Veteran Bowman Gray Stadium racer Robbie Brewer died Saturday night after suffering a medical emergency that led to a violent crash during the Sportsman Division race at the Winston-Salem, North Carolina, short track.
With four laps remaining in the first of two 20-lap features, Brewer’s No. 17 car was running in fourth place as the field prepared for a restart.
As the cars approached the green flag, Brewer’s car suddenly veered toward the outside wall in turns three and four, bounced off, and slammed nearly head-on into the front-straightaway wall.
Track personnel immediately rushed to his aid, removing the roof of the car to extricate him before transporting him to a nearby hospital.
Sources told FloRacing that Brewer suffered a heart attack while behind the wheel, causing the crash. His family confirmed his passing Sunday morning.
Brewer, 53, was a beloved figure in the Bowman Gray Racing community, competing for more than 35 years.
He earned 11 victories in the Sportsman Division, including the 2011 championship, and posted his best season in 2015 with four wins.
Over his career, he made 311 starts at Bowman Gray Stadium—24 in Modifieds, 259 in Sportsman, and 28 in Stadium Stock.
His first race came on June 2, 1990, in the Buzzbomber Division, where he finished 12th.
Outside of Bowman Gray, Brewer found success across the Carolinas, capturing double-digit wins in 602 Modified competition and winning the 602 Modified Tour championships in 2018 and 2019, as well as the 2016 602 Super Limited Series title.
His death marks the fifth fatality at the historic Stadium since it opened in 1937.
Previous tragedies include Bernard Fox in 1947, William Justice in 1950, Billy Myers in 1958, and Bubba Beck in 2002—each the result of crashes or medical emergencies during races.
On Saturday night, Brewer was competing as part of the Robbins & Lewis family racing team alongside fellow Sportsman drivers Dylan Ward and Chase Lewis, and Street Stock racers Brad and Emilee Lewis.
Brad Lewis shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, saying,
“I gave my last fist bump to Robbie last night and told him to give ’em hell… He was my family. A true man’s man. I will never forget you, Robbie. I’ll be driving for you.”
floracing
Bowman Gray Stadium officials released a statement mourning his loss:
“We are saddened by the passing of Robbie Brewer after he was transported to an area medical facility following an on-track medical incident. Robbie was a talented and passionate racer, and highly respected competitor among his peers. Our thoughts and prayers are with Robbie’s family and friends at this time.”
wfmynews2
Brewer’s passing leaves a deep void in the close-knit racing community that admired him for his competitive spirit, dedication, and decades of contributions to the sport.
