Who Was Tim Steele? Three-Time ARCA Menards Series Champion Dies At 55; Cause Of Death Revealed

At 55, Tim Steele, one of the most accomplished racers in ARCA Menards Series history, passed away on Sunday, January 7.

A Daughter’s Letter To Her Dad

In an update issued on Sunday morning, Kelsey Slade, his daughter, wrote: “This morning, my dad peacefully took the checkered flag here on earth.” His racing passion and crazy attitude drove an exciting existence always at full speed. Although his achievements on the racetrack were well-known, his most outstanding achievement was undoubtedly becoming a father and grandfather. I love you, Dad, and Godspeed.

Condolences to the family, friends and fans of three-time ARCA Menards Series champion Tim Steele, who has died at the age of 55. Over the course of his ARCA career, he won 41 times, third all-time, and collected 31 poles. Tim will be missed by all in the ARCA community. pic.twitter.com/h7phQIXldO

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) January 7, 2024

Who Was Tim Steele?

Steele was forced to miss the season finale in 1997 due to a head injury he received in a racing accident during the ARCA Menards Series. However, he was still able to win the championship.

Steele returned to the ARCA in June 1998 and won at Pocono Raceway. He won four of his six races in the series comeback. This includes the second Pocono event and back-to-back victories at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Steele ran infrequently for the remainder of his career after finishing eighth in the standings in 2001 after winning four times.

Tim Steele: Celebrating The Legend

Steele, a Coopersville, Michigan, native, finished in the top five of the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway just once in 1997, despite making 28 appearances in the NASCAR National Series between 1992 and 1999. He, however, gained most of his notoriety as a competitor in the ARCA Menards Series, where, in a 15-year career, he won three titles and 41 races overall.

Steele is third all-time with 41 victories and second all-time in ARCA championships, behind only Frank Kimmel.

ARCA Menards Series fans will also remember the famous driver for his fantastic run of dominance in 1996 and 1997, during which time Steele won 23 races in a row, setting a new record.

Before the 2007 ARCA Menards Series season, Steele declared his retirement. He had an incredible career with 146 starts, 41 wins, 86 top-five finishes, and 101 finishes inside the top-10. We pray that his soul rests in peace.

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