Kyle Loftis, the 34-year-old founder of 1320Video who spent two decades turning underground drag racing into a global digital phenomenon,died on 5 May 2026, just weeks after one of his most famous protégés handed him the keys to a brand-new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

1320Videoconfirmed Loftis's deathin a statement posted to its Instagram page that night. 'We are extremely saddened to share that Kyle Loftis, the founder of 1320video, passed away last night,' the company wrote. 'We are in a state of shock.'

A post shared by 1320video (@1320video)

No official cause of death has been released by the Loftis family, the company, or any official authority.

In the weeks before his death, Garrett Mitchell, the automotive YouTuber better known as Cleetus McFarland, gifted Loftis a new Corvette ZR1. The car was a gesture of gratitude from a creator who has publicly credited Loftis with helping launch his career in automotive content.

Rest in Peace to Kyle Loftis founder of the legendary 1320 video 🕊️ this video hits so different, just 2 weeks ago💔pic.twitter.com/Tst2eA2mRw

Fans have since flooded social media with tributes, many pointing to the ZR1 moment as proof of how deeply Loftis shaped the people around him. What was filmed as a celebration has taken on the weight of a farewell.

Loftis founded 1320Video in 2003 in Omaha, Nebraska. The name referenced the 1,320 feet in a quarter-mile drag race, and the channel's purpose was clear from day one. It would document the raw, unfiltered side of street racing, cash days events, and grassroots car culture that mainstream outlets either ignored or dismissed.

The channel's work drew scrutiny because it routinely covered racing events that pushed legal and safety boundaries. But its influence on digital car culture was difficult to dismiss. 1320Video helped bring underground motorsports to a mainstream online audience and showed that grassroots coverage could compete with polished, studio-backed productions.

Loftis was involved in asevere crash in December 2025while filming for the channel. Reports indicated he was a passenger in a Toyota Supra that lost control and struck a pole. He reportedly made a full recovery from the incident.

Source: International Business Times UK