Joe Gibbs Racing has announced the untimely death of Andy “Doggie” Nelson, who was part of their ARCA Menards Series team and a respected member of the NASCAR community.
According to a report from ARCA Racing, Nelson passed away peacefully in his sleep at just 39 years old.
In a heartfelt statement, JGR expressed their sorrow at the loss of Nelson, describing him as a “beloved member” of their team and the larger NASCAR garage. The team shared to social media:
Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
“Andy was a beloved member of our ARCA team and the NASCAR garage. He had a passion for racing and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Doggie and praying for his family and friends.”
Andy was a beloved member of our
ARCA team and the NASCAR garage. He had a passion for racing and was always willing to lend a helping hand.We are deeply saddened by the loss of Doggie and praying for his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/CF5DGTa0OF
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) October 14, 2024
Nelson’s tenure at JGR began in 2019, where he served as an interior and tire specialist. His contributions to the team were substantial, particularly in the ARCA Menards Series East, where his expertise helped secure championships in the past two seasons.
His career was marked by a series of notable achievements, including facilitating Ryan Blaney’s first NASCAR touring series victory in 2011, and playing a crucial role in securing championship wins for Justin Haley and Harrison Burton in the ARCA East Series in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
Prior to his time with JGR, Nelson honed his skills at several respected teams such as Blaney Racing, Turner Scott Motorsports, and MDM Motorsports.
Joe Gibbs Racing, founded in 1992 by the former NFL coach Joe Gibbs, has established itself as one of NASCAR’s most successful teams. With multiple NASCAR Cup Series championships to its name, JGR’s reputation in the racing world is formidable. Nelson’s role in their recent successes in the ARCA Menards Series is a testament to his expertise and the integral part he played in the team’s ongoing legacy.
The motorsports community has responded to Nelson’s passing with a profound sense of loss. Rob Beattie, a crew member from the World of Outlaws, voiced his grief on the social media platform X.
“Yesterday I received some news from back east that made me sit down for a little bit. The world lost one of the good ones yesterday. Andy (Doggie) Nelson. R.I.P my friend.”
Yesterday I received some news from back east that made me sit down for a little bit. The world lost one of the good ones yesterday. Andy (Doggie) Nelson. R.I.P my friend. # SafteyMeeting.
— Rob Beattie (@RedCatRob) October 14, 2024
Others from within the industry shared messages to social media, with a selection below.
“A great dude gone way too soon… Rest In Peace Andy Nelson.”
“Met Andy in 2021 in the ARCA garage.. Great guy that will be missed by all that knew him.. Still can’t believe it.”
Met Andy in 2021 in the ARCA garage.. Great guy that will be missed by all that knew him.. Still can’t believe it 💔🥲
— King (@601kingofficial) October 14, 2024
Our thoughts go out to Andy Nelson’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time.
