Monte Dutton, remembered as 'joyful soul' with entertaining style of writing, dies at 68

Fond memories are being shared about Monte Dutton, award-winning NASCAR writer and Upstate novelist who died Oct. 8, his family confirmed. He was 68.

Dutton was a Clinton native and Furman University graduate. He was a resident of Brevard, North Carolina.

Dutton covered NASCAR for the Spartanburg Herald-Journal and the Gastonia Gazette in the 1990s. He was also editor of FasTrack magazine covering motorsports.

His extensive work on writing about NASCAR for nearly two decades included biographies of drivers Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. Dutton wrote nine books in all, including Americana music, of which he considered himself a part of as a song writer and guitar player. In his later days, Dutton wrote about local sports in Laurens County.

Dutton was honored for Best Sports Column in 1994 from the National Newspaper Association. He won five awards each from the National Motorsports Press Association, the Eastern Motorsports Press Association and the South Carolina Press Association.

Here are some of the things being shared on social media:

"Sad to see the news of the death of Monte Dutton. He was a pivotal member of the NASCAR media corps for decades. He for sure could tell and write a story that informed and entertained." − Bob Pockrasss, NASCAR reporter for Fox Sports

"In a media world increasingly filled with blandness, Monte stood out." − Jim Noble, Wofford athletics broadcaster and former NASCAR reporter.

"He was a real character of the media center in NASCAR's golden years," − Aaron Bearden, NASCAR journalist.

"He was an excellent writer and a good musician. He always had a unique way of addressing issues." − Deb Williams, NASCAR journalist.

"Monte Dutton was a critical, detailed observer of racing. His writings captured the action and emotions of our sport. RIP. − Mike Joy, NASCAR broadcaster.

"Monte Dutton was a joyful soul, a friend to many, incredible storyteller, historian, and supporter of Furman Athletics. He lived a fascinating life, and his presence and personality will be deeply missed." − Jason Donnelly, Furman athletics director.

Todd Shanesy covers high school athletics for the Greenville News, Spartanburg Herald-Journal and Anderson Independent Mail in the USA TODAY Network. Contact him by email at todd.shanesy@shj.com . Follow him on X, formerly called Twitter, at @ToddShanesySHJ .