Carteret County Speedway Owner Bobby Watson passed away late Thursday evening at the age of 66.

Watson passed away at his home at the race track around 7:15 EST. His health issues caused the track’s 2018 season to be in question before an interim general manager was named for the track.

“We are saddened to confirm the death of track owner Bobby Watson,” Carteret County Speedway Public Relations Director Andy Marquis said. “Bobby was a great man and a great track owner. The entire racing community will mourn him.”

A North Carolina-native born in Durham, Watson had a love for stock car racing and was a kart promoter in Rougemont before working to open the Carteret County Speedway kart track.

Later, after nearly a decade of construction, Carteret County Speedway reopened in 2015 as a pavement short track, bolstering the track to host premier events like the CARS Tour and two popular Limited Late Model events that generated an “unrivaled buzz” for the track.

Watson was known for his positive attitude, relentless work ethic and his love for country, which included more than 100 American flags that fly on the race track’s property.

Watson is survived by two sons, Bobby Watson, Jr. and Cam Watson, grandchildren Carter Watson and Frankie Watson, brothers Ronnie Watson and Larry Watson, and girlfriend Scarlett Scott (pictured).

A victory celebration will be held for Watson on Saturday, October 20, at Carteret County Speedway beginning at 11:30 a.m.