REST IN PEACE: Two NASCAR Drivers Tragically Killed in Car Accident Following Atlanta Victory Celebration with Joey Logano
Atlanta, GA – May 17, 2025
In a devastating turn of events, the NASCAR community is mourning the tragic loss of two young drivers who were killed in a car accident late Saturday night after celebrating Joey Logano’s thrilling victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the fatal crash occurred shortly after midnight on I-75 North, just outside of Atlanta. Authorities confirmed that the vehicle, a high-performance sports car, was traveling at a high rate of speed when it lost control and collided with a guardrail before flipping multiple times. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
The two drivers have been identified as 24-year-old Caleb Martin and 22-year-old Ryan Prescott, up-and-coming talents in NASCAR’s Xfinity and Truck Series, respectively. Both had spent the evening celebrating with Team Penske driver Joey Logano, who captured an emotional and hard-fought win earlier in the day at the Ambetter Health 400.
Logano, who was not involved in the accident, issued a heartfelt statement early Sunday morning through his team’s public relations office:
> “I am completely heartbroken. Caleb and Ryan were more than just competitors — they were friends, part of this NASCAR family, and had so much life and potential ahead of them. We had a great night celebrating the win, and to wake up to this kind of news is just devastating. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and everyone who knew and loved them.”
Both Martin and Prescott were considered rising stars in the sport. Martin had just recorded his best finish of the season in the Xfinity Series and had been rumored to be in talks for a full-time Cup Series ride in 2026. Prescott, meanwhile, had recently signed a development contract with a top-tier team and was scheduled to test a Cup car for the first time later this month.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene within minutes of the crash but reported that the impact was too severe for survival. Investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the accident, though early indications suggest excessive speed played a role. Toxicology reports are pending.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps issued an official statement on Sunday morning:
> “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Caleb Martin and Ryan Prescott. These young men represented the future of our sport, and their energy, talent, and passion were admired by everyone in the NASCAR community. Our thoughts are with their families, teams, and fans at this incredibly difficult time.”
Tributes have been pouring in from across the motorsports world. Fellow drivers, crew members, and fans flooded social media with condolences, sharing memories of both men’s competitive spirit and kindness off the track.
Cup Series champion Chase Elliott tweeted, “Absolutely gutted to hear about Caleb and Ryan. Two great dudes with huge hearts and bigger dreams. This one hurts.”
A moment of silence is expected before next week’s race at Darlington Raceway, and several teams have already announced plans to run tribute decals on their cars in memory of the fallen drivers.
The accident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life, even among those who face danger professionally on the racetrack. The entire NASCAR community, so often bound by fierce competition, now stands united in grief.
As the investigation continues and the sport prepares to honor two of its own, fans are left to reflect on the legacy Caleb Martin and Ryan Prescott leave behind — not just as racers, but as young men full of passion, promise, and camaraderie.
