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ACE SPEEDWAY RACER LARRY ISLEY PASSES AWAY

Altamahaw, NC (Mar 1) - One of the most popular racers ever at Ace Speedway, Larry Isley passed away this Sunday, February 23 following a recent illness. Known as the "Silver Fox" for impeccably groomed silver hair and his intelligent driving style, Isley raced for over 30 years with his crew chief Tony Whit at Ace Speedway and other dirt ovals in North and South Carolina. The 65 year old veteran just completed another season of dirt racing and was looking forward to competing in this season in his Dirt Late Model on the local dirt circuit and at the Super Dirt Cars Series on the asphalt at Ace Speedway.

Larry Isley had strong roots at Ace Speedway and won the last ever dirt race at the track in October 1989 before the track became a NASCAR Weekly Racing Series paved oval in 1990. Isley also won on the Ace Speedway asphalt taking two Super Dirt cars wins and the series championship in 1996.

"Larry will really be missed at the speedway", commented Ace Speedway Track Manager Robert Isley. "I'll never forget that last race we had on the dirt and how much he really wanted to win that race. He and Ray Tucker put on a great battle. Larry was so proud to win that last race. When we the started the dirt car series on the pavement he was one of the first drivers to sign up for the series and helped promote the division with a special match race against GW Gerringer. He helped many of the dirt drivers to switch their cars over for the asphalt and was always willing to help us on the publicity part. We are going to dedicate the first Super Dirt Car race of the season on May 18th in his memory. He was a very special person."

His wife Joann, daughters Lori and Amy, and his brother Don survive Larry Isley. He was laid to rest at Alamance Memorial Park on Tuesday, February 27.