Ron Leek Passes, Byron Dragway Former Owner 10 july19

Don Sofranko · 07-16-2019, 08:47 PM

Just saw this today while looking at events at Byron Dragway Rockford Illinois.
If you ever witnessed the wheelstand contest, the Outlaw Super Stock circuit, and more, you know how awesome he was at pushing great entertainment.
I loved Leek, he could have straightened out NHRA and put people in the seats again.
Heck of an announcer, and very opinionated on many things.
I didn't do business with him, but I deeply respected what went on over there, and loved going, and listening to him bark on the microphone.
He sold the track a few years ago, so maybe he was fighting an ailment?

His services were today, so its too late to attend.
===================
this tribute speaks of a self made man
https://bangshift.com/general-news/r...byron-dragway/
===================

http://byrondragway.com/2019/07/10/s...g-of-ron-leek/

Statement Regarding the Passing of Ron Leek
July 10, 2019

It is with deep sadness that we at Byron Dragway mourn the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Ron Leek.

Perhaps best known as the long time owner and announcer at Byron Dragway, Ron’s contributions to motorsports transcend the race track he called home for over fifty years.

A steward of the sport, Ron held various positions at numerous race tracks throughout the Midwest over the course of his illustrious career, including Oswego Dragway, Great Lakes Dragway and Wisconsin International Raceway, before acquiring Byron Dragway in 1969. He carefully perfected his craft as a gifted promoter as he also packed stadiums across the United States promoting monster truck events. Ron’s charismatic personality shined brightly over the microphone, as an energetic announcer and true showman at countless drag strips, oval tracks, and NHRA events. He pioneered a seemingly endless list of groundbreaking events and forever revolutionized sportsman drag racing by promoting the first big money bracket race in drag racing history. Outside of racing, Ron also built a successful trucking company, R.L. Leek Industries Inc., which has been in business since 1971.

Ron has left an indelible mark on the sport of drag racing and a legacy that will live on forever. We extend our deepest condolences to Ron’s family.
===============

full obit here, services were today

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rr...245&fhid=14630

great picture here
https://www.wifr.com/content/news/Lo...512591631.html

07-16-2019, 08:47 PM	#1
Don Sofranko Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 121 Likes: 0 Liked 128 Times in 32 Posts	Ron Leek Passes, Byron Dragway Former Owner 10 july19 Just saw this today while looking at events at Byron Dragway Rockford Illinois. If you ever witnessed the wheelstand contest, the Outlaw Super Stock circuit, and more, you know how awesome he was at pushing great entertainment. I loved Leek, he could have straightened out NHRA and put people in the seats again. Heck of an announcer, and very opinionated on many things. I didn't do business with him, but I deeply respected what went on over there, and loved going, and listening to him bark on the microphone. He sold the track a few years ago, so maybe he was fighting an ailment? His services were today, so its too late to attend. =================== this tribute speaks of a self made man https://bangshift.com/general-news/r...byron-dragway/ =================== http://byrondragway.com/2019/07/10/s...g-of-ron-leek/ Statement Regarding the Passing of Ron Leek July 10, 2019 It is with deep sadness that we at Byron Dragway mourn the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Ron Leek. Perhaps best known as the long time owner and announcer at Byron Dragway, Ron’s contributions to motorsports transcend the race track he called home for over fifty years. A steward of the sport, Ron held various positions at numerous race tracks throughout the Midwest over the course of his illustrious career, including Oswego Dragway, Great Lakes Dragway and Wisconsin International Raceway, before acquiring Byron Dragway in 1969. He carefully perfected his craft as a gifted promoter as he also packed stadiums across the United States promoting monster truck events. Ron’s charismatic personality shined brightly over the microphone, as an energetic announcer and true showman at countless drag strips, oval tracks, and NHRA events. He pioneered a seemingly endless list of groundbreaking events and forever revolutionized sportsman drag racing by promoting the first big money bracket race in drag racing history. Outside of racing, Ron also built a successful trucking company, R.L. Leek Industries Inc., which has been in business since 1971. Ron has left an indelible mark on the sport of drag racing and a legacy that will live on forever. We extend our deepest condolences to Ron’s family. =============== full obit here, services were today https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rr...245&fhid=14630 great picture here https://www.wifr.com/content/news/Lo...512591631.html Last edited by Don Sofranko; 07-16-2019 at 09:23 PM. Reason: links