Former NASCAR owner and Hilton Head resident dies

Former NASCAR team owner Harry White Scott Jr., of Hilton Head Island, died Wednesday. He was 51.

His family said in statement that he died but did not disclose details.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Luke’s Church on the island, according to The Island Funeral Home and Crematory.

“Harry will be remembered as a loving family man and successful business owner. We ask that everyone please keep Harry’s smile, generosity and essential kindness in your thoughts and prayers,” the family’s statement said.

Scott owned HScott Motorsports, which ran teams in the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup series from 2013 until last season.

Clint Bowyer and Michael Annett had full-time rides with HSM in 2016. The team said in December it wouldn’t compete in the Cup series because of a lack of sponsors. Bowyer replaced Tony Stewart at Stewart-Haas Racing this season.

Team co-owner Justin Marks posted on Twitter: “I know he took tremendous pride in seeing every one of our drivers at HScott Motorsports ... realizing their dreams and starting their journey in our cars. Harry loved racing and was truly committed to seeing success across all of his teams. Without his commitment to the sport many would not have had the opportunity to ascend to positions they hold today. My thoughts are with Harry’s friends and family during this difficult time. I’ll always remember my first business partner in NASCAR with gratitude, pride, and joy.”

NASCAR.com reported that racing teams in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series at Watkins Glen International this weekend would honor Scott with car decals featuring his name and team logo.

The sanctioning body of NASCAR issued this statement: “Harry Scott Jr. possessed an endless passion for racing. Owning cars in the national series and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, his crowning achievements were his NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championships. The sport was proud to have Harry as our champion owner during that storybook era. NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Scott was a native of Raleigh, N.C., who started his first business while still a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was his first and only employee and “within 10 years he built the leading hospital revenue cycle consulting company in North Carolina,” according to his race team website.

He loved the outdoors and adventure, the site says, including boating, hunting and fishing.

Scott is survived by his wife, Lori Scott.

This story was originally published August 4, 2017 at 6:44 PM with the headline "Former NASCAR owner and Hilton Head resident dies."