What Was Carl Moyer’s Net Worth At The Time Of His Death?
Carl Moyer Net Worth explained with insights into his auto empire, racing ventures, and how his businesses shaped his financial standing.
Apr 28, 2026626 Shares10.6K Views
Carl Deloss Moyer Jr. was born on June 19, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the son of Martha Jean Moyer and Carl DeLoss Moyer Sr., and he grew up in a family with at least three siblings: a sister named Florence and two brothers, Donald and Bill. Moyer was raised on the east side of Des Moines. From an early age, he was enthusiastic about automobiles.
His obituary notes that “from a young age, Carl had a passion for cars.” For example, he and his brothers would gather in their bedroom and listen to the sounds of auto races at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Friday nights during their childhood. Moyer attended East High School in Des Moines but left school during his sophomore year (10th grade).
| Key Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Carl DeLoss Moyer Jr. |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1941 |
| Place of Birth | Des Moines, Iowa, United States |
| Date of Death | September 28, 2024 |
| Age at Death | 83 years old |
| Carl Moyer Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Primary Income Sources | Karl Auto Group, Karl Chevrolet, Karl Performance |
| Business Achievement | Founded Karl Chevrolet (1978); grew into multi-location group |
| Motorsports Involvement | Drag racer; founded Dirt Truck Racing Association |
| Major Legacy Contribution | Upgraded Eddyville Raceway; supported grassroots racing |
Early Career And Entry Into Motorsports
Carl Moyer began in the automotive sales business and built his own company from the ground up. In 1978 he founded Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, Iowa, initially as a one-car showroom, and over time he expanded the dealership into the Karl Auto Group with multiple locations and hundreds of employees.
While growing his car business, Moyer also pursued his lifelong passion for racing. In 1986 he launched a professional drag racing career, driving highly modified cars on local tracks and quickly earning a reputation for his competitive spirit. This step into motorsports marked the start of his parallel career as a racer.
Carl Moyer’s Rise As A Competitive Racing Driver
Through the late 1980s and 1990s, Moyer became a familiar face on the drag strip and dirt track. He was a regular competitor on the IHRA Pro Modified drag racing circuit, often behind the wheel of a vivid red 1957 Chevrolet in Karl Performance livery. In addition to dragsters, his teams campaigned several high-performance “door-slammer” and altered-class cars.
Moyer’s company also manufactured and prepared these racing engines: his Karl Performance (later Karl Kustoms) division supplied the engines for many cars including his own. By the early 2000s he had also turned to dirt track competition. In 2001 he founded the Dirt Truck Racing Association and began racing pickup trucks on Iowa dirt tracks often competing in the very series he had created.
Key Races And Career Highlights
Moyer’s driving career included many notable events on the racing calendar. He regularly entered national events on the IHRA drag racing tour, and in 2001 he recorded a strong performance at the IHRA President’s Cup Nationals before retiring from drag racing competition. This Nationals event effectively marked the end of his active drag racing career, as he put his Pro Mod car up for sale afterward. On dirt, he remained active behind the wheel of his sponsored trucks and other vehicles, even into his later years.
For example, he occasionally climbed into the seat himself to race at Iowa tracks in the dirt truck series he sponsored. While Moyer did not capture a national championship as a driver, his consistent presence in high-level sportsman events and local series made him a respected racer.
Off the track, one of his career highlights was acquiring and developing racing facilities: in 1993 he purchased historic Eddyville Raceway Park in Iowa and invested heavily in upgrading the track’s pavement, walls, and timing systems. Under his ownership, Eddyville became one of the premier 1/8-mile dragstrips in the Midwest. He later sold the venue in 2006 after its successful modernization.
Major Achievements And Recognition In Racing
Moyer’s achievements spanned both competition and industry. He founded and sponsored the Karl Chevrolet Dirt Truck Series, giving regional drivers a new platform to race regularly. His Karl Performance and Karl Kustoms companies earned an official role in racing: as of 2024 they were designated the Preferred Engine Supplier of IMCA dirt racing. Moyer’s dealership accolades also reflected on his racing credibility.
In 2003 he received Chevrolet’s prestigious Jack Smith Presidential Award for top dealership performance, and Karl Chevrolet consistently ranked in the top 3% of all GM dealerships nationally. These honors underscored the success and professionalism he brought to all his endeavors. Within motorsports circles he was also known for backing large special prizes and bonuses to attract competitors, further cementing his reputation as a patron of racing.
Reputation And Influence In The Racing Community
Moyer was widely respected by drivers, promoters, and fellow enthusiasts. He was known as much for his generosity as for his talent; he frequently offered extra prize money and incentives to racers and events to support the sport’s growth. Moyer himself summed up his philosophy in 2024: “I love racing, and I love racers and just being around those people…if anybody wants to come up and see us and they mention they’re in racing, they’ll get taken good care of.”
This attitude earned him a loyal following: racers knew they could always count on Moyer’s help and backing. His influence was also recognized by industry leaders. IMCA President Brett Root remarked that Moyer and his companies “have been instrumental in the growth of IMCA, notably our Northern SportMod division and Super Nationals.” Such praise from a national sanctioning body reflected how Moyer’s business leadership and sponsorship had a direct impact on racing programs and opportunities in the Midwest.
Career Legacy And Lasting Impact On Motorsports
Carl Moyer’s impact on racing extended far beyond his lifetime. The tracks and series he championed are still active and bear the marks of his involvement. For example, the Karl Performance name (his company) remains visible at Midwest tracks the brand continues to build engines for competitors and serves as a flagship of his legacy. Eddyville Raceway Park and other venues he improved continue to host major events, a testament to the upgrades he made.
The racing community honors his legacy through ongoing events and memorials. In Iowa, annual races and special events now carry the Carl Moyer name, celebrating the very commitment to racing that defined his career. Under the umbrella of his companies, his commitment to quality and support for grassroots racing lives on his vision and resources still help teams prepare cars and earn wins. These enduring contributions ensure that Moyer’s influence on the sport remains strong, reflected in the vibrant racing scene he helped build.
Final Years And Passing
Moyer remained active in his businesses and supportive of racing right up to his final years. He served as leader of the Karl Auto Group and continued to attend races and track testing, often sharing his experience with younger drivers. On September 28, 2024, Carl Moyer passed away at age 83. His death marked the close of a notable chapter in Iowa motorsports.
News of his passing was widely shared across racing media and local outlets, each remembering his dual legacy as a determined racer and a successful automotive entrepreneur. Obituaries highlighted that he “worked at dealerships” in Iowa before founding Karl Chevrolet and noted his decades of contribution to racing.
Remembering Carl Moyer: Tributes And Legacy
After Moyer’s passing, the racing community poured out tributes honoring his life. Colleagues and fans recalled how he inspired others with his competitive spirit and generosity. In October 2025, for instance, Marshalltown Speedway hosted the inaugural “Carl Moyer Memorial Race” in his honor a special event that celebrated the racer’s life on the track. Racing organizations, drivers, and media figures praised Moyer’s mentorship and vision.
Many noted that because of his support, drivers had new opportunities; his family of businesses continued to employ and help racers. While the competitive victories he notched were modest compared to his broader contributions, Moyer’s professional legacy endures through the racers he assisted and the racing institutions he helped shape. Today, Carl Moyer is remembered as a driving force behind Iowa racing, a man whose dedication to excellence and community left a lasting imprint on motorsports.
Carl Moyer Net Worth
At the time of Carl Moyer’s death, his net worth was not publicly disclosed, and no figure has been officially verified by major financial authorities. He generated income through founding and owning the Karl Auto Group, which includes the Karl Chevrolet dealership, as well as from his ownership of Karl Performance (Karl Kustoms), a racing parts company. Specific earnings figures were not publicly available.
FAQs
1. What Business Did Carl Moyer Found?
Carl Moyer founded Karl Chevrolet in 1978, which later expanded into the Karl Auto Group. The company grew into a multi-location dealership network with a strong presence in Iowa.
2. What Type Of Racing Was Carl Moyer Involved In?
He competed in drag racing, particularly in the IHRA Pro Modified category, before transitioning to dirt track racing. He also supported and participated in regional racing events.
3. Did Carl Moyer Contribute To Motorsports Beyond Driving?
Yes, he played a significant role as a sponsor and promoter, supporting grassroots racing initiatives. He also helped develop racing infrastructure and opportunities for local drivers.
4. What Is Karl Performance Known For?
Karl Performance (also known as Karl Kustoms) specializes in high-performance racing engines and parts. It supplies components to racers, particularly in dirt track and IMCA competitions.
5. Did Carl Moyer Own Any Racing Facilities?
Yes, he owned Eddyville Raceway Park in Iowa, which he upgraded extensively. Under his ownership, it became a well-regarded drag racing venue in the Midwest.
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