Former Gustin car owner dies at 70
Ed Gressel, one of the most successful team owners and supporters of the United States Modified Touring Series and the man who gave Ryan Gustin his start in Late Model racing, died Sunday. The founder of the Kansas-based Gressel Field Oil Service was 70.
Gustin, the Marshalltown, Iowa, driver who Saturday recorded his first career World of Outlaws Case Late Model Series victory, burst on the Late Model season in Gressel-backed equipment after 2011-12 USMTS championships. Along with Gustin, three Arizona drivers — Tucson’s R.C. Whitwell, Chandler’s Ricky Thornton Jr. and Tucson’s Jake O’Neil — were among other drivers making stints in Gressel-fielded Late Models. Brandon Givens of Wichita, Kan., the team’s current modified driver, won a Crate Late Model event for the team in 2018.
“Great people,” Gustin said of Ed and Cinde Gressel in a team release. “Ed was a one of a kind guy; there will never be another one like him.”
Along with his oil field service, Gressel’s companies, including Bear Petroleum, Bear Tire and Falcon Wind Power have all been sponsors of USTMS.
Gressel’s survivors include his wife Cinde, three children and eight grandchildren. The funeral is at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at Valley Township Cemetery in Burrton, Kan.; a gathering at the Gressel racing shop will follow.
