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NASCAR Sprint-Cup Series
NASCAR Tech Director Steve Peterson Passes
NASCAR Technical Director Steve Peterson, 58, was found deceased today at his home...
Tom Jensen  |  Posted July 15, 2008   Charlotte, N.C.
Steve Peterson (NASCAR Archive Photo)

NASCAR Technical Director Steve Peterson, one of the most respected minds in the sport and a man who done much to advance the cause of safety in NASCAR, was found dead Tuesday at his home in Concord, N.C. Preliminary reports indicate the cause of death was natural.

Peterson, 58, began his NASCAR career in January 1995 and led many of NASCAR’s safety initiatives including development and installation of SAFER Barriers, management and approval of head and neck restraints and improved seat belts, and coordination of the safety features in NASCAR’s new car.

“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,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve’s family and friends; he will certainly be missed throughout the NASCAR community.”

“Steve was a tireless worker and passionate about all aspects of safety including the car, the track and the driver,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. “Steve was our R&D effort long before there was a formal one. His accomplishments were recognized in motorsports worldwide.”

Steve worked closely with many recognized national and international motorsports organizations and was the recipient of the 2006 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Motorsports Achievement Award. SAE presents this award to the individual that has shown outstanding leadership or contribution to motorsports over an extended period of time.

In 1982 Steve served as a crew chief for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Mark Martin and had experience as a race team engineer and design engineer. He was an avid go-karter and lifetime member of the World Karting Association. Steve could often be found running laps at local go-kart tracks. A graduate of Western Michigan University, Peterson had more than 25 years of experience in the automotive engineering industry.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Tom Jensen is the Senior NASCAR Editor for SPEEDtv.com, the former Executive Editor of NASCAR Scene and a contributing Editor for TruckSeries.com. He is the author of “Cheating: The Bad Things Good NASCAR Nextel Cup Racers Do In Pursuit of SPEED,” and has appeared on television and radio shows to discuss NASCAR racing. Jensen is the President of the National Motorsports Press Association. Jensen is the 1997 National Motorsports Press Association Writer of the Year and has won numerous national and state awards for news reporting, columns and feature writing. The Answer Man is back at SPEEDtv.com. Tom Jensen answers your questions during every race week and looks forward to hearing from you - please e-mail it to


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