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Ex-NASCAR driver Eric McClure dies at 42; autopsy pending

Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP

FILE - In this July 5, 2013 file photo, Eric McClure gets out of his car after finishing his laps during qualifying for a NASCAR Nationwide auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Former NASCAR driver McClure died Sunday, May 2, 2021, his family and the series said. He was 42. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

By: The Associated Press

Posted at 6:59 PM, May 02, 2021

and last updated 2021-05-02 19:02:29-04

ABINGDON, Va. -- Former NASCAR driver Eric McClure died Sunday at the age of 42.

His death was confirmed by both NASCAR and his family, but no details were given.

The sheriff's office in Washington County, Virginia, says McClure’s body was sent to Roanoke for an autopsy.

McClure had posted on social media as recently as Saturday.

He last raced in 2016. McClure made 288 career starts over 14 seasons with a career-best finish of eighth at Daytona in 2013.

Last October he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor domestic violence charge against his now-estranged wife.

McClure’s career was cut short by health issues. He suffered at least two concussions and said in 2013 he had been diagnosed with acute renal failure.