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Dave Ward


Dave and Leroy Sweeney


Dave and his brother


Dave and Lois


Dave at Weaver's Legends of Ascot event


Dave on the mike at the Legends


Dave and Lois


Dave and Lois


Dave and Lois


Dave with Billy Shuman

2/28/07

Dave Ward was a giant of a man. He knew more about sprint car racing than anyone I know. He was involved with racing for longer than I know. His stories were never ending, and quietly, he was the star of most of them, but you never knew it because he was just telling it like it was. My limited scope of sprint car history was blessed with his patience and the time he gave me. The modest man had integrity that kept him away from racing at times, but he loved the sport and the people in it. He was ready to go racing or help any team he could, he was truly amazing.

For me, I will miss the knowledge he allowed me, the stories from back in the day when our racing was just getting started, the friendship he gave me. There wasn't any old timer that he didn't know, and most he built parts for. He was a TALL man among us mortals and never quit coming to be involved. He and Lois were together all the years of my time with this racing world, working for the CRA and then SCRA, they did it because they wanted to help.

Although he struggled with heart problems the last dozen years or so, he didn't miss much racing. He came when others would be in the hospital and for good reason, he couldn’t stay away because he, more than most, was essentially part of all that was good about sprint car racing in Southern California. He was always involved with CRA and then the SCRA as he chose to work to help the racers.

Dave will be missed by more than me, and we will always remember the powerful voice that smoothly gave us him, time after time over the years. Rest in peace, Dave.

Updated 7/12/17

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