7/3/06

HOLLAND SPEEDWAY STAFF MOURNS THE PASSING OF GARY BYERLY

 
The staff and management of Holland Speedway joins the racing community of Western and Central New York and Southern Ontario in mourning the untimely passing of Midstate Vintage Stock Car Club President Gary Byerly. Gary succumbed after collapsing in the pit area shortly after competing in the Midstate Club's feature race at Holland Speedway on Saturday, July 1st.

Gary had finished first in the '60s Division and third overall in the event. Ironically, he was racing in a borrowed car which had been the machine of the late Erin "Doc" Smith, Gary's close friend, who himself met an untimely death just a couple of years ago.

Gary was a veteran of the dirt tracks of Western New York and the 1996 Mini Stock champion at Genesee Speedway. During the late nineties, he had become enamored with the vintage Modified racing scene and had become a very active member of the Midstate Club. As Club President, he was instrumental in the on-going success and popularity of the division, and had been a driving force in arranging the Club's first ever visit to Holland this past Saturday.

The staff and management of Holland Speedway extends condolences to the family and friends of Gary Byerly.

Source: Rick Mooney/Holland PR
Additions: Mark Southcott/NYRaceZone.com
Posted: July 4, 2006