Racing morns the loss of Lanny Edwards

[rebelracewriter]

Lanny Edwards defined the word "Pioneer".. A pioneer is defined as someone who discovers great things.. When looking at this dirt track thing in a broad perspective.. We have only had wheels for a little over 100 years.. The beginning stages of the motor vehicle.. Dirt track racing is not well known yet.. But years down the road people will look back into history and take note of our current small sport to which is on the rise.. When they research this I think that Lanny Edwards will be viewed as a pioneer... Discovering the Outlaws, Chili Bowl, Various Racing Organizations, Ted Johnson, Devil's Bowl, Lawton, OKC, and several other BIG discoveries that has made dirt track racing what it is today.. As well as boasting the sport into its current state.. Out of every major dirt racing sanction and organization, Lanny Edwards had talked to someone about it or had a part of it.. To us Lanny Edwards will be one of dirt track racing's greatest pioneers... He will be looked back upon hundreds and even thousands of years from now... As making some of the biggest discoveries in dirt track racing's history.

[rebelracewriter]

From Eddie Gossage/Texas Motor Speedway

 

STATEMENT FROM TMS PRESIDENT GOSSAGE ON THE PASSING OF LEGENDARY RACING PROMOTER LANNY EDWARDS

FORT WORTH, Texas (September 9, 2016) - The following is a statement from Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage on the passing of legendary motorsports promoter Lanny Edwards earlier today.

Edwards, 76, was the owner of Devil's Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas; RPM Speedway in Crandall, Texas; and Lawton Speedway in Lawton, Okla. He also was the co-founder of the renowned Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals and was integral in the formation of the World of Outlaws sprint car series. He is enshrined in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame, National Midget Hall of Fame and Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments over more than five decades in racing.

"Lanny Edwards was the epitome of a race track promoter. Hard working, master of all things, capable of doing anything at his tracks and events. Long before I moved to Texas Motor Speedway, I knew Lanny by his national reputation even though we had never met. It was a pleasure to go to his tracks, particularly historic Devil's Bowl Speedway. He was very proud of what he accomplished and was a far better race promoter than me. His wife, Beverly, and the rest of his family are in my prayers."

Speedway officials will honor Edwards at the U.S. National Dirt Track Championship that will be held tonight and Saturday evening at the Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track. Texas Motor Speedway will distribute a decal in his memory for the competitors to adhere to their cars and also have a special remembrance during Saturday's pre-race invocation.

[NeilTPS]

Some racers regret the closing of a race track.

The passing of a really good race organizer is often a greater loss.

Lanny Edwards was really good race organizer.

RIP – Lanny


Neil Upchurch

Texas Pro Sedans Administrative & Publications Director