Upstate New York Veteran NASCAR Pit Crew Member Dies at 34

The NASCAR world is mourning the unexpected death of Zachary Yager, a veteran pit crew member who had been part of the sport’s national series since 2014. At just 34 years old, his sudden passing has left family, friends, and teammates in disbelief.

An Upstate New York Native With Big Dreams

Yager was born and raised in Rochester and carried his Upstate roots with him into the high-octane world of professional racing. After graduating from Monroe Community College with a Business Associate’s degree, he chased his dream south to North Carolina, where he began carving out a career in NASCAR.

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A Career Spanning a Decade of NASCAR

From his first pit crew position at Richard Childress Racing in 2014 to more recent stints with Team Penske, RFK Racing, and JTG Daugherty Racing, Yager built a reputation as a reliable, versatile crew member. In 2023, he celebrated a career highlight, being part of the pit crew that won the Daytona 500. Ahead of the 2025 season, he joined Elite Race Services, where he continued to share his experience and skill with new teams.

Known as NASCAR’s “Utility Knife”

Yager’s colleagues often called him a “utility knife” because of his ability to fill almost any role on a pit crew. Over the years, he worked as a jackman, tire carrier, and fueler, proving himself indispensable to every team he joined. Most recently, he was the jackman for the Number 39 RSS Racing team in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the No. 88 ThorSport Racing team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Tributes From Teams and Teammates

Elite Race Services, where Yager had been working this season, shared their heartbreak in a statement. Owner Cory DeMarco said, “Obviously, nobody saw this coming and we’re in total disbelief. All of the guys send our thoughts and prayers out to his dad and family, right now.” ThorSport Racing also expressed its grief, calling Yager an important part of their family and remembering his lasting impact on those he worked with.

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Remembering a Rochester Son

For those in Upstate New York, Yager’s journey from Rochester to the NASCAR circuit is a reminder of how far determination and passion can carry someone. While the details of his passing have not been released, his legacy in racing is clear: he gave everything to a sport he loved and inspired others along the way.