Brian "Bman" Czobat

Brian Sidney Czobat, “Bman”, 65, of Concord, NC passed peacefully in his home on September 6, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.

Brian was born in Detroit, MI on February 17, 1959 to Benjamin and Mary Czobat. He lived most of his childhood in Sylvania, OH before eventually settling in Marietta, GA with his family. He attended J.J. Daniel Middle School and Sprayberry High School where he graduated in 1977.

Brian’s fascination with photography began at an early age and would eventually become his lifelong career. In high school, he worked on the school newspaper and yearbook, and his photography also found its way into the Marietta Daily Journal. After graduation, Brian would spend his weekends at small racetracks in Georgia capturing shots that would show up in the sports sections of local newspapers. Brian’s love of muscle cars led him to launch his career in racing photography, and he moved to Concord, NC in the early 1980’s. Working for Grand National Scene and MAXX Race Cards, he traveled to racetracks across the US capturing moments in NASCAR history. After leaving MAXX in 1994, he began his career as contract photographer forming his brand as AutoStock. He spent the next two decades working with major teams and sponsors of NASCAR. His work can be seen on covers and in major sports magazines, books and promotional items all over the world. His photography was his art and became moments captured in history. His work and dedication to the art of photography is an amazing testament to the man and legend he became in the world of motorsports.

In 2007, Brian was diagnosed with liposarcoma, a rare sarcoma cancer of the abdomen, during routine surgery to repair a suspected hernia. The tumor was removed, and he was treated with radiation therapy to help prevent any further occurrence. Although the radiation caused lymphedema in his left leg, Brian continued to hustle the tracks to capture amazing moments on the racetracks with his photography. In 2014, due to the effects of radiation therapy, Brian became disabled and made the tough decision to retire from photography.

In July 2023, another tumor was found in his abdomen, and Brian underwent major surgery to have it removed. After many grueling months of rehabilitation, two small tumors were found on the surface of his abdomen and biopsied in December, 2023. The cancer had spread, and Brian opted for chemotherapy to help slow this aggressive cancer. After nine months, he passed peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side on September 6, 2024.

Brian loved to fish and play a good round of golf. As he traveled, he would golf and fish with buddies and colleagues that he met in the many cities and towns he visited. He would even find a moment or two as he traveled to pull out his camera and capture a shot of beautiful scenery or Americana that only his eye could see.

Brian is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Mary Czobat; and brother, David Benjamin Chobat.

He is survived by his wife, Anne H. Czobat (Hutson); brother, Craig Czobat; sister, Lisa Brugman (Herb); step-children, Sher Strode, Mariessa Nelsen (Michael), Brittney Meyer(Nathaniel), Summer Taylor, Emily Beck Johnson, Ashlyn Beck and Lauren Beck Brim(Cory); his nephews, Cody Czobat (Riley) and Devin Eberenz (Rachel); his nieces, Jessica Haynes (Jeff), Gabrielle Eberenz, and Rebecca Chobat; great nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren; and many close friends and colleagues.

“As the checkered flag came down, he crossed the finish line, winning the race from this earthly world into his heavenly home.”

A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.