Sad News: Legendary stock car driver Kenny Shoemaker died at his home in Albany, NY, on Thursday after a long battle with heart disease. He was 71. Shoemaker, known as “The Shoe,” thrilled generations of racing fans with his “take no prisoners” driving style on both dirt and asphalt. He raced from 1948 to 1978-a period that saw the sport grow from infancy to its present form. He won a heat race on opening night at Fonda in 1953, and developed a love affair with the Montgomery County oval that transcended three decades and included 140 heat wins, 54 feature wins, and the 1958 Fonda track championship. He raced regularly at Fonda, Rochester, Victoria, Stafford Springs, Utica-Rome, Malta, Plattsburg, and Lebanon Valley. He drove the high banks of Daytona in the first modified race held on the super speedway in 1958, and again in 1961. Funeral services are at 10:00 AM Tuesday from the DeMarco and Stone Funeral Home, Heldeberg Avenue, Rotterdam, NY. Visiting hours are on Monday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Contributions may be made to the Community Hospice of Albany County, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205, or the New York State Stock Car Association, P.O. Box 1136, Clifton Park, NY 12065(Vintage Modifieds)(3-26-2001) (3-25-2001) see the Mar 19-25, 2001 Archived News Page Jayski’s Silly Season Site Main Page This page designed by Jayski LLC, 1996-2012© All Rights Reserved. Jayski’s® is a registered trademark of Jayski LLC Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form without permission or credit.
