Veteran racer Robbie Brewer dies after on track medical emergency

A veteran stock car driver at a North Carolina short track died after suffering a medical emergency during a race.

Racing veteran Robbie Brewer dies after medical emergency

Robbie Brewer, 53, a veteran stock car driver, died after a medical emergency during a 20-lap Sportsman Series race at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Brewer’s car struck a wall on the quarter‑mile oval and came to a stop near the start‑finish line. Track workers peeled away the roof to free him, and an ambulance transported him to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist hospital where he passed away.

Brewer began racing in 1990 and logged nearly 260 starts in the Sportsman Division, winning the 2011 points championship. Fellow Bowman Gray driver Brad Lewis said Brewer was like a big brother to him and described him as a wheelman through and through. Lewis added that Brewer would be honored throughout the season as the paddock mourns his loss. Bowman Gray Stadium has also hosted this year’s preseason NASCAR Cup Series exhibition event.

Local short-track racing often blends speed with danger, and Brewer’s death underscores the vulnerability of drivers in even tightly run events. The incident also highlights the importance of rapid medical response and the role of on‑site crews in stabilizing competitors before hospital care. Bowman Gray Stadium, a historic venue in the sport, may face scrutiny over safety protocols and incident review while the racing community weighs tradition against evolving safety standards. The episode could influence conversations about track design, emergency readiness, and oversight across grassroots racing circuits.

Beyond the immediate tragedy, the episode reinforces how local tracks serve as a training ground and a community space for fans, families, and aspiring drivers. It also reminds the sport of the human cost behind the weekend shows that draw thousands of spectators. The response from officials and peers will shape how the paddock honors Brewer and how safety lessons are applied in coming seasons.

Highlights

The paddock remembers a driver who lived for every lap and will watch safety evolve with new resolve.