Dirt Late Model Community Looks To Support Ailing Official Walter Burson
CONCORD, NC - Dec. 20, 2009 - Walter Burson has crossed paths with countless people during his two decades as a dirt Late Model technical inspector.
Now, as the well-known racing official battles the ravages of cancer, many of his friends in the industry are seeking to help him in his time of need.
In hopes of defraying some of the excess medical costs Burson has incurred during his nearly year-long treatment, Arizona Sport Shirts and GottaRace.com are sponsoring an online auction of racing apparel and other assorted items with all proceeds going directly to Burson and his family. Supporters can also make a donation to Burson by mail at his home address: 5263 Roswell Rd. Southwest, Sherrodsville, Ohio, 44675.
Burson, 66, served as the chief technical inspector of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series from the national tour's reincarnation under the World Racing Group banner in 2004 through the start of the 2009 season when a diagnosis of lung cancer forced him off the road. He had previously worked as a tech official from 1987-2003 with the STARS dirt Late Model series, where he established his reputation as a no-nonsense tech-man that followed him to his position with the WoO LMS and dealing with all the biggest stars in the division.
Earlier this year, on June 27 during the Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa., Burson was presented the WoO LMS Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to the national tour. The pre-race ceremony honoring Burson marked his last appearance at a WoO LMS event.
“Walter has touched many lives with his infectious smile, laugh and care for the sport,” said Arizona Sport Shirts/GottaRace.com EVPO Gerald Newton, who is spearheading the online auction effort to raise money for Burson. “Any help for Walter and his family from the racing community will be greatly appreciated.”
Newton is in the process of setting up a dedicated Web site that will showcase the items up for auction to benefit Burson. Details of the auction will soon be released; in the meantime, Newton said anyone in the motorsports fraternity who would like to donate items for auction can contact him at 800-922-9918 or by e-mail at gerald@gottarace.com.
According to Burson's wife Pat, Walter's condition has deteriorated over the past month. Burson, who began undergoing cancer treatments shortly after February's DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla., has been hospitalized since Dec. 7 at Timken Mercy Hospital in Canton, Ohio.
The Bursons will be married for 38 years on Christmas Eve. They have a 37-year-old daughter and 30-year-old son, and Walter also has a 42-year-old son from a previous relationship.
For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.
The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master, Wrisco Aluminum and Bill Pink Carburetors; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
CONCORD, NC - Dec. 20, 2009 - Walter Burson has crossed paths with countless people during his two decades as a dirt Late Model technical inspector.
Now, as the well-known racing official battles the ravages of cancer, many of his friends in the industry are seeking to help him in his time of need.
In hopes of defraying some of the excess medical costs Burson has incurred during his nearly year-long treatment, Arizona Sport Shirts and GottaRace.com are sponsoring an online auction of racing apparel and other assorted items with all proceeds going directly to Burson and his family. Supporters can also make a donation to Burson by mail at his home address: 5263 Roswell Rd. Southwest, Sherrodsville, Ohio, 44675.
Burson, 66, served as the chief technical inspector of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series from the national tour's reincarnation under the World Racing Group banner in 2004 through the start of the 2009 season when a diagnosis of lung cancer forced him off the road. He had previously worked as a tech official from 1987-2003 with the STARS dirt Late Model series, where he established his reputation as a no-nonsense tech-man that followed him to his position with the WoO LMS and dealing with all the biggest stars in the division.
Earlier this year, on June 27 during the Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa., Burson was presented the WoO LMS Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to the national tour. The pre-race ceremony honoring Burson marked his last appearance at a WoO LMS event.
“Walter has touched many lives with his infectious smile, laugh and care for the sport,” said Arizona Sport Shirts/GottaRace.com EVPO Gerald Newton, who is spearheading the online auction effort to raise money for Burson. “Any help for Walter and his family from the racing community will be greatly appreciated.”
Newton is in the process of setting up a dedicated Web site that will showcase the items up for auction to benefit Burson. Details of the auction will soon be released; in the meantime, Newton said anyone in the motorsports fraternity who would like to donate items for auction can contact him at 800-922-9918 or by e-mail at gerald@gottarace.com.
According to Burson's wife Pat, Walter's condition has deteriorated over the past month. Burson, who began undergoing cancer treatments shortly after February's DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla., has been hospitalized since Dec. 7 at Timken Mercy Hospital in Canton, Ohio.
The Bursons will be married for 38 years on Christmas Eve. They have a 37-year-old daughter and 30-year-old son, and Walter also has a 42-year-old son from a previous relationship.
For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.
The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master, Wrisco Aluminum and Bill Pink Carburetors; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
