The thrill of NASCAR lies in its enduring nature; as a driver, you never truly retire. Instead, you continue honing your skills and preparing for new roles. Eddie Wood, the eldest son of Glen Wood, the founder of Wood Brothers Racing, exemplifies this spirit. With a remarkable career in NASCAR and as an advocate for the Hall of Fame, Eddie Wood has built a legacy that few can match.
Following his departure as president of the iconic Wood Brothers Racing, rumors swirled about whether Eddie might be ready to close the chapter on his career. Recently, Jon Wood, Eddie’s eldest son and the third-generation owner of Wood Brothers Racing, shed light on his father’s enduring relationship with NASCAR.
At 71, an age when many might consider stepping away from the fast-paced world of racing, Eddie Wood shows no signs of slowing down. As the face of NASCAR’s oldest operating team, he has played a pivotal role in the sport’s history. Even after undergoing heart surgery at 65, Eddie’s passion for racing remains undiminished. Although he has taken a step back from daily operations, now overseen by Jon, this shift is far from a farewell. Jon, himself a seasoned driver with over 208 races in NASCAR’s national series between 2001 and 2008, is well-equipped to carry the family’s legacy forward.
Jon Wood reflected on his father’s unwavering dedication, saying, “I don’t think we have traditions. If you ask my dad or Len what they’re most proud of, the conversation often turns to the museum in Stuart rather than the race shop. That’s where their hearts truly lie—not in the day-to-day of current racing, though they live for that too. People often ask if they plan to retire, but NASCAR isn’t a business you retire from. It’s something you’re either fully in, or you’re forced out. It’s not like you wake up one day and decide to start fishing. Look at Mr. Penske, who’s in his late 80s, or Richard Childress—this isn’t a sport you age out of. It’s your hobby, your passion, and it stays with you until the very end.”
Jon’s words perfectly encapsulate Eddie Wood’s relentless passion for racing—a commitment that goes beyond age or circumstance. For Eddie, leaving the track is not an option. NASCAR is his lifeblood, an intrinsic part of his identity and the legacy he continues to nurture.
Eddie’s connection to NASCAR runs deep, much like that of any racing legend whose heart and soul are tied to the track. Wood Brothers Racing began as a venture led by three siblings—Glen, Delano, and Leonard. While Glen took the wheel, earning four Grand National victories, Delano and Leonard handled the mechanical aspects. Together, they built a team that would go on to hire legendary drivers like Fred Lorenzen and Bill Elliott, setting the foundation for a storied legacy.
However, Eddie has expressed disappointment with some aspects of modern NASCAR. The rise of aggressive driving, on-track violence, and the playoff format has left him disillusioned. These changes often disadvantage consistent performers who deserve a fair shot at success. Moreover, evolving racing strategies have shifted the sport in ways that don’t always align with his vision.
Eddie Wood’s dedication to NASCAR, grounded in the traditions and values of the Wood Brothers, serves as a powerful reminder that passion knows no bounds. As the sport continues to evolve, Eddie stands as a testament to the spirit of true racing, showing that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing what you love. NASCAR isn’t just in his life—it’s a part of who he is.
