Veteran stock car racer Robbie Brewer died Saturday at age 53 when his car crashed into a wall head-on during a race as a result of what experts and onlookers think was a medical emergency. 

The incident occurred at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem during a 20-lap Sportsman Series race. Attendees and FloRacing, which broadcasts the races at Bowman, said that Brewer had a heart attack during the race.

Bowman Gray Stadium officials said in a statement, “We are saddened by the passing of Robbie Brewer after he was transported to an area medical facility following an on-track medical incident during last night’s event at Bowman Gray Stadium. Robbie was a talented and passionate racer, and highly respected competitor among his peers. Our thoughts and prayers are with Robbie’s family and friends at this time.”

About to get married

He was just weeks away from marrying his fiancée Angel Friesinger McCarter on August 25, the one-year anniversary of their engagement.

McCarter said that she and Brewer had just come back from vacation where they made "so many sweet memories."

Before the race, his first practice went so well that he skipped the second one, she said.

"I will never forget that long walk down the halls at Baptist Hospital — that moment is forever etched in my soul. Robbie left this world in a way so fitting for the man he was — doing what he loved most," she said.

"Robbie Brewer, I love you to the moon and back… and all around the race track," she wrote.

"A true man's man"

Brewer had raced at Bowman for 35 years, competing in 311 races there since 1990.

He was the points champion in 2011, the local newspaper reported.

Fellow Bowman Gray driver Brad Lewis owns a race car shop near where Brewer lived. He posted on social media that Brewer was "like a big brother to him" even though they were close in age.

"He was my family,” Lewis said. “A true man's man."

He continued, "I'm broken, as most are that he touched through his life. I will never forget you, Robbie. I'll be driving for you."