It’s been a somber and emotional week for the NASCAR community. The recent passing of veteran motorsports journalist Al Pearce and the unexpected demise of Jon Edwards, longtime PR director for Hendrick Motorsports, have cast a shadow over the sport. As tributes pour in for these beloved figures, another piece of heartbreaking news emerged, this time, a deeply personal loss for a former NASCAR driver.

Gray Gaulding reeled under personal setbacks in 2024 that put his career on pause, and with no plans of getting back to the racetrack in 2025, he had been out of the spotlight. However, recently shared the saddening news of his grandmother Coral’s passing.

In an emotional Instagram story, Gaulding described her as the “strongest woman” he had ever known and recounted a cherished memory of before a race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Gaulding posted a picture of himself saying prayers at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and beside him stood Coral, sporting a charismatic smile and hugging him. “Very bittersweet today. I know it’s Easter and it’s supposed to be a great day but unfortunately I got the news in church today with my family that my Grandma Coral passed away late last night…gonna miss this woman terribly. This picture was me and her saying the prayer before the Homestead race. Just really gonna miss her! Strongest woman I’ve ever known, and we love you and miss you already grandma! We know you will always look down on us ❤️rip,” wrote Gaulding in the Instagram story.

Gray Gaulding last competed in 2023 when he made 11 starts in the Xfinity Series and one in the Cup Series. Racing for SS-Green Light Racing, Gaulding fetched a pair of top-ten finishes in Xfinity. Although the Daytona runner-up finisher has no plans yet, he may come back soon.

Since 2014, Gray Gaulding has made 19 starts in the Craftsman Truck Series, 79 in Xfinity, and 60 in Cup. Gaulding dazzled best in a pair of runner-up efforts in Xfinity – in 2019 at Talladega and 2020 at Daytona. But part of the force that drove him to those good finishes is gone now.

Gray Gaulding last competed in 2023 when he made 11 starts in the Xfinity Series and one in the Cup Series. Racing for SS-Green Light Racing, Gaulding fetched a pair of top-ten finishes in Xfinity. Although the Daytona runner-up finisher has no plans yet, he may come back soon. After all, paying tribute to his lost loved one may be on top of his priorities.

Notably, back in 2014, Gaulding turned his No. 20 Gemini Southern Chevrolet pink in order to honor his grandmother Gloria.

Gaulding’s pink gesture at Martinsville Speedway

In 2014, Gaulding paid tribute to his grandmother Gloria, a breast cancer survivor, by turning his NASCAR truck pink for the Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway. Gaulding wanted to raise awareness, and his truck featured the names of friends who have fought or are currently fighting breast cancer. 

“I was only two when my grandma Gloria got diagnosed with breast cancer. I really don’t remember a whole lot about it, but have learned over the years how it impacted her life and my whole families” said Gaulding. “Anytime we can help raise awareness shines a little bit of light for my grandma, as she is my number one fan and supporter.”

It’s been a week of sorrow for the NASCAR community, now deepened by the loss of Gray Gaulding’s beloved grandmother. We at EssentiallySports offer Gaulding our deepest condolences.