NASCAR lost a great one this week with the passing of legendary journalist Steve Waid at the age of 77.

Waid, who enjoyed a long and distinguished career covering the sport he loved, died on Monday afternoon after a long and brave fight against cancer.

The news led to a massive outpouring of love from the NASCAR community with many of the sport's great names showcasing the love and respect they had for a journalistic legend.

Hall of Fame pays Steve Waid tribute

The NASCAR Hall of Fame released a statement upon Steve's passing, which read: "The NASCAR Hall of Fame is saddened to learn of the passing of 2019 Squier-Hall Award for Media Excellence Recipient Steve Waid. An admired face in the NASCAR garage for more than 40 years, Waid covered his first race in 1971 at Martinsville Speedway.

"He quickly earned the trust and respect of NASCAR drivers, and in 1981 he moved to the weekly NASCAR publication Grand National Scene - later called NASCAR Scene. It was there that Waid cemented his legacy as a media titan in the NASCAR industry, serving as a writer and executive editor for the publication.

"Through the years, Waid won numerous writing awards and also served as longtime president of the National Motorsports Press Association. He and his close friend and fellow Squier-Hall award recipient Tom Higgins wrote: "Junior Johnson: Brave In Life". the definitive biography of the Class of 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee. Both trusted by drivers and owners in the garage and adored by his readers at home, Waid retired from full-time reporting in 2010.

"We send our prayers to the Waid family at this difficult time."

NASCAR greats remember Steve Waid

So many of NASCAR's biggest names have remembered Waid in the last 24 hours, here are just a few of those wonderful messages:

Jeff Gluck (The Athletic): I was 25 when I first met Steve Waid while covering a race in Indianapolis. For whatever reason, he invited me to grab a bite at the old Union Jack Pub near the track. I told him about my career goals and he listened and actually made me feel for the first time ever that they were possible. I could not believe someone as legendary in the NASCAR media as he was would even give me the time of day, let alone be so encouraging. Such a kind man. And as it turned out, we later got to work together at NASCAR Scene. I’d pop into his office and hang on every word. What a legend. You’ll be missed, Steve.

Mike Joy (FOX Sports broadcaster): Sad news. Steve was a great guy, a gifted writer and had the ear and respect of everyone in the garage area. In addition to his work at the Roanoke Times and Grand National/ Winston Cup Scene, he and Tom Higgins co-wrote a great biography of Junior Johnson.

Kyle Petty: From the very first time I sat in a race car, Steve Waid was writing about it. I spent a large portion of my NASCAR years reading and believing everything Steve Waid wrote. He could find a story when others couldn’t. Racing journalists were a different breed then. And he was at the top of that list. God Speed.

Jordan Bianchi (The Athletic): Steve Waid was a great reporter and an even better person. I did not know Steve well, but the interactions we had were always memorable for me as he was an encyclopedia of knowledge and always encouraging.

Bob Pockrass (FOX Sports): Sad news. Steve Waid was a joy to work with at NASCAR Scene and Illustrated. His wealth of knowledge was only surpassed by his abundance of kindness. RIP.

Mark Martin: This is gut wrenching. Steve was covering NASCAR when I showed up and was always solid. I have lots of fond memories.

Kenny Wallace: Oh my. Sigh 😔 Steve Waid was one of the original Media personalities in NASCAR, Steve was really good to me. My prayers to his family ❤️

Kelly Crandall: Steve Waid was truly one of the best in the business but he was an even better person. It didn’t matter if you were a media veteran or fresh meat, he had the time and respect. When we worked together years ago, he always, always made me laugh because he treated me as the boss and wanted my instructions. It was completely ridiculous. All he wanted was a place to keep talking about the sport he loved. And he did it very well for many years.

Our thoughts at this difficult time are very much with Steve's family and friends.