Statement from TMS President Gossage on passing on Legendary racing promoter Lanny Edwards

The following is a statement from Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage on the passing of legendary motorsports promoter Lanny Edwards earlier today.

 

Edwards, 76, was the owner of Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas; RPM Speedway in Crandall, Texas; and Lawton Speedway in Lawton, Okla. He also was the co-founder of the renowned Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals and was integral in the formation of the World of Outlaws sprint car series. He is enshrined in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame, National Midget Hall of Fame and Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments over more than five decades in racing.

 

“Lanny Edwards was the epitome of a race track promoter. Hard working, master of all things, capable of doing anything at his tracks and events. Long before I moved to Texas Motor Speedway, I knew Lanny by his national reputation even though we had never met. It was a pleasure to go to his tracks, particularly historic Devil’s Bowl Speedway. He was very proud of what he accomplished and was a far better race promoter than me. His wife, Beverly, and the rest of his family are in my prayers.”

 

Speedway officials will honor Edwards at the U.S. National Dirt Track Championship that will be held tonight and Saturday evening at the Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track. Texas Motor Speedway will distribute a decal in his memory for the competitors to adhere to their cars and also have a special remembrance during Saturday’s pre-race invocation.