Three-time ARCA Menards Series champion Tim Steele died on Jan. 7. He was 55 years old.
Steele, who according to published reports died of a stroke, was among the most successful ARCA drivers of all time, dominating the series during the mid-1990s.
Steele, who won ARCA titles in 1993, 1996 and 1997, won 23 races in the series between 1996 and 1997 and was a 41-time winner in the series overall.
Steele seemed on the fast track to a successful career in NASCAR racing but was injured in a crash at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1997, suffering concussion-like symptoms. He was never as successful after that incident, suffering through numerous health issues.
Steele made 13 starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 10 in the Xfinity Series and five in the Cup Series.
“Condolences to the family, friends and fans of three-time ARCA Menards Series champion Tim Steele, who has died at the age of 55,” read a statement from ARCA officials posted on X. “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.”
Steele was inducted into the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2009.