NASCAR driver shares heartbreaking news of former Tony Stewart spotter Bob Jeffery’s death - “He’s got the best view now”

Tony Stewart's final Cup Series championship-winning spotter Bob Jeffrey has tragically passed away. The NASCAR and IndyCar spotter was a top brass of his discipline and helped two NASCAR drivers come home with a Cup title.

Having worked for decades in the motorsports fraternity, Jeffrey etched his name as one of the legendary spotters and had close ties with several drivers like Dale Jarrett, Tony Stewart, Pato O'Ward, and many more. One among them is a part-time Xfinity Series driver for JD Motorsports, Garrett Smithley, who had a long stint with Bob Jeffrey. Upon learning of the demise of his former spotter, Smithley penned down his heartfelt condolences on X (formerly Twitter).

"Just learned that we lost Bob Jeffery. Bob was my first long-term spotter in NASCAR. Happened to spot for my favorite driver, Dale Jarrett. Bob was one of the best people I’ve ever met in the garage. He’s always been the “Eye in the sky”, but I know he’s got the best view now. Prayers for his friends and family. Thanks for keeping me safe all those years. 🙏🏻," Smithley wrote.

While the crew chief and race engineers can help the driver work on his car and ensure a pristine condition, the spotter's job is quite different. Not only do they have to endure the weather conditions when they stand atop a grandstand or a support tower with their binoculars on, but their attention to detail as to what's ensuing on the asphalt plays a crucial role in making or breaking a driver's stint.

And this is where, Bob Jeffrey outperformed several other spotters.

Decades ago in 1999, Jeffrey guided the 3x Daytona 500 winner Dale Jarrett in sealing his only Cup Series championship. Twelve seasons later in 2011, the eagle-eyed Bob Jeffrey, helped Tony Stewart rake in five wins, nine top-5s, and 19 top-10s to register Stewart's third Cup Series title and his second as a spotter. He also spotted for Danica Patrick at her final IndyCar season in 2018 and most recently, did the job for Pato O' Ward.

NASCAR insiders offer their condolences after the death of Tony Stewart's former spotter

Bob Jeffrey stepped into NASCAR in 1981 and was running in his 44th year, amassing a huge following both inside and outside the tracks. Shortly after the saddening news of Tony Stewart's former spotter's death did rounds in the community, several NASCAR insiders penned their condolences.

Bubba Wallace's spotter Freddie Kraft outlined the bubbly persona of Jeffrey and wrote:

"We lost of the best today. You never had a bad time with Bob Jeffrey. Always a smile on his face, and a story to tell. RIP Buddy." (via X).

RFK Racing's Quality Control Specialist Brian Murphy expressed being "fortunate" to have met Bob Jeffrey and outlined the latter's passion for the sport.

"I was very fortunate to meet Bob (@EyeInTheSky14) many times throughout my motorsport endeavors. His love and passion for not only the sport but the people within, was immense. RIP Bob Jeffrey. 🙏🏻," Murphy wrote.

NASCAR Regional's Brandon White unveiled that Tony Stewart's former spotter remained significant in the industry despite working for decades.

"I remember when Bob Jeffrey was spotting for Dale Jarrett a couple of decades ago. He's been around for as long as I remember and was still heavily involved with the industry. May he rest in peace," White mentioned.

NASCAR spotter Brett Griffin gave his condolences and wrote about sharing the Michelob Ultra beer when the duo meet in heaven.

"RIP ole friend. We will drink heaven outta Mich Ultra when I get there," Griffin wrote.