NickHolt Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 I learned today that Devil's Bowl Speedway founder, C.J. Richards, has passed away. Here's the story from CVRA.com: Devil’s Bowl Speedway Founder C.J. Richards, 1937-2012 Charles “C.J.” Richards passed away on Thursday evening, February 9, 2012. After a brief driving career in the late 1950s, C.J. became involved in promoting local stock car races in and around Rutland, Vermont under his Champlain Valley Racing Association (CVRA) banner. C.J. built Fairmont Speedway in Fair Haven in the early 1960s before opening the brand-new Devil’s Bowl Speedway in nearby West Haven in 1967. He later brought Albany-Saratoga Speedway and Airborne Speedway, both in New York, into the CVRA fold. C.J. was an innovator in short track racing, and introduced the revolutionary “358″ Modified engine in the early 1980s as a cost-saving measure. The engine package quickly became the benchmark for northeastern dirt track racing and remains strong in many areas today. As Devil’s Bowl Speedway has moved into a new era with asphalt racing in 2010, NASCAR sanctioning in 2011, and new ownership for 2012, the track comes full-circle as the 358 Modifieds return. The 2012 season will be a tribute to C.J. Richards, a visionary, a leader, a family man, and a friend. MEMORIAL INFORMATION Services: Monday, Feb. 13 — 11:00 a.m. First Congregational Church 2 North Park Place, Route 22A Fair Haven, VT Reception: Monday, Feb. 13 — 12:00-3:00 p.m. Fair Haven Inn 5 Adams Street Fair Haven, VT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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