Sad News - Dick Trickle: According to the sheriff's office, Retired race car driver Richard "Dick" Trickle, 71, died Thursday from an apparent self inflicted gun shot wound. Investigators say Trickle apparently went to the Forest Lawn Cemetery on Highway 150 East in Boger City around noon on Thursday. He used his phone to call the Lincoln County Communications Center and told the 911 operator to come to the cemetery and "there would be a dead body and it would be his." He then hung up the phone. Communications Center workers attempted to call Trickle back, but he did not answer. When emergency crews arrived on the scene, they reportedly found Trickle's body lying near his pickup truck. Dick Trickle was NASCAR legend who actually didn't start with the organization until he was 48-years-old. He won the Winston Cup Series' "Rookie of the Year" in 1989. Trickle, a Wisconsin-native who achieved much success on short tracks outside of NASCAR, made his Cup debut in 1970 but didn't race full time in the series until 19-years later. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Dick Trickle on his passing today," said NASCAR Chairman & CEO Brian France. "Dick was a legend in the short-track racing community, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin, and he was a true fan favorite."
"Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport. He will be missed," France continued. He was known as "The White Knight" and often referred to as the "winningest short track driver in history" with more than 1,200 wins on short tracks all over the country. His last Winston Cup start was in 2002. He finished his Cup career with 303 starts, but no wins. Trickle had more than 150 starts in the Nationwide series, the last in 2001, where he won twice.
NASCAR Hall of Fame driver and ESPN analyst Rusty Wallace competed for years against Trickle on Midwest short tracks, in the American Speed Association (ASA), and then later in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. "I'm in 100 percent shock. Dick Trickle was my mentor. When I was short track racing, I would call him every Monday morning and he would always help me with race setups and stuff," Wallace said in a statement on Thursday afternoon. "He and I had such a good time telling little stories, but he was the guy that taught me almost everything in the American Speed Association. And he was the guy that I battled right to the end for my 1983 ASA championship. I barely beat the guy that taught me everything. I'd not seen Dick as much as I'd like to of late. He was a legend," Wallace continued. "A man that'd won over a thousand short track races, was one of the most winning short trackers in America, was a role model to many short track racers coming up. Could just do magic with the race car and he taught me so much about racing. My success in the ASA and what Trickle taught me is what got me into NASCAR. That's what got me hired by Cliff Stewart back in '84. Between Larry Phillips and Dick Trickle, they taught me everything." Dick Trickle has lived in Lincoln County since the early 1990's.(wbtv.com)
Trickle was the 1989 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year, started 303 Cup races with 15 top-fives [with a best finish of 3rd, five times), 36 top-tens and 1 pole (Dover 1990).(Racing-reference.info)(5-16-2013)
more info and full obituary at warlickfuneralhome.net.(5-18-2013)

Sad News - Frederick Hmiel: Frederick J. Hmiel, 87, of Colonie, NY, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2013 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 16, 1925 in Syracuse to the late John and Mary Hmiel. He moved with his wife and family to Colonie in 1962. He was a World War II Navy veteran serving on the USS Midway. A graduate of Syracuse Law School, he was a senior attorney for the New York State Department of Labor until his retirement in 1987. Besides his wife of 63 years, Mary Hmiel (2011), he was also predeceased by his daughter, Elaine Fossner, and siblings, Philip, Edward and Louise. He is survived by his five sons, [NASCAR's] Stephen (Lisa) of Pleasant Garden, N.C., Paul (Clarissa) of East Greenbush, Adam of Colonie, Luke (Kathleen) of Tequesta, Fla., and Joseph of Colonie and his brother, David. Frederick is also survived by his grandchildren, Shane, Tyler, Lily, Lucy, Noah, Kate, Christine, Kasey and Hallie, as well as several nieces and nephews. At the request of the family, funeral services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred's name to your local hospice. For online condolences please visit simplechoicescremation.com.(TimesUnion)(5-6-2013)

Sad News - Monty Grice: The Earnhardt Ganassi Racing family lost a wonderful friend and teammate...Monty Grice, long time EGR employee, passed away at his home last night surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. Monty Grice worked professionally on race cars for more than 30 years, but he actually began at an early age working in his Dad's shop building Super-Modifieds, and fabricating racing wheels. His well-known love for dirt racing earned him the nickname of "Dirt" in the fab shop among his fellow co-workers. He is actually quite proud of the name, as it takes him back to his roots of racing. Monty passion for dirt racing led him to starting his own chassis building business, so he started Freedom Dirt Chassis on his own and built many successful race winning cars that were a great source of pride. Monty was especially proud to have been part of Jamie McMurray's wins in the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 in 2010. But, as far as dirt racing goes, his favorite racing memory would be the 100th win of his own Freedom Chassis. That win ironically happened to be at the Susan B. Komen race for the cure. Details to follow on service arrangements.(EGR)(4-24-2013)

Sad News - Clyde Ellis: Kansas Ciy Racing Legend Clyde Ellis passed away April 13, 2013. On Memorial Day, 1964, a Stock Car racing accident ended his career as an asbestos insulator and robbed him of the use of his left arm. Ellis was to become the driving force behind one of the more successful businesses in North Kansas City, Seeburg Muffler. Seeburg Muffler has continued under the stewardship of family. Mr. Ellis was one of the most influential figures in the local [Kansasi] racing world. He was a lifetime member of C.A.R.B., Central Auto Racing Boosters. In 2008, he was Grand Marshal of the Snake Saturday parade. NASCAR sanctioned Lakeside Speedway annually holds the Clyde Ellis Late Model Showdown. You may send a message to the family or sign an on-line guest book via www.parklawnfunerals.com. Arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel. More info and services at the Kansas City Star.(4-16-2013)

Sad News - William Ballew: Mr. William Earl "Bill" Ballew [father of Truck Series team owner Billy Ballew], age 81 of Blue Ridge, GA, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Life Care Center of Copper Basin. Mr. Ballew was born June 3, 1931 in Blue Ridge, GA A member of Sugar Creek Baptist Church he was a local business man operating car lots and service station. He was preceded in death by wife, Edna Griggs Ballew and son, Charles Ballew. Survivors include: daughter, Diane (Bobby) Davis, son, Billy Ballew, granddaughter, Misty Davis, grandson, Preston Ballew, granddaughter, Misty (Matthew) Taylor, grandson, Robert (Vanessa) Davis. Funeral services: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home with the Rev. Jerry Rice officiating. Interment will follow in Sugar Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers: Donny Bailey, Jeff Johnstone, Michael Lovell, Matt Taylor and Brian George. The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Monday, April 8, 2013 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.(4-8-2013)

Sad News - Bud Greene: Mr. Charles M. "Bud" Greene, age 69, of Hamptonville, NC and a former resident of Watauga County passed away Saturday evening, March 30, 2013 at Sycamore Shoals Hospital in Elizabethton. Bud loved fast boats, cars and horses growing up which led to his career with Junior Johnson and Roger Penske Racing. He had a long career in racing and retired in 2010. Online condolences and service information at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory website.(4-3-2013)

Sad News - Ralph Sanchez: Longtime South Florida businessman and Homestead-Miami Speedway founder Rafael "Ralph" Sánchez died Monday morning. Sánchez, who was born in 1948, had been in declining health for much of the past year. He is survived by wife Lourdes, daughter Patricia and son Ralph Jr. Sánchez, who founded and managed the Grand Prix of Miami starting in 1983, led efforts to bring the motorsports facility to Homestead. He worked with City of Homestead and Miami-Dade County officials to make the track a reality. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the track took place on August 24, 1993 -- exactly one year after Hurricane Andrew wiped out much of Homestead. The track is credited with being a major catalyst for redevelopment following the category five hurricane that leveled large portions of Miami-Dade County. Sánchez was born in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba in 1948, more than a decade before Fidel Castro assumed power. He was placed aboard an airlift from Havana to Miami after his father became fearful for his son's safety because Ralph had been recruited to distribute opposition flyers and deliver supplies to forces fighting the Castro regime. Upon his arrival in Miami, he lived with an aunt and uncle before the couple moved to Nicaragua. Sánchez then resided in a Catholic orphanage until he turned 18. Eventually, Sánchez' parents, his brother and grandmother joined him in Miami via freedom flights in 1966 and 1967. Sánchez earned an accounting degree from Florida Atlantic University, became a real estate salesmen, before moving on to become a land developer, and then a motorsports promoter. Plans for memorial services have not been finalized.(HMS)(4-1-2013)

Sad News - Art Malone: Art Malone, a legendary figure in drag racing and other motorsports, died March 29 at the age of 76. He suffered severe injuries in an airboat crash a few years ago and never fully recovered. Few automotive racers have enjoyed a more varied and exciting career than Malone, who not only was a successful dragstrip owner and Top Fuel campaigner, but also gained fame as a driver at the legendary Indy 500 [running two Indy 500's]. Raised in Tampa, Fla., Malone got his first taste of drag racing when he and a group of teenage buddies made the trek to the West Coast to attend the first NHRA event in Pomona in 1953. Upon returning to Florida, he began staging races at Henderson Airfield in Tampa, charging 25 cents a head to cover the cost of trophies for the winners. After substituting as a driver for Garlits, who was recovering from burns suffered during a June 20, 1959, engine explosion, Malone began Top Fuel match racing on his own. He soon ventured into the world of circle-track competition, where he became the first driver to exceed 180 mph on an oval course with a 181.561-mph lap at Daytona Int'l Speedway in 1961 [Malone ran two Sprint Cup Series races finishing both in the top-10, one driver for Petty Enterprises].(Racer and SPEED), see full obit and info for services at the Tampa Bay Tribune (3-31-2013)

Sad News - William Giordano: William Giordano died March 25, 2013 at age 60. Beloved husband of Ann & the late Marie. Father of Joseph Giordano & Michele Giordano. Visitation will be Friday 3:00-9:00pm. Funeral Saturday at 11:00am at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile), Sterling Heights, MI. William had previously worked for Katech Engines, where he was the engine delivery man for their NASCAR teams. He also worked at Diamond Racing Products in Michigan. Most recently he worked at Pratt & Miller in Wixom, MI. Services are under the direction of Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons.(3-28-2013)

Sad News - Nikki Park: Nikki passed away on Sunday, March 24 after a lengthy illness. She is survived by her husband Greg Park, the CFO at Stewart-Haas Racing; her father, Hal; brothers Frank (June) Knight and Neal R. (Connie) Knight; sister Crystal A. (Darven) Erickson; and nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of life for Nikki Park from 5:00pm/et to 8:00pm/et on Wednesday, March 27 at James Funeral Home (details). The funeral will be held at 11:00am/et on Thursday, March 28 in the chapel of James Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Huntersville Oaks Resident Counsel Fund (memo line: Oak leaf for Nikki K. Park) 12019 Verehoff Dr., Huntersville, NC 28078.(3-26-2013)

Sad News - "Jivie" Simpson: Mr. Torrence "Jivie" Simpson Jr., 76, of Concord, died Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Tucker Hospice House. He was born Sept. 29, 1936, to the late Torrence and Myrtle Craig Simpson. After serving in the U.S. Army, Jivie worked as a welder at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Racing was his life. He built the first Jet Truck, the first Code 3 Emergency Truck and the first Legend Car at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jivie also built cars for David Smith Racing, Ernie Irvan Racing and J.D Gibbs Racing. Mr. Simpson is survived by his wife, Barbara Simpson; sons, Billy Ridenhour, his wife, Rhonda and her children, Jay and Seth and Barrie Ridenhour, his wife, and her children Shala, Austin and Andrew; granddaughter, Harley Ridenhour; sisters, Bonnie Mullis and husband, Bill and Ann Stone and husband, Bobby. Visitation will be held Monday, March 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hartsell Funeral Home, Concord, with a funeral service to follow at 8 p.m. in the Chapel, with the Rev. Bob Harvey officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Simpson family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com. See more at Independent Tribune.(3-25-2013)

Sad News - John Cardinale: Sonoma Raceway vice president for media and community relations John Cardinale, 47, lost his battle with stomach cancer this week.(SPEED & The Spectrum)
AND from Sonoma Raceway "We are saddened to share that we have lost our dear friend and colleague, John Cardinale. He passed away at home with his family after a two-year battle with gastric cancer. John was 47 years old and is survived by his wife, Andrea, and their two daughters. For those who would like to make a donation in John's honor, a memorial fund has been set up on behalf of his family. Donations may be sent to the John Cardinale Memorial Fund, care of Sonoma Raceway, 29355 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476. We will share information on services and other arrangements as they become available."
Thoughts from Steve Page, president & general manager of Sonoma Raceway: "There is a hole in the heart of this organization. John Cardinale was as true a friend, as loyal a colleague, as devoted a husband and father and as fine a human being as you could ever hope to know. John has been a part of every good thing that has happened at this track over the last 15 years. We are all so fortunate to have had him in our lives and to have shared in his intelligence, his wit, his integrity and his brave spirit."(Sonoma Raceway).
and see an article at the NAPA Valley Register: What would John do? He'd keep smiling, my friend by Randy Johnson(3-22-2013)

Sad News - Jack Choquette: Jack Choquette, who captured the 1954 national championship in the NASCAR Modified Division, passed away recently and has been laid to rest in Florida. Choquette, originally from Montclair, NJ, made a name for himself in the racing ranks after relocating to Florida where he drove to the 1953 NASCAR Southeast regional title and followed that with the NASCAR Modified Division national championship in 1954. Choquette also made six combined starts in what is now known as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 1955-56, highlighted by a runner-up finish in his series debut at his home track  Palm Beach Speedway  to Tim Flock on Feb. 6, 1955. He competed twice on the famed beach and road course in Daytona Beach. Choquette passed away on Feb. 23 and was laid to rest on March 2 in Royal Palm Beach. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. One of his grandsons, Jeff Choquette, is a part-time NASCAR Camping World Truck series competitor who also drives Super Late Models in the southeast.National Speed Sport News(3-5-2013)

Sad News - John Ervin: John Ervin, the former crew chief of NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Ned Jarrett, has passed away after a long illness at the age of 74. Ervin moved from Hickory, NC to Camden,SC with the rest of the Jarrett family in 1964 and actually lived with them, as Glenn Jarrett's roommate, when Ned began to run a team owned by Bondy Long. Starting out as a mechanic, Ervin eventually rose to be Jarrett's crew chief and would serve in that capacity years later when Dale Jarrett ran what was then the Busch Series. He would also serve as Jason Jarrett's Busch Series crew chief and for years maintained the cars for the Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure. Ervin is survived by his wife Frances. According to his wishes, a memorial service will be held for John Ervin Sunday, February 24th at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton, NC. The service will begin at 3:00 and a reception will follow.(2-22-2013)

Sad News - Red Foote: Melvin "Red" Foote, 85, of Chesterfield, VA, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2013. Red is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Loretta Foote; his stepdaughter, Linda Strasburg; stepgrandson, Michael (TiAnna) Talley; stepgranddaughter, Michelle (Richard) King; sisters-in-law, Rev. Beverly J. Samford and Julianna Duke. Red enjoyed racing stockcars for 35 years [and ran 10 Sprint Cup races from 1962-1965 with a best finish of 16th], is formerly known as one of the "Eastern Bandits" and was inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1999. After retirement he spent much time at Newpoint Campground on his boat fishing. Red was devoted to his cats and his good friends at Dutchgap. Red will be remembered for his quick wit, humor and willingness to help others and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 7 at Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Rd (Rte 10). His graveside service will be February 8, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Bethel UMC Cemetery in Alberta, Va., with the Rev. Beverly J. Samford officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Richmond SPCA at 2519 Hermitage Road, Richmond, Va. 23220.(Times Dispatch)(2-9-2013)

Sad News - Rodney Halverson: Rodney Wayne Halverson, 45, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, at his home with his loving family by his side after a courageous battle with Leukemia. He was born Aug. 3, 1967, in Edgerton, Wis., the son of Shirley and Dick Halverson. Rodney married Cathleen Hazeltine in 1993 and moved to Concord, in 1996 to fulfill his lifelong passion for NASCAR. Rodney has been a member of the Joe Gibbs Racing family for the last 10 years. He had an infectious personality full of life and a huge caring heart. Rodney was an inspiration to all that knew him. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, at Whitley's Funeral Home main chapel, in Kannapolis, officiated by Chaplain Bob Dyer and the Rev. David Henderson. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park, in Kannapolis. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, at the funeral home. The family will be at the home the remainder of the time. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 19 years, Cathy; a daughter, Bailey; and a son, Riley, all of the home; his parents, Shirley and Dick Halverson; a brother, Brad Halverson and wife, Kelly; and sisters, Renee Wedvick, of Concord, Tracie Mincoff and husband, Casey, and Robin Tuma and husband, Dave, of Ladysmith, Wis.; many very special nieces and nephews, cousins; the whole JGR family; and a special friend that was like a brother, Jim Ellis. Memorials may be made to Be The Match, National Marrow Donor Program, 3001 Broadway St. NE, Ste. 100, Minneapolis, MN 55413-1753 Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.(Concord & Kannapolis Independent Tribune)(2-8-2013)

Sad News - Ken Houston: Kenneth Aray Houston, 79, of Hickory, NC, passed away Monday, January 28, 2013 unexpectedly at Frye Regional Center. Mr. Houston was born December 30, 1933 in Catawba County he was the son of the late Winnie Lee Sigmon & Clyde Houston. Mr. Houston was the owner and operator of Merican Muffler for 40 years in Hickory.
Houston was the brother of former Sprint Cup (13 races) and Nationwide (24 wins) driver Tommy Houston and of Hal, who was Teresa Earnhardt's father.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Hal Houston. Mr. Houston is survived by a daughter, Sandra Houston Taylor and husband Clay of Conover, a son, K. Michael Houston and wife Dorothy of Hudson; partner, Barbara Ann Miller of Hickory; two brothers: Ronald "Slick" Houston of Catawba, Tommy Houston of Bethlehem; four sisters: Clara Petrovich of Hickory, Nancy Hefner of Taylorsville, Kay Norris and husband Jim of Conover, and Ann Decker of Hickory; three grandchildren: Carrie Wilson, Matthew Houston and Jason Helton; two great-grandchildren: Peyton Helton and Braylee Helton. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 31, 2013 in the chapel of Bass-Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. Horace Minton and Rev. Ronnie Lefevers officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. The family will be receiving friends Wednesday, January 30, 2013 for 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Bass-Smith Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.(Bass-Smith Funeral Home)(1-30-2013)

Sad News - Sammy Gonzalez: On Thursday January 24, the racing community lost a truly wonderful friend and teammate...Sammy Gonzalez lost his battle with cancer. Sammy was most recently a mechanic on the #1 Chevy at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (EGR). Gonzalez came to North Carolina from California in 1995 with Ron Hornaday. He was temporarily hired to help drive the team transporter for the Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) Truck Series teams from Washington State to North Carolina. He quickly earned the respect of Dale Earnhardt Sr. at DEI and was hired on a full-time basis to co-drive the transporter for the Truck Series team. Gonzalez always had a love for racing and being on the road with the team. He has been part of the DEI/EGR family since 1996. Gonzalez is survived by his wife Diane and two sons, Stephen and Sean.
Sammy has been part of a team that has won more than 60 races in his career including:
15 Southwest tour series wins
25 truck series wins
2 ARCA wins with Kerry Earnhardt
20 Nationwide wins (2 with Hornaday, 12 with Truex Jr. , and 6 with Dale Jr.)
4 Cup wins (1 with Truex Jr. , 3 with Jamie McMurray)
Among those 60 plus wins Sammy has been a part of six championship teams including:
2 - NASCAR Southwest tour championships with Ron Hornaday (1992 & 1993)
2  NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championships with Hornaday 1996 & 1998
2  NASCAR Busch Series championships with Truex Jr. 2004 & 2005
In 2010 Sammy realized his greatest racing dream to be part of the winning team in the Daytona 500 with driver Jamie McMurray.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Sammy Gonzalez will be held this Friday, February 1st at 6 pm at Williamson Chapel United Methodist Church in Mooresville, NC. The address is 575 Brawley School Road Mooresville 28117.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sammy Gonzalez cancer fund: 116 Courtney Lane Mooresville, NC 28117 (EGR)(1-28-2013)

Sad News - Joe Carver: Joe Carver, one of the best-known promoters in Langley Speedway's 63-year history, died on Saturday. A resident of Concord, N.C., he was 76. Carver moved from the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, Tenn. to become promoter of what was then known as Langley Field Speedway, serving at the track from 1973-83. A series of promoters had experienced little success during the four years prior to his arrival. Carver was an innovator, whose gimmicks included match races. He brought in big-name drivers from around the region and nation, once creating a $1,000-to-win match race between Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip, Sonny Hutchins and Ray Hendrick. In addition to Waltrip, Carver brought in NASCAR legends Bobby Allison, Benny Parsons, Dick Brooks, Lennie Pond and Neil Bonnett to race in special events. Waltrip tweeted on Saturday that Carver "is one of the best track promoters and PR guys I've ever known." Carver also served a stint as Darrell Waltrip's PR person.(Daily Press and RacinToday)(1-21-2013)
SERVICES: A Memorial service will be held at West Nashville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 6849 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, at 12 Noon on Friday, February 1, 2013 with Pastor Robbie Stofel and Brother Rickey Page officiating. The burial will follow at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Ln., Nashville. The funeral procession will be escorted by the Three Degrees Masonic Motorcycle Club. Military honors will be rendered at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or to the Child Advocacy Center, 23rd District, P.O. Box 468, Charlotte, TN 37036. HARTSELL FUNERAL HOME of Concord, NC is serving the Carver family, (704) 786-1161. Online condolences may be sent at www.hartsellfh.com.(1-31-2013)

Sad News - Virginia Means: Virginia P. Means, 85, of Huntsville, passed away Thursday. Means is the mother of former NASCAR driver and current NASCAR team owner, Jimmy Means. She was predeceased by her husband, Bradford 'Bob' Newton Means. Survivors include daughters, Martha M. James of Greenbrier Community; sons, Thomas E. Means (Debra) of Huntsville and James B. Means of Forest City, NC; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and sisters, Fern and Rachel of Arkansas. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Brother Scott Gossett officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery()(1-20-2013)

Sad News - Steve Husketh:
Stephen Odell Husketh, 62, of Apex, NC died Thursday, January 3, 2013. Steve was the longtime owner of Quality Brake and Quality Inspection Centers in Cary. He fulfilled his passion for racing while operating Premiere Motorsports. Steve's team, Premiere Motorsports #68, and his driver for many years, Allen Purkhiser, were able to visit Victory Lane twice in the 2012 season with Steve there to celebrate with them. Husketh's Premiere Motorsports made two Nationwide Series starts in 2000 with Jay Fogleman as the driver, finishing 11th and 12th in the two races. See full obituary and service info at Apex Funeral Home website.(1-6-2012)

Sad News - Roz Howard: Georgia Racing Hall of Fame member Roz Howard passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91. Howard, a native of Macon, GA, honed his skills as a mechanic in the motor pool of the Army in 1942. In 1946, he got his first taste of driving in a borrowed car at a track cut into a cornfield near Macon. Howard's day ended when he flipped the borrowed car three times. Howard would compete on the Southern Racing Enterprise circuit in the early 1950?s, competing across the southeast and scoring several feature wins. In 1956, Howard would compete in his first NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint Cup) event, as he drove his own car to a 13th place finish at Darlington. Howard ran six Sprint Cup Series races from 1956-1960 with a best of 7th (twice).(Raceweek Illustrated, see obituary/tribute at williamsfuneralhome.net)(1-3-2012)