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Ed Yerrington,
Driver, Promoter, and Gentleman. Ed was one
of the true pioneers of the sport and much of the progress modifieds have made
over the years is due to many of the rules and procedures Ed instituted as
Promoter of the Stafford Motor Speedway and Waterford Speedbowl in the late 70's
and 80's.
Ed Started his racing career in 1952 at the Royale Speedway in Virginia while
in the US Navy at Norfolk. About 1960 Ed got the bug and drove a claimer car,
then a non Ford at Waterford, from then on Ed knew racing was in his blood.
About 1964 Ed moved up to the modified class at the bowl and had much success
winning many features and developing the reputation of a fierce competitor.
Ed decided to run the highly competitive NASCAR modified circuit and in 1970 won
the Stafford Motor Speedway Modified Championship against all the best drivers
in the history of the sport such as Ed Flemke, Bugs Stevens, Gene Bergin, Fred
DeSarro, Leo Cleary, and more. All legends in Modified Racing. Ed compiled 2
wins and finishing in the top 5 in 23 of 28 races.
During the next 4 years Ed
competed on almost every track from Maine to Virginia with stops at such notable
venues as Trenton, Langhorne, Pocono and Martinsville. During this time Ed
owned and maintained many of the cars he drove but also drove for many other car
owners.
Ed retired from competition in 1974 but continued as chief steward at Stafford
until 1976. At that time he assumed the duties as Promoter, President and
General Manager. Under Ed's Guidance Stafford assumed its position as the
premiere short track in the country. From 1985 to 1989 Ed also assumed the
duties as the Waterford Speedbowl's Promoter and general manager. Ed always kept
busy and served as a NASCAR Tech Inspector every February at Daytona
International Speedway from 1982-1989.
Ed retired in 1990 and he and his wife Shirley moved to Florida. In 1994 he
was approached to promote the Charlotte County Speedway in Punta Gorda, Florida
which had suffered with management problems and needed an experienced hand to
guide it back to success. Ed excepted the challenge and in 1994 and 1995
guided the track back to good health and once again he retired.
CLICK
HERE>> For More Photos Of Ed Yerrington On The
Vintage Modifieds Web Site.
Obituary From The New Londan Day
Edwin F. Yerrington, Sr.
October 14, 1928 - August 30, 2007
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 Norwich
- Edwin F. Yerrington Sr., 78, of 31 Trading Cove Circle, passed away
Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007, at his home.
He was born Oct. 14, 1928, in Norwich, the son of the
late Lucius Yerrington Sr. and Adelaide (Tracey) Yerrington.
He married Shirley O'Rourke on March 16, 1951, at Central
Baptist Church in Westerly; she survives him.
He served in the U.S. Navy for 9 years and was a veteran
of World War II and the Korean conflict.
He was the owner and operator of a service station on
Route 12 in Preston. He was the president and general manager of Stafford
Motor Speedway, where he was the co-creator of the SK Modified division. He
also was an operator and promoter at the Waterford Speedbowl. He was an avid
race car driver, racing along the East coast for over 25 years, retiring in
1990. He was the 1970 Track Champion at the Stafford Motor Speedway. He was
also a technical inspector for NASCAR at Daytona International Speedway. He
was an avid antique car collector and especially enjoyed showing his cars in
Connecticut and Massachusetts.
In addition to his wife, Shirley, he is survived by his
son, Edwin F. Yerrington Jr.; his daughter, Bonnie Lee Yerrington; his
sister, Marilyn DePristo; his four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren;
and by his dog, Sherlock.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his
brother, Lucius F. Yerrington and by his sister, Joyce DePristo.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday,
Sept. 4, 2007, at the Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St.,
Norwich. Calling hours will be held two hours prior from 5 to 7 p.m. Burial
will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Edwin's memory
may be made to the Hole in the Wall Gang Fund, 555 Long Wharf Drive,
Department W, New Haven CT 06511 or to the Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500
Adam's Way, Randleman NC 27317.
Please visit the online memorial at www.mem.com.
The Church and Allen Funeral Home is entrusted with
arrangements.
Published in The Day on 9/1/2007. |
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Ed Yerrington Over
The Years
Click On
Photo For Full Size |
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Ed with Tom Curly
& Jack Arute, Sr..
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Ed and the Famous
#66. Look At The Speedbowl Crowd! |
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Ed & Art Moran |
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Unloading At
Trenton Speedway |
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After A Stafford
Win |
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Jim France, Mike
Joy & Ed. |
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Shirley
Yerrington & Pete Locke celebrate Ed's Stafford Championship |
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