Zach Gocher, known for his infectious personality and dedication to the sport of racing, including mentoring racers with Josh Williams Motorsports, passed away on Sunday, April 16. Gocher had just spent the week in Tennessee with JWM drivers at the Legend Car and Bandolero INEX Nashville Spring Series, which took place at Veterans Motorplex at the Rim and Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.
Josh Williams, who owns JWM that assists drivers from Karts to the Xfinity Series, has been a fixture in Legend Cars and Bandolero racing for many years, even while racing himself in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He addressed the passing of Gocher on his social media:
To my friend and brother:
This morning I found out I lost one of my best friends and one of the most hard working and dedicated guys I have had work for me. Zach was a smart and meticulous guy always working to be better each day he worked for JWM.
Racing with him over the past few years had been nothing but good times, laughs and memories that will last a life time. From just being a fan of the sport to working with me full time he put out some fast race cars putting LaQuan McCoy and Gerald white Ill in victory lane. The joy he got from seeing his drivers run up from the as awesome to see. The drive he had to become one of the best no matter what it took was something special. He was so smart and so in to the little details and not a lot of kids his age have that passion for success, that’s what put Zach a step above the rest. He was one of my best friends and a brother to me In the past few years I don’t think we ever missed a day we didn’t talk about making JWM better as a company and he had the fire in him to make that happen. Everyone loved Zach in the racing community, from time to time he would let his passion get the best of him and he would have some choice words for the parents after a hard race on the track. From being the first person at the shop to the last person to leave at the end of the day he always found a way to make the long days worth it. I will miss you buddy each day and I make a promise to you we will get more wins more championships and keep building bad ass race cars in your memory!! Love you Zach I’ll meet you at the finish line some day!
Josh Williams
LaQuan McCoy Jr, who raced in the Nashville Spring Series with Gocher and JWM, posted his thoughts on his social.
I can’t believe it’s true. My coach. My crew chief. My Friend. My brother. Who was always there for me, is gone. It’s hard to put into words the sadness and pain I feel right now. @GocherZach wasn’t just a coach, he was family. He saw something special in me and helped me believe in myself. He gave me confidence, taught me to never give up, and always reminded me to have fun. Every race, every win, every tough moment, he was right there by my side. Zach meant a lot to me, and I will miss him more than words can say. But I know he would want me to keep going, to keep racing and to never give up on my dreams. For you Zach, I’ll strive to be the best I can be. Thank you for everything, coach! You will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will never forget you. We’ll always love you. #WeBuildWinners
LaQuan McCoy Jr
Hundreds of those within the motorsports industry that knew Gocher, as well as fans, have posted their memories and thoughts across social media.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 23, from 4pm – 7pm (ET) at Harmanco’s in Albemarle, North Carolina. For more, visit the Life Tributes page here.
Legends Nation sends our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Zach Gocher.
