Wisconsin dirt racing writer dies at 83
Longtime Midwestern racing columnist and publicist Jerry O’Brien, a multiple-track Hall of Famer who produced copy about cars going around in circles for more 50 years, died July 14 at his Superior, Wis., home. He was 83.
A racer from 1971-85, O’Brien provided columns and stories for The Checkered Flag Racing News, All the Dirt! Racing News, National Dirt Digest and DirtonDirt along with local newspaper like the Duluth News-Tribute and Superior Telegram.
He was track reporter at his hometown track from 1975-03, Proctor (Minn.) Speedway from 1987-03 and Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., from 1989-00.
“Jerry’s legacy on and off the track is one that will never be forgotten,” Superior’s Gondik Law Speedway posted on Facebook as a tribute. “As a talented and respected driver, he thrilled fans for years and etched his name into the history of our speedway. Beyond his accomplishments behind the wheel, Jerry gave so much to the sport, sharing his words as a press writer for so many years and supporting our youngest fans as Kids Club assistant alongside his incredible wife, Joanne.”
O’Brien was inducted into the Superior Speedway Hall of Fame in 2008 and will be posthumously added to the Proctor Speedway Hall of Fame on Sunday.
Besides Jo, his wife of 52 years, he’s survived by stepdaughter Kelly McAuly, stepson Kris Stanke, four step-grandchildren and three step-great grandsons.
A celebration of life was held July 22 at the Superior Curling Club.
