Mike Franks, the founder and owner of U.S. 36 Raceway in Osborn, Mo., died Saturday at a Liberty, Mo., hospital. The Cameron, Mo., resident was 61 and had been battling cancer, according to a RacinBoys report.

Franks owned and operated the 3/8-mile oval in northwestern Missouri that opened in 2000, running occasional Late Models events including with the World of Outlaws Case Late Model Series and Lucas Oil Midwest LateModel Racing Association. Franks originally opened a drag strip on the property in 1990.

Survivors include his wife Ruth, three children and three grandchildren. A memorial service is at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Gallatin (Mo.) First Christian Church; visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at the church. Visit stithfamilyfunerals.com for a complete obituary.