Sad news - Blly Gill: Billy R. Gill, 78 of Sarasota, passed away May 11, 2012. Born June 1933 to the late Joe & Audrey Gill. Billy was a loving and devoted husband, Dad, Papa and friend. Billy enjoyed growing strawberries, fishing, racing and spending time with his family. Billy is survived by his loving wife of 33 years Shirley Gill, sons Bobby Gill of Concord N.C. [Truck Chief for the #5 Wauters Motorsports Ford], Tim Gill of Lakeland, Fl., Ron Gill ( Chris) of Young Harris, GA., Troy Smith of Sarasota, Jimmy Gill (Toni) of Sarasota, Steve Gill of Sarasota, Billy Joe (B.J.) Gill (Melissa) of Spring Hill, TN., six grandchildren. Billy was an avid stock car racer from 1954 until 1988. Billy who drove the # 24 was well known from SaraMana Speedway in Bradenton, Sunshine Speedway in St. Pete, and Golden Gate Speedway in Tampa.
SERVICES: see full obit for services and Guest Book at legacy.com.(5-14-2012)

Sad News - Caroll Shelby: Carroll Hall Shelby, the Texan who created the famous Shelby Cobra and uncounted other high-performance machines that turned the auto world on its ear, and made it a whole lot more fun for 50 years, died in Dallas Thursday night at age 89. He had been hospitalized for pneumonia. Shelby, who affected the aw-shucks demeanor of the chicken farmer he once was, said, "I never made a damn dime until I started doing what I wanted." What he wanted was, if you will, power for the people, automotively speaking. Beyond just his efforts in the small world of hot-rodding, Shelby influenced how Detroit automakers thought about high-performance, and he proved that hard work and bit of guile can make a hero. The litany of significant cars he created is long, running from the original 1962 AC Cobra - small British sports car with a big (for the times) Ford engine - through a sojourn at Chrysler and a stint with GM via a failed Oldsmobile-powered car, back to Ford. He was involved with development of Ford's GT 500 Mustang, the 2013 version of which is certified as the most-powerful regular-production car in the world. Rumors began circulating about a health problem when the affable auto man failed to appear as scheduled at the New York auto show in early April to promote his latest creations, the 950-horsepower Shelby 1000 and the 1,100-hp Shelby 1000 S/C. Shelby published an update on his Facebook page in late April to say, in the vein of Mark Twain's "the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated," that he had been hospitalized for pneumonia, but was "resting comfortably with family and working on getting better."(USA Today)(5-11-2012)

Sad News - Wayne Mosser Wayne R. Mosser, father of Amy Mosser (who works for Sprint Cup Driver #34-David Ragan) peacefully passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 surrounded by his loving wife of 50 years, family and friends. Born March 21, 1940, in Grantsville, he was the son of the late Carl E. and Alberta L. (Kahl) Mosser. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn M. (Blake) Mosser; one son, two daughters, two brothers, four sisters, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and relatives. Newman Funeral Homes, P.A., 179 Miller St., Grantsville, is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the Accident Volunteer Fire Department, Northern Garrett County Rescue Squad or Hospice of Garrett County.(5-7-2012)

Sad News - Tia Lynne Liberati: Tia Lynne Liberati, 44, from Bellaire, OH, passed away Thursday, April 5th in Morgantown, W.Va. surrounded by her family. She is survived by her parents Dorothy and Anello Liberati; brothers Anello, Jr. "Smoker" and [NASCAR crew chief] Gio "Rambo" Liberati; numerous aunts and uncles; as well as nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to her as "Tia-Tia."(4-14-2012)
MORE: She was born October 22, 1967 in Bellaire, Ohio a daughter of Anello and Dorothy Liberati. Tia was loved by everyone who knew her and will be greatly missed by her family. There will be no visitation or services. Final arrangements and inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family.(Times Leader)(4-15-2012)

Sad News - Ellen Siska: Ellen (Slothour) Siska, 55, passed away following a long battle with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia on Thursday, April 5, 2012, in Midlothian, Va. Ms. Siska, formerly of York, PA was the devoted mother of Jonathan Shutz of Hanover, Hayden Siska of Calabash, N.C., and Hope Siska of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. She is survived by her parents, Betty and Robert Slothour of Hanover; and a sister, Elaine (Slothour) Scrobe of Midlothian, Va. She was preceeded in death by her son, Edward Siska; and her brother, David Slothour. She received a Bachelor's Degree from York College of Pennsylvania in 2006, and wrote a weekly NASCAR column for the York Dispatch [and for ESPN's NASCAR section and often linked on Jayski.com] until her diagnosis. A memorial service will be held at the Hanover Church of the Brethren at a time yet to be determined.(York Dispatch)(4-12-2012)

Sad News - Dot Owens: Dot Owens, the wife of racing legend Cotton Owens, died Monday evening at her Spartanburg, SC home following a prolonged illness. She was 83. Funeral services are to be determined. Cotton Owens, 88, was one of NASCAR's top engineers dating to the infant stages of the sport and built cars that won races and championships at the sport's highest levels.(). From 1950 - 1964, Owens ran 160 Sprint Cup races and won 9. Owens was a car owner for 405 races, his drivers won 38 races and 1 championship with David Pearson in 1966.(4-10-2012)
SERVICES: see a full obit for services at legacy.com. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory(4-12-2012)

Sad News - Thomas Kinkade: Artist Thomas Kinkade died Friday at age 54. Kinkade produced sentimental scenes of country gardens and pastoral landscapes in dewy morning light that were beloved by many but criticized by the art establishment. Kinkade died at his home in Los Gatos in the San Francisco Bay Area of what appeared to be natural causes, said family spokesman David Satterfield. There was no immediate word on an official cause of death. Calls to the coroner's office were not immediately returned. The newspaper said friends and family on Friday began planning a private service and were weighing a public celebration for a later date (ABC). Kinkade painted a few prints dealing with NASCAR including "This is Talladega" and NASCAR Thunder.(4-7-2012)

Sad News - Harry Lee Hyde: Mr. Harry Lee Hyde [worked for many NASCAR Teams and with his father], 64, passed away Saturday, March 31, 2012, at his home, with his family by his side. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, at Wilkinson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Terry Faulkenbury officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Harry Lee was born May 14, 1947, in Louisville, Ky., to the late Harry S. Hyde [legendary NASCAR Crew Chief] and Florence Jennings Hyde. His loving family includes his wife, Dianne Reeder Hyde; daughters, Renee Pierre and her husband, Elbert, Tamara Lockhart and her husband, Todd, and Sheree Hyde-Hughes and her husband, Brian; son, Lee Hyde and his wife, Maria; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brother, Ronnie Hyde of Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Ln., Kannapolis, NC, 28081, or to West Cabarrus Church, 7655 Bruton Smith Blvd. NW, Concord, NC 28025. Condolences may be left at wilkinsonfuneralhome.com. Wilkinson Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the Hyde family.()(4-2-2012)

Sad News - Mary Elizabeth Staley: Mary Elizabeth Staley, age 95, of Brown Ridge Road, North Wilkesboro, widow of NASCAR pioneer Enoch R. Staley, died Friday, March 30, 2012 at her home. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 1, 2012 at Fishing Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Darrell Poole officiating. Burial will be in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. Mrs. Staley was born February 16, 1917 in Wilkes County to Walter S. and Geneva Brooks Pennell. Before retiring, she was the ticket office manager at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. Mrs. Staley was a member of Fishing Creek Baptist Church. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Fishing Creek Baptist Church Organ Fund, 925 Old Hwy 60, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. On line condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.(3-31-2012)

Sad News - Marie Foster: Marie Ann Foster, 72, of Mooresville, passed away on Monday, March 26, 2012 at Davis Regional Medical Center. She was born on February 2, 1940 in Akron, Ohio, to the late Jess and Elmira Miller Coffe. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who enjoyed time with her grandkids. She is survived by her husband, Bill Foster; daughters, Lindy Hornaday and husband, Ron Hornaday Jr., Alicia Dyer and husband, Dennis, Missy Foster; sister, Elmira Coffe; brothers, Jess Coffe, Bobby Chesebrough; grandchildren, Ronnie, Jeremy, Candice, Travis, Chris, J.D., Jesse, Amanda; and great grandchildren, Lacey, Viktoria, Slater, Lily, Maddie, Scarlett, and Violet. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 29 from 2:00-4:00 PM at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home located at 494 E. Plaza Drive, Mooresville, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salvation Army, 2318 Julia Ave, Charlotte, NC 28202.(3-27-2012)

Sad News - Steve Bown: Divers recovered the body late this morning of Steve Bown from the underwater wreckage of his four-seater Cessna 350 plane, which crashed Friday afternoon into High Rock Lake in North Carolina. Karyn Martin also died in the Friday crash. Her body was recovered from the lake about an hour after the plane went down. Bown was president of Performance Springs Inc. of New Hudson, Mich. The company, which produces valve springs for engines, has strong ties to the racing industry, including NASCAR. The Cessna Columbia 350 took off from the Davidson County airport about 1:15 p.m. Friday, heading for Florida, and was only in the air briefly before crashing. Reports said the plane’s landing gear was still down. The couple apparently had flown from Commerce Township, Mich., the day before and spent the night in Davidson County so Bown could conduct business. A recent Popular Mechanics article credited Performance Springs with producing the steel spring that revolutioned NASCAR by providing engines with increased power. The spring’s job is to keep an engine valve closed. Performance Springs was founded in 1996, and Bown was lead engineer besides being the company president. The firm also provided springs for racing teams in IRL and NHRA Pro Stock.(Salisbury Post)(3-6-2012)

Sad News - Rich Brenner: Rich Brenner, a FOX8 sports anchor for nearly 21 years, has died. Rich, a major part of the FOX8 Family for decades, died of a heart attack Monday night, according to his wife, Judy. He was 65 years old. Rich was attending the American Red Cross’s second annual “Salute to Heroes” event at the Carolina Theatre in Greensboro when he collapsed. Paramedics at the event were unable to revive Rich, and he was pronounced dead at Moses Cone Hospital. Rich, who covered everything from NASCAR and the Panthers to the ACC and high school sports, joined FOX8 in 1987. He retired in April 2008. Rich, originally from Merchantville, New Jersey, was a United States Marine. He got started with broadcasting in 1967, between his sophomore and junior years of college, as a correspondent in Vietnam. Rich started in TV full-time in 1975 as a sportscaster in Lynchburg, Va. He later worked in Portsmouth, Va., Raleigh and Chicago before coming to FOX8. His awards included the Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, three Southeast Regional Emmy awards, a National Iris Award and the Charlie Harville award. Once Rich retired from television, he did many public appearances, particularly those that saluted people in the community, including the military. Besides Judy, Rich is survived by a daughter, son and two grandsons.(for links to leave condolences and more info see myfox8.com.(2-28-2012)

Sad News - Christopher Myers: The 19-year-old son of NASCAR on Fox studio host Chris Myers has been killed in a car accident. The network says Myers will not be part of Fox's coverage of the season-opening Daytona 500. Christopher Myers was killed Thursday in Southern California, where the family resides. SPEED studio host John Roberts will replace Myers at Daytona International Speedway. Roberts will assume Myers' responsibilities as host of Saturday night's studio show before the Budweiser Shootout, during Sunday's qualifying, and the pre-race show for the Feb. 26 season-opening Daytona 500. Fox says Myers will be given as much time off as he needs.(Associated Press)(2-17-2012)
UPDATE: 19-year-old Christopher Myers of Oak Park was a college honor student whose bright future seemed all but assured. On Feb. 16, Myers’ car ran off Kanan Road south of Latigo Canyon and crashed into a ravine about 100 feet below. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle. No official cause of the fatal crash was given. It was followed by a two-acre brush fire that firefi ghters quickly contained. The burned car and body were found near a trail that runs parallel to Santa Monica Montains national parkland, said Leland Tang, spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol.
Christopher Dakota Myers— who lived at home with his parents, Chris and Susan, and 17-year-old brother Alex—graduated from Oak Park High School in 2010 and was in his second year at Moorpark Junior College with an eye toward attending a four-year university. In high school, Myers was active with the theater department. Following in his father’s footsteps, he was an ardent sports fan and loved to follow the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL. For the past three years he had been active as a volunteer with L.I.F.E. Animal Rescue in Agoura Hills, frequently taking dogs for walks and performing other services. People who would like to express condolences are asked to consider making a contribution to the L.I.F.E. Animal Rescue in Christopher Myers’ memory (www.lifeanimalrescue.com).()(2-25-2012)

Sad News - Harold Elliott: Harold Elliott [no relation to Bill] passed at 10:30pm Tuesday 2/21 at home in Mooresville, NC with his family by his side - he was 64 yrs old. He was a NASCAR pioneer as a engine builder with over 80 wins at the top division, he won 5 cup championships 1975,76,77 with Cale Yarborough and Junior Johnson. He also won championship in 1981 with Darrell Waltrip and 1989 with Rusty Wallace. He retired from Penske Racing in 1991 and started HM Elliott Custom Precision Coatings. He spent the next 20 years building his company into one of the top performance coating providers in the racing business. His ideas and concepts will carry on for many years to come.
Visitation: Thursday, February 23rd, 6-8pm, Cavin Cook Funeral Home, 494 E Plaza Dr., Mooresville,NC with the funeral on Friday, February 24th at 2pm, Cavin Cook Funeral Home. Please send flowers and condolences to funeral home.(Roush Fenway Racing)(2-22-2012)

Sad News - Hettie Mae McClure: Hettie Mae McClure, 91, formerly of Chilhowie, Va., went to be with the Lord on Friday, Feb, 17, 2012, at Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol, Tenn. She was born Jan. 6, 1921, to William Henry Lester and Sarah Loma Crigger Lester. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, James Millard McClure; granddaughter, Whitney McClure Cooper; and daughter-in-law, Nancy Jane Brown McClure. Survivors include her children, daughters, Loretta and James W. Cooper of Bristol, Va., and Betsy and Roy O. Rash of Las Vegas; sons, Edwin G. and Lee McClure of Bristol, Va., James E. McClure of Chevy Chase, Md., Larry A. and Ginny McClure of Abingdon, Teddy D. McClure of Chilhowie, Jerry W. and Sue McClure of Abingdon, Michael W. McClure of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Gerald D. McClure of Windsor, Clo.; nine grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; and three step great grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. Jerry Eggers and her grandson, Eric W. McClure officiating. Interment will follow in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Chilhowie. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steeles Road, Bristol TN 37620 or Highlands Fellowship Food Pantry, P.O. Box 553, Abingdon VA 24212. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Mrs. McClure is being cared for by Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon VA 24210 276-623-2700.(2-19-2011)

Chip Bolin to Fill-In for Bob Osborne at Bud Shootout: Chip Bolin will serve as crew chief this weekend at Daytona International Speedway on the #99 Fastenal Ford with Carl Edwards due to the passing of Bob Osborne's father. Osborne will return to Daytona next week to lead Edwards and the team in the Gatorade Duels and the Daytona 500. Bolin is currently the head engineer for Roush Fenway Racing and previously served at Matt Kenseth's Sprint Cup crew chief.(RFR)(2-15-2012) Obit and Services: Robert L. Osborne Jr. passed away while at home on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Robert is best known for his love of nature and the outdoors. He enjoyed bird watching, and building his log cabin to be closer to the outdoors. He also enjoyed a passion for antique muscle cars. Robert leaves behind his wife of 19 years, Linda Charlene Osborne; two daughters, Jennifer Dreistadt of King George County and Jacqueline Vance of Stafford County; one son, Bob Osborne of Charlotte, NC; and three grandchildren, Mark and his wife, Celia, Rachael, and Seth. He also leaves behind two sisters, Susan Plewa and her husband, Rick of Pennsylvania and Karen Straut and her husband, Ron of Florida; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends.
Robert’s family will receive friends for a memorial gathering at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday February 18,2012 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapels-Cremation Services 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg, VA. In lieu of flowers, Robert’s family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations in his name to Wildlife Rescue League, P.O. Box 704, Falls Church, VA 22040, wildliferescueleague.org. Online condolences may be expressed to Robert’s family at foundandsons.com.() (2-17-2012)

Sad News - Glenn Carrier: Glenn Oscar Carrier, 85, of Bristol, TN, passed away Monday February 6, 2012 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. A native of Bristol, TN, he was a veteran having served in the US Navy during WWII. After his discharge from the Navy, he completed his high school education and graduated from Holston Valley High School. He worked as an electrician in the area, retiring from TVA. Glenn is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Betty Glover Carrier; two sons, Greg Carrier and wife Mary Carter Carrier, and Chris Carrier [NASCAR crew chief] and wife Valerie Miller Carrier both of Bristol, TN, brother, Bob "Slick" Carrier of Blountville, TN; sister, Minnie Lee Odum of Springfield, TN; three grandchildren, Jonathan Carrier and wife Krystal of Johnson City, TN; Katie Carrier Arnold and husband Josh, and Emily Carrier, both of Bristol, TN; great grandson, Carter Carrier and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5:00pm until 6:45 pm, Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 7:00pm. with and Rev. Tom Reed and Dennis Milhorn officiating. The committal service and entombment will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, February 9, 2012 in the Heritage Chapel of Memories at Glenwood Cemetery, with Military Honors provided by the Bristol VFW Honor Guard. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed by visiting Oakley-Cook Funeral Home. (2-8-2012)

Parents Of NASCAR Official Killed: The parents of a NASCAR communications official have been killed in an apparent double homicide at their home in Ellerbe, N.C. Richmond County officials identified the dead as Edwin Arthur Richardson, 69, and his wife, Margaret, 69, of Ellerbe. Officials said the cause of death apparently was gunshots. The deaths were discovered Tuesday morning. The Richardsons were the parents of Kristi Richardson King, who is director of communications for NASCAR’s competition department. She previously worked in public relations positions at Talladega Superspeedway and North Carolina Speedway. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as the couple’s son, 44-year-old Anthony Richardson.(SPEED / WCNC)(2-7-2012)
SERVICES: A celebration of their lives will be held Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Ellerbe with Rev. Donald Daniel and Rev. Elizabeth Polk officiating. The family will see friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asked that donations be made to the Richardson Memorial Fund, c/o Fidelity Bank, P.O. Box 459 Ellerbe, N.C. 28338. Condolences may be made online at www.carterfuneral.net. Carter Funeral Home of Ellerbe is assisting the Richardson Family.(Richmond County Daily Journal)(2-10-2012)

Sad News - Nicola Sue Kenseth: Nicola Sue Kenseth, age 63, beloved daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, died at Oak Park Place in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin on Tuesday morning, January 31, 2012, following a long battle with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born on March 26, 1948, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, to the late Edmund Nasett and Audrey Loga Nasett. She attended school in Rockdale and Cambridge and graduated in 1966 from Cambridge High School. On October 21, 1966, she was united in marriage to Roy E. Kenseth, a lifelong resident of Cambridge, WI at the Albion Prairie Primitive Methodist Church. Nicki began her career at the Jefferson County Courthouse, but shortly after her daughter Kelley was born in 1968, followed by a son Matthew in 1972, she embraced life as a full time homemaker. As the kids got older, she worked as a medical receptionist for Dr. Victor Soderstrom in Fort Atkinson, at Pediatrics in Fort Atkinson, and at Wisconsin Fineblanking in Deerfield, WI as a receptionist. Nicki is survived by her husband, Roy, her children Kelley (Shawn) and Matt (Katie) and five grandchildren Ross, Amber, Evan, Kaylin & Grace. She is further survived by her mother Audrey Loga Nasett, Brothers John (Julie), Chuck (Teri), Bjorn, and Sister Cathy, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Funeral services for Nicki Kenseth will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2012 at Willerup Methodist Church, 414 N Water Street, Cambridge, WI 53523 with Pastor Brian Cook officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome at the Nitardy Funeral Home, Park Street, Cambridge, WI on Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 4-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in Nicki’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Agrace Hospice or Willerup Methodist Church. See complete obituary at Nitary Funeral Home.(2-1-2012)

Sad News - Harold Pearson: Harold D. Pearson, 78, of Chesterfield, VA passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane C. Pearson; son, Christopher (Michelle) Pearson; sister, Shirley (Jimmy) Mayes; granddaughters, Pauline and Nora; grandson, Atticus; and a niece, Jackie Putnam. Harold was a retired sportswriter for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Richmond Animal League, 11401 International Dr., Richmond, Va. 23236 (Richmond Times Dispatch)
. Lanny Wadkins dealt with hundreds of journalists on a regular basis during his illustrious professional golf career. One of them, former Richmond Times-Dispatch staffer Harold Pearson, stood out to Wadkins. "I don't think, with all of the sportswriters I've ever met or come across, I've ever felt like I trusted someone as much as I did Harold," Wadkins, a Richmond native, said Wednesday. "He knew when I'd had a bad day, give me a little space. He understood. There aren't many (sportswriters) I considered friends. I definitely considered Harold a friend." Mr. Pearson, a Times-Dispatch sports staffer from 1965 to 1996, died Tuesday evening at 78 after a period of declining health. In addition to NASCAR and golf, sports on which his work focused, Mr. Pearson wrote about college and high school athletics. "During my time at the T-D, Harold was an integral part of our sports coverage," said Bill Millsaps, Times-Dispatch sports editor from 1973 to 1991. "He had good contacts in his areas of responsibility — golf and NASCAR — and he used them to educate and entertain our readers." Millsaps added that Mr. Pearson "was a kind and caring man," a compliment seconded by Wadkins. For decades, Mr. Pearson reported on elite professional golf events, and is remembered by Wadkins as "someone who cared about the game of golf. More importantly, he cared about the people he wrote about, which made him truly special. "He left a nice legacy, he really did." Following his time at the Times-Dispatch, Mr. Pearson edited Virginia Golfer, the official publication of the Virginia State Golf Association.(Richmond Times Dispatch)
Harold Pearson was part of the “in crowd’’ in NASCAR when I first showed up at Daytona in 1980. He was a good friend of recent Hall of Fame inductee Tom Higgins, then the dean of stock car sports writers, and his close corhort, Steve Waid, also a Hall of Famer in my book. These guys knew just about everything there was to know about what was then a southern sport. They knew the drivers, crew chiefs, car owners and most of the secrets. To become a functioning writer in those days, you had to get to know the insiders and, somehow, become one of them. Harold Pearson, who worked for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, was one of the first of that crowd to accept me as a colleague and give me the kind of guidance that I needed. He was a fine writer and, beyond that, Harold was fun to be around.(Mike Harris/RacinToday)(1-29-2012)

Dr. Joseph Mattioli, Pocono Raceway Patriarch, Passes: Dr. Joseph Mattioli, Pocono Raceway Founder and Chairman of the Board, passed away today at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Center, surrounded by his loving family, following a lengthy illness. He was 86. “Doc” as he was known to friends and associates, was one of the most respected and admired men in automobile racing. He founded Pocono Raceway in the early 1960’s and has been at the helm of Pocono ever since. Under his leadership, the track grew in stature and has hosted 68 very successful NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Events. His passion and drive helped Pocono Raceway succeed when other tracks fell by the wayside. Pocono Raceway is the only remaining family owned and run track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. He was always concerned that race fans and race car drivers and their families were treated with the upmost respect and constantly upgraded procedures and Raceway facilities to meet that goal.
He kept his fingers on the pulse of stock car racing and read everything printed concerning the sport. He was in the office daily, until last fall, and oversaw all aspects of the Pocono Raceway operations. At age 83, Dr. Mattioli spearheaded an ambitious solar energy project. He built a three megawatt photovoltaic solar energy system on 25 acres at Pocono Raceway. It is the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility, making Pocono Raceway a leader in the renewable energy and environmental fields.
Dr. Mattioli was also well respected in the community. In 2009, he received the Philanthropic Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for his generous and continuous contributions to local civic organizations, hospitals, schools and charities. He served on the board of directors of numerous organizations and was dedicated to improving the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
He served in the Pacific during World War Two as a Navy medic. Using the G.I. bill, he enrolled in the dentistry program at Temple University (where he met his soon to be wife, Rose.) Upon graduation, he developed his dental practice into a very lucrative business by working 12 to 14 hour days, six and sometimes seven days a week. He then began investing in and developing properties in Philadelphia and Northeastern Pennsylvania where he became involved in the start up of Pocono Raceway.
Dr. Mattioli is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dr. Rose, daughters Louie and Michele and son Joseph Mattioli III, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His passing leaves a void in the NASCAR community and especially to his family and extended “Pocono Raceway” family. Service Arrangements for Dr. Joseph Mattioli are incomplete at this time.(Pocono Raceway)(1-26-2012)
Services / Arrangements for Dr. Joseph Mattioli:
Viewing: Pocono Community Church
Route 611
Mount Pocono, PA
Sunday - January 29, 2012 4:30pm to 9:00pm
and
Monday - January 30, 2012 10:00am to 12noon Funeral: 1:30pm Mass of Catholic Burial
St Peter the Fisherman Roman Catholic Church
2111 Lake Drive
Lake Harmony, PA
Private entombment at the convenience of the family,
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
The NASCAR Foundation
Attention: Dr. Joseph Mattioli Memorial Fund
550 South Caldwell Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
(1-27-2012)
Mattioli Family statement regarding the large turnout this evening for the Dr. Mattioli viewing: "We all knew Doc touched many lives, but we are blown away by the amount of people who have come to pay their respects to the man we all loved so much. I think he would have been overwhelmed, as much as our family has been, on the number of people who have come here tonight. On behalf of our family and the employees of Pocono Raceway, thank you for your support, not only tonight but over these last few days. It means the world to us all."(Pocono Raceway)(1-30-2012)

Sad News - Benny Phillips: Benny Phillips, a veteran NASCAR reporter noted for his work in print and broadcast media, died Tuesday morning after a sudden illness. Phillips worked for the High Point Enterprise for 48 years, including the last 32 as sports editor until his retirement in January 2008. His work was also in display in a column he wrote for Stock Car Racing magazine for 27 years and his commentary for the television program MotorWeek Illustrated. Phillips also authored four books on motorsports, including "Determined," a biography of Dale Earnhardt. His folksy, storytelling style of writing earned him accolades as a seven-time winner of the NMPA writer of the year award. Phillips also won NASCAR's Buddy Shuman Award for outstanding contributions to stock-car racing in 1986. Funeral arrangements are to be determined.(NASCAR), see article at the High Point Enterprise(1-25-2012)

Sad News - Mildred Marcum: Mildred Marcum, the co-founder and matriarch of ARCA who passed away shortly after her 98th birthday over the weekend, leaves behind an enduring legacy. A career in motorsports that began in the mid-1940s and spanned eight different decades was only extinguished by her passing. In fact, she worked in the home ARCA office on her birthday before celebrating with her family at home on Saturday. In 1953, John and Mildred Marcum founded a pair of motorsports companies in their home of Toledo, Ohio: the Midwest Association for Race Cars (MARC), a sanctioning body for organizing and administrating races and licensing and insuring competitors which would evolve into the present-day Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA); and Marcum Promotions, formed to operate the grandstand side of the racing business advertising and promoting events, renting and leasing tracks for races, selling tickets and concession goods, arranging formarcumgramswithfrances.jpg sponsorships and managing tracks. While both Marcums were principals in each corporation, John specialized in racing-related matters while Mildred oversaw financial and administrative activities, a tandem effort which would exist until John's death in 1981. In recognition of Mildred's pioneering spirit over the decades. Lyn St. James, founder of ‘Women in the Winner's Circle', awarded Mildred with the first-ever Mildred Marcum Pioneer Award in 2005. The honor is annually awarded in Mildred's name to deserving recipients, including NHRA co-founder Barbara Parks in 2006, NASCAR driver Louise Smith in 2008 and most recently Shirley Muldowney in 2011. More info at ARCAracing.com.(1-9-2012)

Sad News - Wanda Lund: Wanda Lund-Early, the 63-year-old widow of former NASCAR legend Tiny Lund, was found shot to death Thursday night at her home in Waynesville, N.C., Police Chief Bill Hollingsed confirmed Friday. The wound appeared to be self-inflicted, Hollingsed said. "We are not going to make that final determination until we get word from the medical examiner and the autopsy is completed," he said. Officers worked throughout the night on the investigation into the shooting, he said. Relatives contacted the police Thursday, concerned when Lund-Early did not respond to knocks and yells at her front door. According to the police report, her body was discovered when her brother, Dale Russell, arrived and climbed through an open window. She had no pulse and was confirmed dead by emergency medical technicians. Roland Via of Holly Hill, the webmaster for tinylund.com website who had been working on updates for the site with Lund-Early, said she was planning to be in Daytona Beach for February's Speed Weeks to accept an award on behalf of her late husband from the Victory Lane Racing Association. Lund was the winner of the NASCAR Grand National East Series in 1973. The racer, who was 6-foot-5 and weighed 270 pounds, once helped save fellow driver Marvin Panch's life in a daring feat of bravery at Daytona International Speedway in 1963. A grandstand at the Daytona International Speedway is named for Lund, who died in a 1975 crash at Talladega Superspeedway. Lund-Early is survived by Chris Lund, her son with Tiny. (Daytona Beach News Journal)(1-6/7-2012)
SERVICES: A celebration of Wanda Lund's life is scheduled for Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 2:00 pm in Waynesville, NC at the First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Racing Legends Medical Fund, established in 1991 to assist with the needs of life hardships for those who have committed their life to professional stock car racing and others who worked in racing. To leave a message or see the obituary go to tinylund.com.(1-9-2012)

Sad News - Steve Foaster: Stephen Bruce Foster, Sr., 70, of 120 Skinner Rd., passed away Thursday, January 5, 2012 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. He was the son of the late Edward L. and Margaret Metcalf Foster. He was retired from McLean Trucking and Robert Yates Racing, a U.S. Army Veteran and former member of the South Carolina National Guard, and a member of Holston Creek Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife Betty Cannon Foster; son Steve Foster, Jr.; daughters Tina Crisp and husband Paul, Kaye Foster, Sharon Waldrep and husband Brian; brothers Reggie Foster and wife Dianne, Stan Foster and wife Karen; grandchildren Steffany Ogle and husband Kyle, Chelsea Gosnell, Turner Foster, Hannah Foster, Ava Grace Waldrep and great-granddaughter Emily Ogle. He was also survived by his special pets Casey and Buttons.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens officiated by the Rev. Donnan Lawson and the Rev. J.B. Godfrey. The family will receive friends after the service at the cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29303.(GoUpState.com)(1-6-2012)

Death at Dakar: Today at 11:19 am, Argentinean rider Jorge Boero (motorcycle #175) was the victim of a fall at km 55 of the special of the first stage between Mar del Plata and Santa Rosa. The rider suffered a cardiac arrest following his fall and was attended five minutes after the accident by the medical staff, who reached the place of the incident by helicopter. Despite their best efforts, the doctors were unable to resuscitate the pilot, who died while he was being taken to hospital. 38-year-old Jorge Boero was taking part in his second Dakar. In 2011, he withdrew from the rally during the sixth stage.(Dakar.com)(1-1-2012)