Living Legends are those that will forever be held in high respect by those that enjoyed their excellence. Think of our two past recipients, Buddy Cochran and Ralph Quarterson, 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 name.
When you hear the name of our 2001 Living Legend Award, there is no doubt many images will cascade through your memory. He was not only an accomplished race car driver, but I think we can fondly say quite a character too!
Many people may not know that he is in the top 5% of the speedway’s winningest drivers with a minimum of 32 wins in the six-cylinder and V8 modified divisions. This fact puts him in a very elite group of drivers such as Ralph Quarterson, Tommy Kristyak, Johnny Beaber, and Lou Blaney. What a race it would be if you could take this extraordinary group of talented drivers along with our next Living Legend recipient, strap them in equal equipment, and let them loose on the old, d-shaped oval.
Hey Big Ed Schaffer!!! What do you think the chances are of you winning the checkers tonight?
Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honor to induct Mercer’s own Ed Schaffer as the third recipient of our prestigious Living Legend Award.