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closeNASCAR technical director dies at 58
David Poole
dpoole@charlotteobserver.com
Tuesday, Jul. 15, 2008
NASCAR technical director Steve Peterson, who played a key role in several safety initiative since joining the company in 1995, was found dead in his home in Concord Tuesday. A NASCAR statement said his death was apparently from natural causes.
Mr. Peterson, 58, was involved in development and installation of steel and foam energy absorbing barriers and helped manage and approve head and neck restraint systems and improved seat belt systems. He also helped co-ordinate the development of safety features in the new car now being used in NASCAR’s top series.
“Steve’s accomplishments to increase driver safety will continue to be a benefit to every NASCAR driver that gets behind the wheel for generations to come,” NASCAR Chairman and chief executive officer Brian France said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve’s family and friends; he will certainly be missed throughout the NASCAR community.”
Mr. Peterson received the 2006 Motorsports Achievement Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers for his long-term contributions and leadership in motorsports.
“Steve was a tireless worker and passionate about all aspects of safety including the car, the track and the driver,” NASCAR president Mike Helton said. “Steve was our research and development effort long before there was a formal one.”
Mr. Peterson was crew chief for Cup driver Mark Martin in 1982 and also worked as a team engineer and design engineer. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he also was an avid go-karter and lifetime member of the World Karting Association.
Funeral arrangements were pending as of Tuesday evening.
