Ryan Pemberton, who served as a crew chief in more than 600 Cup and Xfinity races and spent 10 years at JR Motorsports, died Sunday. He was 54.
Pemberton was a crew chief in 561 Cup races from 1997-2012. Among the drivers he worked with were Derrike Cope, Ernie Irvan, Dave Blaney, Joe Nemechek, Mark Martin, Brian Vickers and David Reutimann.
Pemberton won two Cup races, helping Nemechek win at Kansas in 2004 and Vickers win at Michigan in 2009.
Pemberton won three races as a crew chief in what is now the Xfinity Series. He won twice with Larry Pearson in 1995 and once with Regan Smith in 2014 at Daytona.
Pemberton joined JR Motorsports in 2012 before leaving in 2022. He was the director of competition. JRM won 58 Xfinity races and three titles during his time there.
“Ryan was instrumental to JR Motorsports’ success during the decade he spent with us,” co-owner Kelley Earnhardt said in a statement. “He had such a passion for competition and, as a leader, knew how to motivate everyone he worked with.
“He will always be part of the JRM family. Our hearts go out to his wife Andrea and daughters Payton and Britton during this tremendously difficult time.”
Pemberton was the brother of Randy, a former broadcaster who died in 2022, Robin, a former crew chief and NASCAR executive, and Roman, who also previously worked in the sport in various roles.
Those in the sport remembered Ryan Pemberton on Monday:
Incredibly sad to hear the news today.. I worked with Ryan a lot in my younger years and he was a huge part in me getting my first shot at crew chiefing at MB2. I always thought a lot of him, and his family.
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) January 15, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Andrea and the girls. RIP.. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/jIc6TqFLKQ
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ryan Pemberton, who passed yesterday. I met Ryan when he came to work for my Dad and we became close friends. Ryan always made me laugh. He won races as a crew chief and led JRM as the competition director. He will be missed! pic.twitter.com/EMttoFsOhF
— Doug Yates (@Yates_Doug) January 15, 2024
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Ryan Pemberton's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/NDs6QCa6Ks
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) January 15, 2024
Was lucky enough to work for Ryan Pemberton for a few years at RedBull Racing. Also won my first Cup series race at Michigan in 2009 with RP calling the shots.
— Chris Lambert (@3widemiddle) January 15, 2024
Godspeed RP! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/Zw6qgmqYcP
I’m so saddened to hear about the loss of Ryan Pemberton. Truly one of the greats. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.#Godspeed #RipRyan
— Jimmy Means Racing (@MeansRacing52) January 15, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pemberton family. Ryan was a big part of my decision to move to North Carolina and I'm thankful for the opportunities he gave me early on in my career.
— Jonathan Hassler (@jhass_03) January 16, 2024
