Former NASCAR driver Eric McClure dies at 42

Former NASCAR Xfinity Series driver and Southwest Virginia native Eric McClure has passed away.

NASCAR officials confirmed the driver’s death on Sunday afternoon on social media posts. McClure was from Chilhowie and graduated from Emory and Henry College before spending 14 years as a driver in NASCAR’s second highest touring division. His best career finish came at the 2013 Drive4COPD 300 at Daytona when he crossed the line 8th, and made his last start at the same track in 2016.

McClure was 42 years old.

Photo Courtesy: FILE – In this July 5, 2013 file photo, Eric McClure gets out of his car after finishing his laps during qualifying for a NASCAR Nationwide auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Former NASCAR driver McClure died Sunday, May 2, 2021, his family and the series said. He was 42. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)