In Memoriam: Zachary Yager (1989–2025)
Lima, New York – The NASCAR community and fans mourn the sudden loss of Zachary Yager, who passed away at the age of 35. A native of Lima, Zachary had recently been interviewed ahead of his latest assignment at Watkins Glen International—one of the most anticipated stops in NASCAR’s calendar.
A NASCAR Dream Forged in Lima
Born and raised in Lima, Yager attended Honeoye Falls–Lima High School, where his journey into the world of motorsports began serving as a testament to instinctive passion and bold decisions. In a candid interview before the Watkins Glen weekend, he recalled how his entry into the sport seemed almost accidental:
“My cousin called me one day and said, ‘Could you do this?’ I packed up my little two-door Honda Civic, drove to Charlotte, and never looked back.”
His commitment and adaptability paid off as he quickly became known in NASCAR circles for his skill and composure under high-pressure conditions. Serving as a jackman for RSS Racing, he took on pivotal roles—pitting for Matt Crafton’s No. 88 truck and Ryan Seig’s No. 39 car during the intense weekend at Watkins Glen. His road-course insight was invaluable:
Road courses like Watkins Glen are “weirder,” he told reporters—“it’s awkward… but that’s why we do it… we wanted to be important.”
The pride he felt in working at Watkins Glen—close to home—was palpable. He described the electric atmosphere as “one of my favorite places to go… the fans are great.”
An Unexpected Loss That Reverberates
The news of Yager’s passing struck like a thunderbolt throughout the motorsports world. So recent were his passionate reflections that they served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life—even amid racing’s roar.
Though details surrounding his death remain private, the timing—just after his warm insights and plans for Watkins Glen—adds a layer of heartbreak to the outpouring of grief.
Remembering a Cornerstone of the Crew
Zachary was more than a crew member; he was a cornerstone of the team and an embodiment of NASCAR’s behind-the-scenes excellence. His colleagues and local community remember him as:
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Adaptable: Tackling roles under immense pressure, from jackman to tire carrier, with precision and calm.
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Humble & Driven: His story—packing his car spontaneously and forging a career—reflects determination rooted in humility.
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Welcoming & Kind: In every interview, including the one at Watkins Glen, he greeted others with warmth and openness, traits that marked his character beyond mechanics and pit stops.
Legacy and Community Impact
Although tragically short-lived, Yager’s life illuminated the passion that fuels so much of NASCAR—the collective effort, unwavering focus, and fierce camaraderie that drive success at speeds of over 200 mph.
His passing will leave a void in the hiss of air guns, the rhythm of pit stops, and the tight-knit dynamics of his teams. But his memory will also inspire—reminding crew members and fans alike that every role, every hand, and every heart counts.
A Final Tribute
Zachary Yager’s story—from Lima to the pit wall at Watkins Glen—symbolizes the power of following one’s path, no matter how unexpected. His laughter, his love for the sport, and his dedication will continue echoing in garages and grandstands across the country.
May he be remembered not only for the service he brought to NASCAR but for the warmth, ambition, and behind-the-scenes brilliance he embodied every step of the way.