Rocky Ragusa

Randy Courtney, a former dirt racer whose work as crewman helped build several championship-caliber drivers, died Sunday at his Bloomington, Ill., home. He was 59.

Tom Rients, Mark Anderson, Eric Smith, Ryan Dauber, Daren Friedman and Donny Walden were among racers Courtney turned wrenches for on the way to victories and titles at tracks in central Illinois and beyond.

Courtney, who had a 35-year career in auto sales, "demanded excellence in everything around him," his son Ryan wrote in a tribute on Facebook. Randy Courtney (pictured above left) worked the last three seasons as crew chief for Walden, who called him "my driving coach, my motivator, but most of all a close friend."

"With all his wisdom and experience he brought, it just can’t be replaced. He had a unique style on how he motivated his drivers over his career. He would push you to your limit because not only was he the most competitive person that I have ever known, but he truly cared and wanted you to perform at your highest potential," Walden said. "We had very high hopes going into this season together and even though it’s going to be tough without him, I know he would want us to push on and get the job done. That is what I intend to do in his honor."

Besides son Ryan, Randy Logan Courtney is survived by his wife Glenda and two stepsons, Colin Nolan and Connor Nolan, along with two grandchildren. Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, April 15, at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington; the funeral is 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home followed by burial. Find a complete obituary at eastlawnmemorial.com. — Rocky Ragusa