John Nemechek, younger brother of Cup driver Joe Nemechek, was a promising NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver racing for his family's team. Known for his easy smile and work ethic, he was building a career in the sport's newest national series.
On March 16, 1997, Nemechek crashed hard at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He lingered for five days before dying at 27. His death devastated the Nemechek family and the tight-knit truck series garage.
At a Glance
- Born: March 12, 1970, Lakeland, Florida
- Died: March 21, 1997, Homestead, Florida
- Age: 27
- Cause of death: Injuries from a crash in a NASCAR Truck Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway
Final Resting Place
Oak Hill Burial Park, Lakeland, Florida.
Photo: Donna McPherson via Find a Grave
From the Book
This profile is adapted from Legends at Rest: NASCAR Legends by Howard Wear.
Portrait: from the Legends at Rest: NASCAR Legends book files. Grave photo: Photo: Donna McPherson via Find a Grave.