Winston-Salem, NC – Robbie Brewer, a veteran driver and former Sportsman Division champion at Winston-Salem’s famed Bowman Gray Stadium tragically passed away during Saturday night’s race.
The tragedy unfolded Saturday night during the Sportsman Series race. On lap 16, as the field restarted, Brewer’s car suddenly surged forward and struck the Turn 4 wall at full speed. Track safety crews rushed to his aid, cutting open the roof of the vehicle to reach him. He was quickly transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where officials confirmed he had passed away. According to those familiar with the incident, Brewer suffered a heart attack while racing.
Brewer’s presence at Bowman Gray was more than just about speed and competition. Known for his steady skill, mechanical knowledge, and approachable personality, he was both a fierce competitor on the track and a friend to many in the garage area.
“Robbie wasn’t only a champion here—he was a constant,” one longtime racer shared. “You always knew he’d show up ready to race and ready to help anyone who needed it.”
Bowman Gray Stadium, often nicknamed the “Madhouse” for its high-energy, close-contact style of racing, has been a fixture in motorsports since 1949. While crashes are a part of the sport, deaths are rare, making Saturday’s events all the more shocking. Experts note that high-intensity sports like racing can be physically demanding, and unexpected medical emergencies—such as cardiac arrest—can occur even in seasoned athletes.
Tributes to Brewer have flooded social media since the news broke. Fans have shared photos from past seasons, fellow drivers have posted heartfelt remembrances, and racing organizations have offered condolences to his family. Rising motorsports figure Connor Zilisch and other drivers from across the region have acknowledged Brewer’s influence and legacy.
As the racing community awaits formal statements from Bowman Gray officials and NASCAR, Brewer’s loss is already deeply felt. For many, he will be remembered not just as a champion, but as a man who embodied the spirit of grassroots racing—passion, resilience, and respect for the sport.
