Presented as wider Schild surname history connected to a documented Houston racing family, not a confirmed direct ancestor.
- Years
- 1954–2012
- Role
- NASCAR Cup Series Driver · Meyer Speedway · Houston Motorsports Park
- Family
- Son of Charles Ray Schild; Larry Schild's brother; Linda Schild High's brother; Gina Schild Knowles's uncle
Jerry Schild began racing at Meyer Speedway in Houston in 1972. Just two years later, in 1974, he made five starts in NASCAR's top series, finishing eighth at Darlington Raceway, the high point of his brief top level career.
He returned to short track racing in Texas for decades afterward, winning a state championship in 2003 and a Houston Motorsports Park track championship in 2006. In 2009, only weeks after donating a kidney to his sister Linda, he returned to racing. He died in 2012 in Tioga, North Dakota. Press coverage at the time, including the Williston Herald, reported his death as a shooting, and people who knew him in Texas racing were quoted remembering him as a local legend of the sport.
Timeline
-
1972
Begins Racing at Meyer Speedway
Starts his racing career at Meyer Speedway in Houston.
-
1974
Races in NASCAR's Top Series
Makes five starts in NASCAR's top series, finishing eighth at Darlington Raceway.
-
2003
Wins a Texas State Championship
Wins a state championship racing at Houston area short tracks.
-
2006
Wins a Houston Motorsports Park Track Championship
Wins a track championship at Houston Motorsports Park.
-
2009
Six Weeks After Surgery
Donates a kidney to his sister Linda, then returns to racing weeks later.
-
2012
Dies
Jerry Schild dies in Tioga, North Dakota, closing out a four decade racing career. Press coverage reported his death as a shooting.