Grant Lynch, a mainstay at Talladega Superspeedway for more than 25 years until his retirement as chairman in 2019, has died. He was 71.

NASCAR announced Lynch’s death in a statement released Thursday. His passing comes a little more than two weeks before the Oct. 19 YellaWood 500 at Talladega, the second leg of NASCAR’s four-week Cup Series playoff.

“Grant Lynch’s leadership, vision, and larger-than-life personality helped make Talladega Superspeedway one of the most iconic and fan-friendly venues in all of motorsports,” the NASCAR statement read. “As the track’s longtime president and later chairman, he guided Talladega through more than two decades of growth and transformation while building lasting relationships with fans, competitors, and colleagues across the industry.

“From his time with R.J. Reynolds, Talladega and even into retirement, Grant was not only a trusted leader but also a cherished friend to so many in the NASCAR family. NASCAR extends its heartfelt condolences to Grant’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

In 2018, Lynch received NASCAR’s Buddy Shuman Award, which recognizes “individuals and organizations that have helped advance the sport.” At the time, he was lauded for being “a pioneer in the development of modern, fan-friendly track amenities and services.”

Lynch oversaw numerous projects over the years at the legendary 2.66-mile tri-oval in east Alabama, which has prided itself on being the “longest and fastest” track in the sport. Among those the changes were the building of new garages, grandstands and video boards, the shift of the track’s second race each year from July to October, and his final project “Transformation,” which included more spaces for RV parking and promised dedicated “fan zones” and up-close access to NASCAR drivers and teams.

“I have had a wonderful ride here at Talladega, and the time has gone by so fast,” Lynch told Jayski.com upon his retirement in 2019. “We have always tried to make this place the very best it can be for the fans, our local communities, and for everyone involved in the sport of NASCAR, as well as ARCA. We truly are a tourist destination for families everywhere to enjoy southern hospitality and racing at its best.”

A South Dakota native who grew up in North Carolina, Lynch worked in public relations for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (serving as a liaison between NASCAR and its long-time Cup Series sponsor) before starting work at Talladega as track general manager in 1993. He became president later that year before being elevated to chairman in 2009.

Lynch simultaneously served as vice president of International Speedway Corporation (the parent company of Talladega Superspeedway), and in that job oversaw the construction of both Kansas Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway, both of which opened in 2001. After his retirement from Talladega, the avid outdoorsman spent a year as president of the Alabama Wildlife Federation.

“Grant Lynch dedicated more than 25 years to making Talladega Superspeedway the biggest and boldest track in all of motorsports,” current Talladega Superspeedway president Brian Crichton said in a statement. “To Grant, nothing was more important than the fans, the team he led, and the surrounding communities. His vision, leadership and big personality shaped so much of what makes Talladega special, and his influence will continue to be felt every race weekend for generations to come.

“As Grant so often reminded us with his rallying cry: ‘This is more than a race… this is Talladega!’ And it always will be — because of Grant Lynch. On behalf of the entire Talladega Superspeedway team, we extend our condolences to Grant’s family and friends.”

Lynch and his wife, Marcia, had two adult daughters, Ashley and Sara Katherine. His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Grant’s name to Alzheimer’s Association, Alabama Wildlife Federation or Victory Junction.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.