SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 – – – Longtime JRR Motorsports crew chief Jeff Gullett unexpectedly passed away early yesterday morning in his sleep at his home in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Jeff, who was 61 years old, was a fixture in the Dirt Late Model pit area since the 90’s and was a valued part of the Rattliff-family racing operation since 2003. He had recently returned home from the ‘World 100’ at Eldora (OH) Speedway where he assisted JRR Motorsports drivers Jason Jameson and Daulton Wilson.
“He was part of the family,” team owner James Rattliff solemnly said over the phone this morning. “Jeff was like a brother to me and another father to Justin (Rattliff). It’s not going to be the same without him and we can’t believe he is gone. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family.”
Jeff was an inductee into the South-Central Kentucky Dirt Racing Hall of Fame and was also honored as a past Battle of the Bluegrass Series Crew Chief of the Year. He assisted team drivers Justin Rattliff, Jason Jameson, and Daulton Wilson to Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series victories during his tenure at JRR Motorsports, but the one thing he loved more than racing was his family. Jeff is survived by his wife Marsha, his daughter Callie, and his granddaughters Baylin and Briley, who he gushed about daily.
“Jeff was like a father figure to me when we started racing,” quoted Justin Rattliff. “He was with me for all of my modified and late model wins. When we transitioned to late models, he told me he would cut his hair if I won a Lucas Oil Series race. Well we did that back in 2007 at LaSalle and off came the hair. As far as I know, he only missed one race and that was for his daughter’s graduation. Jeff loved his family and grandkids more than anything and he will be deeply missed by all.”
Jason Jameson, who has driven for the Rattliff’s going back to 2017, had this to say earlier this morning. “Jeff Gullett was a man that seemed to never know a stranger. He was a little quiet until he got to know you, but then he would crack jokes and would always make people smile. I know he has a spot in everyone’s life that he came into contact with. Jeff loved his family more than anything, especially those grand babies. There is a story about his wife calling him a big ass baby. Gullett is now probably looking down on us mourning and laughing at us saying – who is the big ass baby now?”
Daulton Wilson, who drives for JRR Motorsports on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and has worked closely with Gullet since 2022, had strong sentiments as well. “Jeff Gullett honestly meant the world to me. He was like a second dad. He always wanted the best for me no matter what. Jeff knew when to get in my butt and get me going, but also always reminded me that he was my biggest fan and supporter. He picked a random kid out of North Carolina to mentor and give an opportunity of a lifetime to and I’ll always cherish it. I’ll miss seeing his name pop up on my phone daily whether it was to talk about business or just life in general. They don’t make them like Gullett anymore and thankfully I was blessed that our paths crossed.”
Funeral arrangements for Jeff Gullett are expected to be released later today and will be shared across social media, as well as on www.jrrmotorsports.com.
Media Contact: Ryan Delph – Delph Communications
www.DelphCommunications.com
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