Former and current NASCAR drivers mourned the passing of former Truck Series owner Mike Mittler on Friday. Mittler was 67.
Mittler’s Truck teams competed in 301 series races from 1995-2018. Although his team never won a Truck race, it made an impact in NASCAR, providing rides for such drivers as Carl Edwards, Jamie McMurray, Justin Allgaier and Brad Keselowski, among others. Copp Motorsports announced before the season it was dedicating the year to Mittler. The team changed its number from 83 to 63.
“If it wasn’t for people like Mike who have paved the way, we wouldn’t have the opportunities that we have now to participate in NASCAR,” Copp Motorsports owner DJ Copp said.
Mittler stated Oct. 3, 2017, on his Facebook page that he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He stated in that posting that he had his first chemo treatment that day and was at the shop after the treatment.
Many in the sport paid tribute to Mittler on Friday.
Chris Blair, executive vice president and general manager of World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, stated about Mittler: “Mike was special. He was a great man who inspired many. I value each moment shared with him through the years, especially those in the garage along with my son.”
Here is what others in the sport said about Mittler:
Lost a dear friend today. Mike Mittler gave me my first big break in NASCAR. He loved racing as much or more than anyone I have ever been around. I will always cherish the time I spent racing for Mike and his wife Bev. pic.twitter.com/0wpmJ74wKI
— Jamie McMurray (@jamiemcmurray) May 11, 2019
My prayers to Bev Mittler and family and everyone at @mittler_bros pic.twitter.com/aULpvwPgJW
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) May 10, 2019
If you drove a race car in the Midwest you dreamed of Mike finding you. He gave a lot of racers the opportunity of a lifetime in his trucks. 2 of them became superstars! https://t.co/WTwYajiHvJ
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) May 11, 2019
Sorry to hear that legendary @NASCAR and short track racer Mike Mittler passed away today. Mike helped a lot of young drivers get their start and built equipment that we all use in our shops everyday. Thank you Mike.
— David Ragan (@DavidRagan) May 10, 2019
Knew the day was coming we would lose Mike Mittler but it doesn't make it any easier. Our family has been tight with Mike for 20+ years &sold most of our trucks to him when we shut down. I helped Mike at Martinsville a couple years ago and we finished really well. God speed buddy
— Brian Keselowski (@KeselowskiBrian) May 11, 2019
Devastated to lose a friend and mentor to Cancer today. Somethings just don’t make sense...
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) May 10, 2019
Well said Kenny. He helped me get to where I’m at today like he selflessly did for so many others in Motorsports today.
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) May 11, 2019
I was planning to go see him tomorrow morning in his house in St. Louis. So sad to not get to say goodbye. https://t.co/8TtnYY72Fc
