January 25, 2018
Gary is a member of the Hall of Fame based on his contributions to Neohio Region and the workers, his racing accomplishments, and his representation of “the racing spirit”. He was an inspirational role model for our racing community. In the 1970’s Gary became a regular fixture working Lake Erie Communications at Nelson Ledges and Mid-Ohio, volunteering many weekends. Around 1990 he borrowed an ITA RX7 for Driver’s School. Gary then built a similar car. He moved up to EP and began a long string of Runoffs appearances. He did nearly all the mechanical work on his cars and his knowledge of what made them tick was profound. He was a great driver, but more than that he was always willing to lend a hand when another competitor needed help-often stretched out under some else’s car. His help for other competitors include being with Sam Halkias when he took his national championship at Road America. The term that would describe Gary would be “sportsman”. Gary was on the Neohio Board and maintained the Region’s website, winning an award for the website from the National Office. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and faced his illness just as he faced his racing; with courage, dedication, and striving to be a better person. Gary was a racer, volunteer, mentor and friend to many.