NASCAR: Daytona 500 winner Marvin Panch dies at 89

One of the early legends of NASCAR, Marvin Panch, passed away on Dec. 31. He was 89.

According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Panch was found unresponsive in his car and was subsequently pronounced dead from natural causes.

Panch – pictured above by Daytona International Speedway during its repaving operation in 2010 – raced in NASCAR in the 1950s and '60s and is best known for his 1961 Daytona 500 victory while driving for Smokey Yunick. In all he scored 17 victories during a 15-year career.

Panch was inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame in 1987 and was named one of the top 50 drivers in NASCAR history during the sanctioning body's 50th anniversary season in 1998.

NASCAR released the following statement on Panch's passing:

"For more than 60 years, Marvin Panch was a familiar and friendly face around NASCAR and Daytona Beach. He was one of the true pioneers of the sport, winning races across several NASCAR divisions, including the 1961 Daytona 500. As one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers, he represented the sport with class both on and off the track. Marvin will be missed dearly, especially as we approach Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway, where he was a fixture."