Harry Scott Jr 1966 – 2017

Former NASCAR team owner Harry Scott Jr. passed away on Tuesday.

"We are shocked and saddened to confirm that Harry Scott Jr., age 51, passed away yesterday, August 2, 2017," said a statement issued by his family. "Harry will be remembered as a loving family man and successful business owner. We ask that everyone please keep Harry's smile, generosity, and essential kindness in your thoughts and prayers. Details about funeral services will be announced when they are finalized."

Scott most recently owned cars in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series from 2013 to 2016. He shut down the team after last season due to a lack of sponsorship, leaving drivers Michael Annett and Clint Bowyer to move on to other teams. Justin Allgaier spent the 2014 and 2015 season driving full-time for Scott in the Cup Series.

In 189 starts as a Cup Series owner, Scott earned four top-10 finishes. He also fielded entries in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series, starting out in a partnership with Steve Turner in 2013. He later partnered with Chip Ganassi for the 2015 Xfinity Series season with drivers Kyle Larson, Brennan Poole and Justin Marks.

It was with Marks that Scott also ran NASCAR K&N Pro Series East teams. The organization won three consecutive championships from 2014-2016. Current Camping World Truck Series competitors Ben Rhodes and Justin Haley earned the championship in 2014 and 2016, respectively. William Byron, who now competes in the Xfinity Series, took home the honor in 2015.

Said Marks on Twitter, "I will always remember Harry's infectious smile and kind laugh. I knew he took tremendous pride in seeing every one of our drivers at HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks realizing their dreams and starting their journey in our cars. Harry loved racing and was truly committed to seeing success across all of his teams.

"Without his commitment to the sport, many would not have had the opportunity to ascend to positions they hold today. My thoughts are with Harry's friends and family during this difficult time. I'll always remember my first business partner in NASCAR with gratitude, pride, and joy."

NASCAR paid tribute to Scott's "endless passion for racing" in a statement.

"Owning cars in the national series and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, his crowning achievements were his NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championships. The sport was proud to have Harry as our champion owner during that storybook era. NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Teams in both the Cup and Xfinity series will honor Scott at Watkins Glen with A-Post decals.

Many others in the NASCAR community have also paid tribute to Scott on social media.