Once a speedster, always a speedster. That was also the case with Johnny Roten, Performance Director of Front Row Motorsports. He would find the most peace at a racetrack or on his black Harley-Davidson bike that he proudly rode around his neighborhood.

But the NASCAR world was shocked to learn that he passed away at the age of 60, just 10 days after his birthday.

The FRM team wrote in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our Performance Director, Johnny Roten. Johnny has been an integral part of Front Row Motorsports for the last 3 years and the NASCAR community for well over three decades.

“His presence and personality will be deeply missed.”

Michael McDowell, who spent seven years at Front Row Motorsports, also paid tribute to Roten on social media. In a post on X, the Cup Series driver wrote, “Johnny was a great man that worked his tail off for us to have success. He would do whatever it took to get it done. Very sad for all of his Family, Friends and teammate’s. He will be missed.”

Roten dedicated more than 30 years of his life to building, leading, and inspiring race teams across multiple racing series. It all started with Junior Johnson, a Wilkes County legend, for whom he was a brake specialist. He also worked as a crew member for Bill Elliot for many years before moving to Colorado in 2008. But he had big dreams.

He relocated back to North Carolina, the place he was born, had found success with the Truck Series Championship, the ARCA Championship, and many wins and poles with various teams. However, better things were yet to come.

It was in 2022 that he found what he was looking for. He was welcomed at Front Row Motorsports, Mooresville, NC, as the Performance Director. Under his guidance, the team became the Indianapolis Cup Winner, witnessed 7 Cup Series poles, 14 Truck Series wins, and 7 Truck Series poles.

As per his obituary, Roten was preceded in death by his father, John Luke Roten.

Roten is survived by his wife, Tamara, his mother, Ruth, his sons Jonathan and Adam, and his daughters Bri and Chelcie. He is also survived by his brothers Tony, Ricky, sister Shirley, grandson Jase, and granddaughters Olivia, Natalee, and Aspen.

The family will hold a celebration of life will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Miller Funeral Chapel. They will receive friends from 11:00 until 1:30 on Saturday, before the service.

A loss felt throughout the garage and fanbase

Roten’s career covered some of the biggest changes in NASCAR’s history. From the older Cup cars of the 1990s to the aero-focused vehicles of the 2000s, to the new technology teams use today, he saw it all. Those who worked with him often said he had the rare ability to mix old-school racing instinct with modern engineering. That combination earned him the trust of teams to make major performance decisions.

Reacting to the news of his death, social media users wrote:

• “So heartbroken. We love Johnny so much.”
• “God rest his soul, so sorry for y’alls loss. Will be praying.”

He also made a huge impact on younger crew members and engineers. Many looked up to him for advice. People in the garage often said he wasn’t the type to just give orders. He took time to explain things, help people learn, and push them to be better. In a sport where pressure never goes away, and tiny mistakes can make or break a race, having someone calm and experienced around is special. Roten was exactly that kind of leader.

• “Very sad news. Thoughts are with Johnny’s family.”
• “Rest in peace Johnny. Fly high.”

When you spend more than 30 years in NASCAR, you meet almost everyone at some point: drivers, crew chiefs, engineers, officials, fabricators. Nearly everyone had some kind of story about Johnny Roten. Some remembered his jokes. Some remembered how well he handled tough situations. Others remembered how he checked in on people when he sensed they were struggling.

• “An amazing man who will be missed so much!”

The garage will keep moving, and the races will go on, but this week everything feels heavier. Johnny Roten reminded everyone that NASCAR is not just about speed, trophies, or horsepower. It’s also about the people who make the sport run. And sadly, this week, the sport lost one of its good ones.