982 at the age of 43.

The native of Asheboro, N.C., competed in 92 Busch races and won 22 races and 24 poles and won the series title in the 1983 and 1984 seasons. He was also named the series’ most popular driver in each of those two seasons.

Ard retired from his driving career following his last championship, in part after being seriously injured in a crash at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, N.C., in October 1984.

After retiring as a driver, Ard continue to field cars in the Busch Series as an owner. In 152 starts as an owner, his drivers won three races (two by Jimmy Hensley and one by Jeff Burton). The 1992 season was his last as an owner.

Later in life, Ard battled both Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

In 2006, Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. approached other drivers and collected money for the Sam Ard Care Fund. In 2008, Harvick donated a 2007 Chevrolet van after Jo Ards’ automobile died, and the NASCAR Foundation and Motor Racing Outreach teamed up for an online auction to benefit the fund.

In 2008, after Kyle Busch tied Ard’s single-season victory record (10), Busch announced he would donate $100,000 to aid Ard’s family with his care.

“Sam Ard is one of the pioneers of this (series), and to be tied with him at 10 wins is something that's pretty spectacular and really, really special to me,” Busch said at the time. “I'm going to try to help him out and see what I can do. It's not much, but it's something that can try to help.”

Several currently competing in NASCAR posted condolences on social media on Sunday.

NASCAR Statement on the Passing of Sam Ard:

“For many years, Sam Ard’s persona was that of a tough-as-nails racer. No matter the track or the competition, he battled to the end. That fighter’s mentality lasted throughout his life, and far beyond the confines of a race car. Sam battled on and off the track with the same ferocity that earned him two championships in what is today the NASCAR XFINITY Series as well as countless victories in the Late Model Sportsman Series. NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Sam’s family and friends. He will be dearly missed, and his memory cherished.”