4 minute read
Earl Ross Memorial
Story by Dave Mathers, with files from Charlene Kydd-Pickering
On October 15, Ailsa Craig, Ontario paid tribute to one of its most prominent and successful citizens, the late Earl Ross. The Canadian racer had a long and successful career in Canada and the US, and made history in 1974 by winning the fall NASCAR Winston Cup Series race at Martinsville (VA) Speedway.
For decades, Ross – who passed away in 2014 – was the only non-American to accomplish this feat and is still the only Canadian ever to have won a race in NASCAR’s elite Cup Series.
Bill Daniels, a former CASCAR and Late Model racer and son of legendary Super Modified driver ‘Hickory Bill’ Daniels (he came from Hickory Corners so thus the nickname), runs a small engine repair business in Ailsa Craig. He organized the event. Daniels’ sister is married to Ken McKichan, one of the trio of McKichan brothers – Gord, Stan and Ken – who were the magic behind Ross’ success on the track and at Martinsville.
Nearly 500 people attended the event, which featured several vintage Super Modifieds out front of the host building, all with Buick ‘nailhead’ engines. There were also displays presented by the families of ‘Speedy’ Jack Monaghan, Ken Johnston, Trip Trepanier and several others.
A live auction raised $3,057.05 for the Ailsa Craig and District Historical Society (ADHS). I had the honour of being the emcee and interviewing some of the racing legends who were signing autographs, including Bill Kydd and Scott Wilson.
Also in the house were CASCAR founder
(Above, left to right) Host Dave Mathers was joined on state by Ken and Stan McKichan, who were members of Earl Ross’ crew. (Below, left) NASCAR racer D.J. Kennington (left) with event organizer Bill Daniels (right). (Below, right) There were several tables full of memorabilia at the event, including
this one honouring Earl Ross. Photos by Bruce Laing
Tony Novotny and two-time NASCAR Pinty’s Series D.J. Kennington. I can’t try to list all the legends in attendance, as I would surely miss many!
According to Charlene Kydd-Pickering, who was schoolmates and good friends with Earl’s daughter, Liz, the event was a great success.
“It brought back many memories of the celebrations held in April, 2000 (when Ross was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame) to celebrate Earl’s success with many drivers and fans of stock car racing, including many who used to race in Ailsa Craig when it had a track.”
Charlene credits Bill Daniels for all his efforts to make the event a big success.
“One day last year, Bill Daniels came to the ADHS with the idea of having an Earl Ross Racers Memorial, which would also help ACDHS raise funds for the replacement of the steeple on one of our building that was taken down by a tornado September 2021. We all agreed that it sounded like a great idea.
“Bill worked very hard, spending countless hours gathering memorabilia, contacting people and promoting the event, encouraging people to come out on October 15, share stories and enjoy the day.”
Looking ahead, to 2024, Kydd-Pickering says there is a 50th anniversary celebration in the works, at the Historical Society, to honour Earl Ross’ NASCAR Winston Cup Series victory at Martinsville Speedway, in 1974.
Talking about Earl Ross’ impact on Ailsa Craig, Kydd-Pickering continued, “Earl was dearly loved. We were lucky enough to live in a small town where Earl Ross wasn’t a hero, he was a father, friend, and all-around good person that loved racing cars and golf.”
Thanks to the many volunteers who made the Earl Ross Memorial event such a big success. IT
OSCAAR MERGES WITH THE URS
With files from OSCAAR
In early November, the long-running OSCAAR sanctioning body announced that effective immediately, it had merged with the United Racing Series (URS).
During the 2022 season, OSCAAR’s tours included the Modified and Hot Rod classes. The United Racing Series oversees the APC Late Model Series and the Qwick Wick Super Stock tour.
According to the release, discussions about a possible merger have taken place intermittently for a couple of years.
“Luke Ramsay and I have had discussions over the past two years about how to move OSCAAR forward, and during the 2022 season, talks had intensified,” said OSCAAR President Dave Gainforth. “I feel I have taken OSCAAR as far as I can without additional resources, and by merging with the United Racing Series and tapping into their expertise and support, we can only become better in all areas.”
The press release noted that it will be, “business as usual to start” in the wake of the merger announcement. OSCAAR just completed its 32nd year of racing.
Speaking on behalf of the URS, Luke Ramsay said, “The United Racing Series is excited to welcome OSCAAR into our family. Dave (Gainforth) will still be at the helm and with technical, administration and marketing support from our group we feel that together we can help move the Modifieds and Hot Rods to the next level.”
Ramsay continued, “We have always looked at ways to expand our brand and footprint in motorsports. This is a perfect opportunity.” IT
