“I’ll miss him”: Kyle Petty & Kenny Wallace mourn loss of legendary NASCAR figure

NASCAR veterans Kyle Petty and Kenny Wallace have lamented the sudden demise of Eddie Gossage, the former General Manager and Track President of Texas Motor Speedway. Gossage, who breathed his last at 65 on Thursday (May 16), was a close friend of Petty and Wallace.

The friendship between the three grew even stronger after they participated in the Kyle Petty Charity Ride last year. This non-profit event aimed to raise awareness and funds for Victory Junction, a camping facility based in Randleman, North Carolina, that caters to the needs of children suffering from chronic medical conditions.

Petty led 150 motorcycles, all of which ran for over 2,100 miles from South Dakota to Victory Junction. Eddie Gossage and Kenny Wallace were also present alongside Kyle Petty to serve the noble cause.

Upon learning about Gossage's death, Wallace posted on X:

"Oh my 😔❤️ I am heartbroken. Eddie was a dear friend of mine. We were so excited to be together on the @KPCharityRide in 2023. Eddie was the one that made sure I rode upfront with him. My prayers to his family ❤️."

Petty also shared a note on his dear friend's death.

"What can you say when you lose a friend? I don't believe there are any words. I never remember a time going to the race track when I didn't know Eddie Gossage. He was everywhere - sponsor rep, working at a track, track president. I remember all those. But what I will always remember more is friend. I'll miss him on the @kpcharityride and in the boardroom but l'll miss him more when I need someone to lean on," Petty wrote.

Wallace extended his condolences to a heartbroken Petty and exclaimed:

"I am so sorry @kylepetty.. I’ve watched you and Eddie Gossage be dear friends my whole life. I love you ❤️."

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Eddie Gossage remains in the hearts of hundreds of race fans

Eddie Gossage was extremely revered in the racing community. The interviews that he appeared for as the Track President of Texas Motor Speedway will be remembered because of how informative and informal they were. The reporters would find their seats in Gossage's office and 'Breakfast with Eddie' would begin.

Their sessions would have debates, explanations of ideas, and various enriching back-and-forth discussions. Before being named the Track President of TMS, Gossage used to be one of the biggest race promoters in the arena of NASCAR. His marketing prowess helped sell the 1992 NASCAR All-Star Race, which got nicknamed "One Hot Night." Gossage once said (via The New York Times):

"Everybody thinks I’m the promoter. Truth is I’m the biggest race fan you ever met! Passion!!”

Gossage was also known for giving out-of-the-box gifts to drivers when they retired. For Jeff Gordon, the gift was a pair of ponies. For Dale Earnhardt Jr., Gossage rode into NASCAR's media center on a horse. However, for Tony Stewart, Gossage got a 6-foot bobblehead of himself.