RIP: NASCAR World Mourns the Passing of Trailblazing Team Owner at 78
The NASCAR community is grieving the loss of Mary Louise Miller, a pioneering figure who helped reshape the image of stock car racing. Miller, who died peacefully at the age of 78 on September 27, 2025, leaves behind a legacy defined not just by competition, but by determination, inclusivity, and a willingness to challenge long-standing traditions in motorsports.
Breaking Ground in a Male-Dominated Arena
Born in 1947 in northern Indiana, Mary Louise Miller’s journey into racing wasn’t the typical story of speed and stardom. Rather than beginning behind the wheel, she entered the sport as a leader, a strategist, and eventually, a team owner. Together with her daughter, Stephanie Mullen, she established ML Motorsports, a family-run team that would come to symbolize persistence and progress.
What set the group apart was more than the cars they fielded—it was the identity of the operation itself. At a time when NASCAR was overwhelmingly dominated by men, Miller’s team stood out as one of the rare examples of women at the helm. A mother-daughter ownership duo with an all-women identity, ML Motorsports turned heads and inspired others simply by existing in the space.
ML Motorsports and the Xfinity Series
The team first launched in the ARCA Menards Series in 1999, slowly building credibility and experience before taking the leap into NASCAR’s Xfinity Series in 2006. Competing as a relatively small independent team against well-funded powerhouses was no easy feat, but Miller and her daughter refused to back down.
Over the years, the team fielded cars for a mix of experienced drivers and young hopefuls. Among the most notable was Johanna Long, who became one of the few women competing at NASCAR’s national level at the time. Long, driving the team’s familiar No. 70 car in 2012 and 2013, produced several memorable runs, including strong finishes at Daytona and Kentucky that underscored the team’s competitiveness despite limited resources.
While ML Motorsports never scored a race win in the Xfinity Series, their presence alone sent a message—that opportunity, representation, and resilience mattered as much as trophies. The team ultimately made 141 Xfinity starts before financial realities forced it to close in 2014. Its assets were later sold to another small operation, but the impression left by Miller’s leadership remains.
The Human Side of Racing
Miller was known not just for running a race team, but for creating a family atmosphere. Crew members often described the group as resourceful, hardworking, and close-knit. In an era when some competitors relied on million-dollar budgets, ML Motorsports operated with creativity, grit, and long hours in the shop. Every member of the team had to be versatile, filling multiple roles to keep the cars on track each week.
That sense of unity was a reflection of Miller herself. She was remembered as someone who treated her drivers and employees like family, encouraging them to grow and celebrating their achievements, no matter how small.
Tributes From the Racing World
Since the announcement of her passing, tributes have poured in from fans, former crew members, and fellow NASCAR personalities. Many recalled cheering for the team because of its unique identity, while others shared memories of specific races where the small outfit defied expectations and challenged much larger organizations.
One longtime fan wrote that he would “never forget seeing the 70 car running inside the top five at Richmond, proving they belonged with the best.” Another noted that “Mary Louise and her daughter did more with less than most people could ever imagine,” a testament to the determination that defined the team’s story.
A Lasting Legacy
Mary Louise Miller’s impact cannot be measured solely in statistics or finishes. Her courage to enter NASCAR ownership, her commitment to providing opportunities for women in the sport, and her ability to compete against the odds made her an icon for many. She helped prove that racing wasn’t just a man’s game, and her journey opened doors for future generations of women who aspire to take on leadership roles in motorsports.
While her passing marks the end of an era, her spirit endures. Every time a woman steps into a leadership position in racing, or when an underdog team fights to compete against giants, Miller’s influence can be felt.
At 78 years old, she leaves behind not just a history of competition, but an enduring story of courage and vision. For NASCAR, she was more than a team owner—she was a trailblazer, a mentor, and a reminder that passion knows no boundaries.
Rest in peace, Mary Louise Miller. Your legacy will continue to inspire.