Martin Truex Sr., longtime racer in NASCAR's northeastern ranks and father of Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Truex, died Friday at age 66.

Truex Sr., 66, was a native and longtime resident of Stafford, where he raised his daughter, Marsha McVey, and sons Martin Truex Jr., and Ryan Truex, both of whom grew up to become professional NASCAR racers, as well.

We are devastated by the loss of our father,” Martin Truex Jr. and his brother, Ryan Truex, said in a statement. “Simply put, he was our hero and a great man. We appreciate

Legendary racer Martin Truex Sr., father of NASCAR champions Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Truex, has passed away at the age of 66.

The father of Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Truex, Martin Truex Sr., has died at the age of 66. A statement from the family reads:

Martin Truex Sr., the father of former NASCAR champion Martin Truex Jr. has died, Truex and his brother said in a statement. He was 66.

The NASCAR community was shaken by the news of Martin Truex Sr.'s passing at the age of 66. In a heartfelt online statement, the Truex family shared their heartbreak over losing their father, whom they called their "hero.