General News
Monday, 17 February 2014

USAC CHAMPION ROLLIE BEALE, 84

Rollie Beale Rollie Beale Photo by John Mahoney

 

USAC CHAMPION ROLLIE BEALE, 84

Toledo, OH........Rollie Beale, one of the most respected USAC drivers of all time, has passed away at the age of 84. The 1973 USAC National Sprint Car Champion was enshrined in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1996. His USAC career, which spanned 1965-1977, included 32 Sprint Car feature victories, 10th on the all-time list. Arguably, one of his biggest career wins came in the prestigious "Little 500" at Anderson, Ind. in 1966. A competitor in USAC Silver Crown and National Championship (Indy car) wins as well, his best Indy car finish was a ninth in 1968 at Trenton, N.J. After retiring as a driver, he spent several years as the Chief Steward for USAC's Silver Crown and National Sprint Car Series. In 1991 he was the winner of USAC's Ross Hadley award for dedication to our sport. USAC extends its sincerest sympathies to his widow, Anna Mae, and all of his family and friends. Visitation is from 2-8 pm Friday at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH 43623. The funeral service is at 10:30 am Saturday.