MEMPHIS TN (February 26) - Jake Elder, one of the true legends of NASCAR, died yesterday from complications arising from a stroke suffered in 2006.  Elder was 73 years old and has been heralded as one of the sport's greatest chassis set-up experts and crew chiefs.  During his career, he worked with such stars as Richard Petty, David Pearson, Darrell Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt.  Elder and Pearson teamed to capture both the 1968 and 1969 NASCAR SPRINT CUP Championships.

"I am saddened to learn of the loss of Jake," remarked James Hylton "everybody knew him and loved him.  He left an incredible mark on our sport and will be deeply missed."  Hylton was third in the 1971 SPRINT Cup points total to the champion Holman-Moody team of Pearson and Elder and second-place Petty Enterprises.