Growing up in Lima and then graduating with a Business Associate’s degree from Monroe Community College in Upstate New York, the then-24-year-old Zachary Yager was just about to begin his career. But life had different plans for him. After graduating, he received a phone call from his cousin, Brad Robinson, asking him if he would be interested in working with the new devo team. Despite not knowing much about the role, Yager agreed. He packed his bags in his little 2-door Honda Civic and drove down to Charlotte.
Yager began his career in 2014 as a pit crew member with Richard Childress Racing, where he carried tires and fueled the cars during his tenure. In the last decade, he had become what he described as a utility knife for the racing teams. Although he fell in love with checking the analytics part of the fast life in racing, from calculating how much fuel a car burns per lap or how a particular track affects the tires, he lives a simple life outside of the tracks. After completing his training and workout sessions by noon, Yager would either swing golf, play guitar, or just hang out with his friends at bars with buckets of wings.
As described by his long-time friend and 2021 team partner, Ryan Zunk, Yager always chose to look at the positive side of everything and spread the same energy to his team. During the 2024 Brickyard 400, Kyle Busch entered the pit a few minutes ahead of the No. 17 Ford Mustang Dark Horse driver and unintentionally bumped into Yager while the latter was returning with a tire for Chris Buescher. When Yager was asked about the incident later, he simply stated, “I get knocked down, but I get up again.” However, the addictive energy will now be missed by everyone.
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Ahead of his birthday on August 25, Yager’s family had reported him missing on August 18. Yesterday, reporter Toby Christie shared that the 35-year-old was found dead. No reason or other details have yet been released to the public. Learning the news, FOX broadcaster, Kaitlyn Vincie, shared a heartfelt note on the news, writing on X, “So deeply saddened for his family & all those who cared for him. Industry lost one of our own. Check on your people tell them you love them.”
Yager was running a double-duty NASCAR circuit this season after joining Elite Race Services, a Mooresville-based company that assembles pit crews for NASCAR teams. This year, he was serving as the jackman for Ryan Sieg’s No. 39 RSS Racing team in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Matt Crafton’s No. 88 ThorSport Racing team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
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Corey DeMarco, owner of the Elite Race Services, released a statement, “Obviously, nobody saw this coming and we’re in total disbelief. All of the guys send our thoughts and prayers out to his dad and family, right now.” ThorSport Racing also expressed its grief, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of our friend and teammate, Zachary Yager. He was an important part of our family, and our hearts are with his loved ones and community as we grieve this loss together.”
Austin Holland, his former JTG Daugherty pit crew companion, also posted a compilation of pictures, captioned, “You left too soon, but you left a mark and that’s all that matters. Rest easy Yager Bomb!!!”
“Wonderful coverage! Since I can’t be there, the next best thing, your coverage!”
“It explained things I couldn’t see on TV. Thanks”
“It’s great since I don’t get to see the race live”
Yager’s career spanned stints with Richard Childress Racing, Team Penske, RFK Racing, and GoFas Racing, among others. His crowning moment came in 2023, when he was part of the pit crew that won the 2023 Daytona 500 with JTG Daugherty Racing. Earlier this month, before his hometown race at Watkins Glen, Yager spoke with News 10 NBC in Rochester about his passion for NASCAR and his journey as a jackman. While the details surrounding his passing remain unclear, the NASCAR garage is united in mourning a man whose presence extended far beyond pit road.
Fans unite in grief over sudden loss
Yager’s death was not just a hit for the teams he had worked with but the entire community. One fan expressed sorrow, stating, “This is heartbreaking. He was on our pit crew the first year we sponsored the 32 car . Really good guy . My condolences to all the friends he worked beside and to His sister and parents.” Beyond his technical skills, he inspired trust and camaraderie, no mere wrench-turner, but a cherished companion in high-pressure moments.
His wide, effortless smile and warm demeanor left a lasting mark on those around him. As Zunk also mentioned, he was the one to always bring a fresh energy to the team, and fans will certainly miss that. “I don’t even know what to say, I’m in such disbelief… his smile and contagious laugh will be so missed,” wrote another.
Not a well-known fact, but Yager was also a smart responder who would leave his colleagues chuckling after talking to him. Remember his 2021 interview where he pointed that he loved playing golf but, unfortunately, “I’m not getting any good at it?” Leaving everyone at just 35 years old, and so near his birthday, after unknown circumstances of being missing have raised some eyebrows but have also saddened many.
Fans wrote, “The Yager Bomb! Definitely gone too soon 😞 RIP,” and “Zach,such a bright light and an amazing beautiful soul. His light still shines within all of us who love him.”
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The energy he brought to pit road and off the clock was more than memorable. NASCAR insiders remembered how he’d laugh off tough pit stops and lift moods with improvised guitar jam sessions between races. One comment captured it simply: “The one of him and little Salem. Such sweet memories to hold on to now. Rest easy Zach.”
Hopefully, we all will learn further details about the incident soon, and his family and friends will find some peace.
