World of Outlaws Mourn the Loss of Lanny Edwards
CONCORD, N.C. — Sept. 9, 2016 — The World of Outlaws extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lanny Edwards, who passed on today at the age of 76.
Edwards was a pioneer in growing the sport of dirt track racing. Since 1962, when Edwards promoted his first race — “a street stock and factory stock show that packed the house,” according to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame — track operators across the country have looked to Edwards as a leader and innovative promoter balancing all aspects of the business. The Childress, Texas native was also a part of the inner-circle that established the World of Outlaws series back in 1978.
“My heart is heavy today with the passing of Lanny Edwards,” said World of Outlaws CEO Brian Carter. “I cherish my memories of Devil’s Bowl Speedway and watching he and Beverly all those years. He leaves an enduring legacy, and we will continue to press forward working to meet those high expectations he set for everyone around him.”
Edwards created one of dirt track racing’s most prestigious events – the annual Chili Bowl Midget Nationals – which is held annually in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For 50-plus years, Edwards was influential in bringing the sport of dirt racing to the states of Texas and Oklahoma by owning and promoting as many as five-tracks. Edwards most-recently owned and operated Devil’s Bowl Speedway, located in Mesquite, Texas — the birthplace of the World of Outlaws Sprint Car circuit. He also owned and promoted Lawton Speedway, in Lawton, Oklahoma.
Edwards has been recognized as the Regional Promoter of the Year at least ten times and won the National Promoter of the Year award in 2002 for his work promoting dirt track racing. He was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2006, and into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2012. In his honor, the Texas Motor Speedway named their annual short track race promotors award the Lanny Edwards Award, presented each year by the track and to date, by Edwards himself, to successful promoters and operations that have provided growth and positive race experiences for their fans and competitors.
UPDATE: Viewing on Monday, Sept. 12, 6-8PM at Becker Funeral Home. Service on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2PM at Lawton First Baptist Church, 501 S. W.B. Ave., Lawton, OK 72501.
