Florence's ever-present Weber dies at 82
Former Florence Speedway co-owner John Weber (pictured), an ever-present figure at the Union, Ky., track who fielded a Late Model team for top regional drivers for more than 30 years, died this morning. The Fairfield, Ohio, resident was 82.
Weber’s passing was reported by longtime track scorer, statistician and historian Ron Jerger Jr., who didn’t provide a cause of death.
Weber and Rich Sheppard bought the track before the 1980 season and operated it for two seasons, changing the name to Florence Speedway from Northern Kentucky Speedway before selling it to partners Preston Sandlin and Bruce Buford. The King family, the current owners, bought the track in 1984. Weber was also instrumental in obtaining the track’s current lighting system.
Weber owned Late Models successfully driven by Hall of Famer Chuck McWilliams, his son Audie McWilliams and Jason Jameson among others. Hometown racer and Hall of Fame driver Darrell Lanigan also made occasional starts in Weber’s cars.
Weber was preceded in death by wife Linda Weber, who died April 19 at the age of 80. Details on survivors and arrangements were unavailable.
