NASCAR technical director Peterson, 58, dies at home

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR technical director Steve Peterson, 58, was found dead at his home Tuesday from what appears to be natural causes. Peterson began his NASCAR career in January 1995 and led many of NASCAR's safety initiatives including development and installation of SAFER barriers, management and approval of head and neck restraints and improved seat belts, and coordination of the safety features in NASCAR's new car.

Peterson

"Steve's accomplishments to increase driver safety will continue to be a benefit to every NASCAR driver that gets behind the wheel for generations to come," NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve's family and friends; he will certainly be missed throughout the NASCAR community."

Peterson worked closely with many recognized national and international motorsports organizations and was the recipient of the 2006 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Motorsports Achievement Award. SAE presents this award to the individual that has shown outstanding leadership or contribution to motorsports over an extended period of time.

"Steve was a tireless worker and passionate about all aspects of safety including the car, the track and the driver," NASCAR president Mike Helton said. "Steve was our R&D effort long before there was a formal one. His accomplishments were recognized in motorsports worldwide."

In 1982, Peterson served as a crew chief for Cup Series driver Mark Martin and had experience as a race team engineer and design engineer. He was an avid go-karter and lifetime member of the World Karting Association. Peterson could often be found running laps at local go-kart tracks.

A graduate of Western Michigan University, Peterson had more than 25 years of experience in the automotive engineering industry. He lived in Concord, N.C.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Also:
• Harraka remembers friend, mentor for racing passion

Editor's Note: Mark Aumann visited with Steve Peterson this past April as part of a five-part series on the Research & Development Center.
• Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5