J.D. Gibbs passes away at the age of 49

Joe Gibbs Racing confirmed the loss of J.D. (Jason Dean) Gibbs in a release that read as follows: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Gibbs Racing Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, J.D. Gibbs, who passed away earlier tonight at the age of 49 from complications following a long battle with a degenerative neurological disease.

"Joe Gibbs Racing appreciates everyone's respect for privacy of the Gibbs family during this difficult time. Additional information regarding details for a memorial service will be forthcoming at a future date."

It was revealed in March of 2015 that J.D. was battling the disease. He was serving as president of JGR at the time. Earlier in life, he played defensive back and quarterback at William & Mary from 1987 to 1990 while his father Joe Gibbs coached the Washington Redskins, which he led to three Super Bowl titles.

Along with his managerial role within JGR as the eldest son of Joe Gibbs, J.D. also competed in NASCAR himself, participating in a combined 13 Xfinity and Truck Series races between 1997 and 2002. He even went over the wall as a crew member, winning the 1993 Daytona 500 as part of Dale Jarrett's team. 

The NASCAR community has offered an outpouring of support following news of his passing.