The dirt late model racing community, particularly in the Southeast, is mourning the loss of a legendary figure with the passing of crew chief and long-time crew member Donnie Carroll.
Carroll’s death has drawn an outpouring of grief from across the sport, where he was revered not just for his mechanical expertise but for his decades of dedication to some of racing’s biggest names.
As confirmed by friends and colleagues, Carroll was a pivotal crew member for Hall of Fame drivers Skip Arp and Freddie Smith, former Southern All Stars (SAS) champion Roger Best, and most recently worked with driver Brandon Kinzer. His skill was most recently showcased as the crew chief for Skip Arp’s 2023 Topless Outlaws championship-winning season.
“Donnie is a legend in dirt late model racing, especially in the Southeast,” said Scott, a friend since the 1990s who shared the news publicly. “I have personally been friends with Donnie since the ’90s and was just with him last weekend at our banquet. He was a great friend and an irreplaceable part of our racing family.”
Carroll’s career embodied the behind-the-scenes heart of the sport—the skilled technicians who fine-tune machines and craft strategies that lead to victory. His knowledge and work ethic earned him the deep respect of champions and fellow crew members alike.
The news has prompted a wave of condolences from drivers, teams, and fans on social media, all remembering him as a cornerstone of the paddock and a true friend.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The loss leaves a significant void in the tight-knit dirt racing world, where Donnie Carroll’s legacy will be remembered every time a car he helped build takes to the track.