Robbie Brewer was a highly regarded short-track racing driver based in the Carolinas, specifically racing at Winston‑Salem’s famed Bowman Gray Stadium. A fixture at the “Madhouse,” he amassed 311 starts, secured 11 Sportsman division wins, and claimed the 2011 Sportsman championship.
Beyond the Sportsman division, Brewer excelled in regional 602 Modified and Late Model racing—achieving 12 wins in 21 starts between 2018 and 2019 and capturing the 2016 602 Super Limited (Late Model) Series championship.
On August 9, 2025, during the first of two 20-lap Sportsman races, Brewer’s car suddenly veered at turn 4 after a restart with just four laps remaining, crashing nearly head-on into the wall. It’s reported that he suffered a heart attack while in the car, leading to the loss of control. He was extracted from his vehicle by safety crews, taken to a hospital, and sadly passed away the next morning at age 53.
Brewer’s passing marked a somber moment for the racing community, becoming the fifth fatality in Bowman Gray Stadium’s long history and the first in over 20 years. The previous incident also involved a heart-related event during a race in 2002.
Age & Details
At the time of his death, Robbie Brewer was 53 years old. He tragically passed away following a heart-related medical incident during a Sportsman division race at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on August 9, 2025. After crashing near turn 4, he was transported to a local hospital and died the next morning, August 10, 2025.
Early Life, Family & Education
Unfortunately, there’s very limited public information available about Robbie Brewer’s early life, educational background, or family history. What is known is deeply rooted in the racing world rather than personal archives.
Family & Personal Tributes
In the wake of his death, Brewer’s daughter, Courtney Marquette, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media. She wrote that after losing her father, “many people just lost a best friend, mentor, their shit-talking buddy, or someone they could just have a great time with,” and praised his “contagious smile.” She also emphasized his mechanical ability and unwavering passion for racing, noting, “There wasn’t much my dad couldn’t fix/do when it came to his cars …he left this world doing what he loved.”
Racing Career
Bowman Gray Stadium Legacy
Robbie Brewer’s identity and career were inseparable from Bowman Gray Stadium, one of the oldest and most storied asphalt short tracks in the nation. Over the years, he amassed an impressive total of 311 starts across division classes like Sportsman, Tour-Type Modified, and Stadium Stock. He secured 11 career wins in the Sportsman division and earned the title of 2011 Sportsman division champion—a testament to his sustained skill and resilience.
Regional Success in 602 Modified & Late Models
Beyond Bowman Gray, Brewer drew attention across the region competing in 602 Modified events. He achieved 12 wins in just 21 races between 2018 and 2019, culminating in back-to-back 602 Modified Tour championships. He also claimed the 2016 602 Super Limited (Late Model) series championship, further underscoring his versatility behind the wheel.
Memorable Moments & Reputation
Brewer’s reputation was built on more than statistics; it was about the energy, rivalries, and anecdotes that defined weekend races. One notable example involved an on-track altercation with John Holloman IV—tensions boiled after late-race contact, nearly culminating in Brewer confronting Holloman before officials intervened. This incident highlighted not only Brewer’s competitive fire but also his passion for the sport. Though less documented now, such stories embroidered the lore around his career.
Accident & Death
On August 9, 2025, during a Sportsman division race at Bowman Gray Stadium, Brewer suffered a heart attack while still in his vehicle, just four laps short of the race’s conclusion. His car failed to respond exiting turn 4 and struck the wall at high speed. Safety officials extricated him from the car, but despite being rushed to the hospital, he passed away the following morning, August 10, 2025.
His death marked the fifth fatality in Bowman Gray Stadium’s long history—and the first to occur in over two decades. The prior tragic incident happened in 2002 when Bubba Beck also succumbed to a heart attack mid-race. Stadium officials released a statement expressing sorrow over his passing, lauding him as “a talented and passionate racer and a highly respected competitor,” while offering condolences to his family and friends.
Personal Life & Legacy
Though public records on Brewer’s personal life are limited, what stands out is the profound impact he had on those around him. His daughter’s tribute captured not only familial affection, but also how far-reaching his kindness and humor were within the racing community. With memories from peers and fans painting him as both an excellent driver and a beloved personality, Brewer’s legacy transcends racetrack results—he remains remembered as someone who brought joy, mentorship, and mechanical know-how to every interaction.
Conclusion
Robbie Brewer’s biography is a story of perseverance, regional pride, and a passion that blurred the lines between hobby and lifework. From mastering multiple racing divisions to solidifying his reputation as a fixture at Bowman Gray Stadium, he built a legacy grounded in loyalty, excellence, and genuine connection. His sudden passing in August 2025 left a void—but his spirit endures through the many lives he touched and the unforgettable races he ran.
FAQs
How old was Robbie Brewer when he died?
- He was 53 years old at the time of his passing.
When and where did the fatal crash occur?
- The incident happened on August 9, 2025, at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
What caused Robbie Brewer’s fatal accident?
- Brewer suffered a heart attack while racing, which caused him to lose control and crash. He died the next day.
How many starts and wins did he achieve at Bowman Gray Stadium?
- He made 311 total starts and won 11 races in the Sportsman division.
Which championships did Robbie Brewer win?
- He was the 2011 Bowman Gray Sportsman division champion, won the 2016 602 Super Limited (Late Model) series, and was a two-time 602 Modified Tour champion in 2018 and 2019.
Why was his death significant in the context of Bowman Gray Stadium?
- His was the fifth fatality in the track’s history, and the first since 2002.
What did his daughter say in her tribute?
- She described Brewer as a “best friend, mentor… someone they could just have a great time with,” noting his “contagious smile” and his ability to fix nearly anything.
Is there information about his early life or education?
- Public sources do not provide details on Brewer’s early life, schooling, or family background.
What made Brewer’s racing career stand out?
- His versatility across multiple vehicle classes, long-standing presence at a historic track, and his championships across various divisions showcased his adaptability and competitive spirit.
