One of the legends of pavement short track racing, Mike “The Polar Bear” Eddy, passed away on Thursday morning, according to his family on social media. Eddy was 72 years old.

Eddy, from Midland, Michigan, has seven American Speed Association (ASA) National Tour championships on his resume, which is the all-time record for the series. Eddy also took the checkered flag on 58 occasions, good enough for second on the Tour’s all-time wins list behind only Bob Senneker. 

Eddy’s passing was confirmed on Facebook by his son, Travis Eddy.

“This morning my dad took his final checkered flag. You’ll always be my best friend. Thank you for teaching me everything I know about life. You’re no longer suffering, and I promise I’ll see you again, Dad,” wrote Travis.

Eddy’s passing led to messages and posts of condolences and support on social media from his friends and former competitors like Mark Martin and Kenny Wallace.

This is painful to hear. My thoughts are with his family right now. Mike Eddy RIP.
The Polar Bear. https://t.co/aHh8KxmQGG

— Mark Martin (@markmartin) May 29, 2025

The great, Mike Eddy has passed away. I am shocked the Polar Bear is gone. My prayers to the family. pic.twitter.com/nPO7zTSkFE

— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) May 29, 2025

In addition to his seven ASA titles, Eddy also took the championship in the 1977 World Series of Asphalt at Florida’s New Smyrna Speedway in the Super Late Model division. Eddy scored four wins to take the championship that year. He also won the Slinger Nationals at Wisconsin’s Slinger Superspeedway on two occasions, as well as the Winchester 400 in 1981 and 1983, the 1981 Florida Governor’s Cup, and the 1992 Redbud 400 at Anderson Speedway.