2006 Living Legend Award

Living Legends are those that will forever be held in high respect by those that enjoyed their excellence.  Think of our seven past recipients…Buddy Cochran, Ralph Quarterson, Ed Schaffer, Vic George, Mike Kristyak, Keith Morrow, and Skinny Hall and I’m sure the memories they gave us all will immediately encompass your thoughts. 

These people stand above the rest for their accomplishments, abilities, and the images they portray the moment you hear their names.

Though this year’s Living Legend recipient doesn’t rank amongst the top winners at The Park; his legacy will remain for years and years to come. 

He saw his first race on his honeymoon and told his wife, “That’s what I want to do”.  He started racing in the 50s always driving his own coupes and late models.  His number and colors are as familiar as his name.  One of his fondest racing memories was beating the great Jim Becker for the first time ever. 

A stroke at the age of 62 may have slowed him down, but he returned to the track for a couple more years as “No ifs, and, or buts about I’m back,” was his slogan.  Even though he finally hung up his helmet, he’s still there every week watching from his traditional pull-in parking spot and cheering on his son Ron.  His grandson Matt, granddaughter Olivia, and son-in-law Barry have all raced in years past as well.  He’s an avid race fan as he loves restoring old race cars and collecting racing memorabilia.  

This driver embodies everything that makes Mercer Raceway special to the strong legion of fans and racers over generations. A local racer, strong family ties, loyalty to the speedway, and a name that won’t soon be forgotten.  And if we have any say so, that’s just a another reason we’ll be sure he realizes he’s not to be forgotten.

Tonight we recognize Grove City’s Ron Eperthener, Sr. and the vivid memories he left us with his yellow #333 race cars.

Ron, please come forward to receive this year’s prestigious “Living Legend” Award.