10/10/09 - In his first appearance at Columbia Motor Speedway in Hermiston, Oregon, Rich
made the final start of his career. Rich raced to a solid top ten finish and was
happy with the way things turned out. Many old friends stopped by and he
appreciated the time that each and every one took to wish him well. Rich has
retired from driving, but he will still be around racetracks as he turns into a
spectator. Thanks again to everyone who has made the last 50 years so special!
9/19/09 - Rich made his final South Sound Speedway 3/8 mile asphalt start an eventful
exciting event for the Leighty fans beginning with qualifying,where he set his fastest
ever official lap at the Tenino speed plant. He then proceeded to lead the heat
race for five laps before finishing second. Before the start of the main event, the
WESCO group honored Rich by sending him out onto the track for a Victory Tribute
Lap. Video of the send off: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUqyPRYbTOs.
After a strong start in the feature, Rich admittedly tired before finishing 9th
and wrapping up a 4th place finish in the overall 2009 WESCO Points, to go along
with his 2nd place in 2009 WESCO Dirt standings and 7th place in 2009 WESCO
Asphalt standings. Rich announced that he is planning one more career start on
October 10th at Columbia Motor Speedway.
9/7/09 - Rich and Glenn Walker wrapped up their hectic weekends by being the Grand
Marshals of the Elma Outlaw Days Parade. The parade through the streets of the
city of Elma was held in threatening weather but Rich and Glenn avoided the rain in
their ride in the Model A Grand Marshals car.
9/6/09 - Rich was inducted into the Elma Auto Racing Hall of Fame, along with George
Wixson, Larry Spoon, Glenn, Walker, Spider Parker, Ed Kvistad, Nick Zvono, and Jim
Sutherby. Over 200 people attended the inaugural affair. Each inductee received
a embroidered varsity jacket, a framed photo, induction certificate and an EARHoF
decal. Veteran race announcer/reporter Ed Williams and current Grays Harbor
Raceway announcer Phil Martelli conducted the celebration.
9/5/09 - Rich's final start at Grays Harbor Raceway resulted in a DNF and a 19th place finish
in the Northwest Wingless Tour feature. Rich was underpowered compared to the
360 competitors he was competing with, but he wanted to make one final
appearance at the Elma Fairgrounds and compete on the 3/8 mile track for the
first time. He has now competed on the the old 1/2 mile, the 3/10 mile and the
3/8 mile tracks that have operated in Elma. Rich has one more race scheduled at
South Sound Speedway on September 19th.
8/29/09 - Rich made his final start on Sunset Speedway 1/4 mile dirt in Banks, Oregon, with
the Oregon Double Shot Series wingless sprints. After a 6th place finish in his heat
and 8th place finish in the feature event, Rich received lots of congratulatory
handshakes and many pleads to forgo retirement, but Rich remains steadfast in
his resolve to hang up the helmet after the 2009 season. Just two starts remain in
Rich's 50 year career. Up next is a return to a place that Rich spent most of the
first half of his career but hasn't raced at in over 10 seasons. Rich has decided to
make one more appearance at Grays Harbor Raceway on Saturday, September
5th, in the Wingless Shootout. On September 6th, at 1 P.M. Rich will be inducted
into the Elma Auto Racing Hall of Fame and on Monday, September 7th, Rich will
be one of the Grand Marshals in Elma Outlaw Days Parade.
8/15/09 - Eighth place was the result of a night of racing at the 3/8th mile South Sound
Speedway. Rich will take next weekend off before making his final start at Sunset
Speedway in Banks, Oregon on August 29th.
8/08/09 - Rich made his final start at Port Angeles Speedway and brought the car home in
7th place in the Limited Sprint Car Nationals won by Canada's Jeff Bird. Rich
started his night off with a victory in the dash, so he can claim a victory in his final
night at the track that he has had much success at in the past. Rich would like to
thank promoter Bert Johnson, the staff, and the fans at Port Angeles for all of their
support and well wishes through the years. The Leighty Racing Team returns to
South Sound Speedway on Saturday, August 15th, as 50 years of racing begins to
wind down.
8/01/09 - Still nursing a sore back, Rich returned to action in Saturday's near triple digit
temperature. The night started off with a solid 3rd in the 3rd heat race.
But Rich's final race at the St. Helens, Oregon 1/4 mile dirt was cut short after
only 3 laps of the main were completed when an arrant sprint car got into the
safety crew area and injured two EMTs. With the ambulances and safety crew
being used to transport the injured, the race was called. Rich was running in the
top 10 at the time and appeared to have a car capable of moving forward, but no
thought was given to what could have been only to those injured. In a vote after
the incident every sprint car in attendance donated their purse money to the
injured EMTs. Everyone at Leighty Racing wishes those injured a speedy recovery.
Rich will make his final appearance at Port Angeles Speedway on Saturday, August
8th.
7/25/09 - Rich toughed out a sore back to register a 9th place finish on South Sound
Speedway's 3/8 mile pavement. Rich hurt his back on Thursday and could hardly
move but as usual insisted on racing Saturday night. Nothing outstanding
happened, but as Rich stated, "The car is in one piece, I had fun, and now we can
focus on the next race." The quarter mile red dirt of River City Speedway in St.
Helens, Oregon, will be the site of that next race on Saturday, August 1st.
7/12/09 - Aberdeen Daily World Sports Reporter, Rob Burns, and photographer, Macleod
Pappidas, profiled Rich in the Sunday, July 12th, edition of The Daily World. The
article delving into Rich's 50 seasons of auto racing can be found at
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2009/07/12/profile/doc4a5993a8117b7401746092.txt.
Thanks to Rob and Macleod for adding to the excitement and helping make
season 50 special.
7/11/09 - Returning to Banks, OR, and Sunset Speedway for the third time in 2009
found Rich pick up a podium finish for the WESCO sprints with a 3rd. He also
managed a 10th overall in the combined USCA/WESCO feature. The Leighty Team
wishes to send a thank you to Wayne Van Raden for welding up a front radius rod
spud to enable Rich to compete in the feature. Next action for Leighty Racing will
be at South Sound Speedway on July 25th as they take the July 18th weekend off
to attend the Fred Brownfield Memorial at Grays Harbor Raceway and participate
in some Elma Auto Racing Hall of Fame activities.
7/05/09 - Continued best wishes to Ed Kvistad as he moves further in his journey of recovery
from his self proclaimed "valve job." Ed was recently moved from the hospital to a
rehab center that specializes in cardiac surgery rehab. Get well Ed!
7/04/09 - The anniversary of Rich's first race proved to be anti-climatic in his 50th season
as he ripped a right rear wishbone mount out of the frame ending the night before
it got started. "The car felt good to begin with then it started doing all sort of
unpredictable things. Rick found the problem when I came into the pits and
since it wasn't an easy fix, we became spectators for the rest of the night," mused
a dejected Rich. The Leighty's hope to have the car repaired for the July 11th
nonwing show at Sunset Speedway in Banks, Oregon.
6/28/09 - The Leighty Racing Team turned in less than stellar results on the track last night
at Sunset Speedway. The evening appeared to be getting off to a good start with
Rich running a strong second in his heat with three laps remaining when the handle
went away and Rich dropped to a sixth place finish. Changes were made before
the main event where Rich would start in the next to last row. By lap ten Rich was
running in eighth place with the lead pack just ahead when he again picked up
a push and faded to an eventual 14th place finish. Despite the less than hoped for
results, Rich and the Leighty Team enjoyed running with the USCA group and plan
to return to Banks on July 11th. Prior to that the Leighty Racing 11 will make an
appearance on the 1/4 mile Port Angeles Speedway on Independence Day.
6/24/09 - We are happy to report that Ed Kvistad's surgery went well and he is now in the
recovery stage. He will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as he
slowly regains his strength and gets back to normal. Rich looks forward to being
inducteed into the Elma Auto Racing Hall of Fame with Ed on September 6th.
6/21/09 - Everyone at Leighty Racing wishes longtime friend Ed Kvistad a speedy recovery as
he prepares to undergo heart surgury on Monday, June 22. Get to feeling better
Ed!
6/07/09 - June 6th the Leighty Team returned to Oregon to race with the Oregon Double Shot
Series USCA sprint cars. This time at Rivercity Speedway in St. Helens. The tight
little red dirt 1/4 mile produced some very close wheel to wheel action as Rich
brought his mount home in 7th in the feature after a 3rd in his heat race. "That was
a hard 7th, but I had a blast," exlaimed Rich after climbing out of the car. "I'm
really having fun running these non-wing dirt shows." Rich will take a couple of
weeks off before returning to Banks, Oregon, on June 27th.
5/24/09 - Rich and the Leighty Racing Team attended the First Annual Elma Auto Racing Hall
of Fame Spaghetti Fundraiser and EARA Reunion at the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds.
Nearly 200 people attended the first function of the EARHoF and it was great
seeing people we hadn't seen in years and meeting new people. Leighty
Racing helped out by having the car on display and selling t-shirts and giving part
of the proceeds to the EARHoF. Everyone is invited to the Inaugural EARHoF
Induction Ceremony on September 6th, when Rich will be among the eight
honorees. The ceremony will also be at the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds.
5/23/09 - Victory #1 of Season 50. Rich's return to non-wing dirt racing at Sunset Speedway
in Banks, Oregon, resulted in a first place in the WESCO race and 7th place overall
against the bigger 360 cars. The Leighty Racing entry earlier was victorious in its
heat race. "Now that was fun," exclaimed Rich, "I'm ready to go again." Car owner
Rick Leighty was equally happy, stating, " Dad did a fantastic job for the piece of
junk set up I gave him to drive. His finese and smoothness really came through."
Next up for Rich will be Rivercity Speedway in St. Helens, Oregon on June 6th.
5/9/09 - Round 3 of Season 50 took place at South Sound Speedway and for the second race
in a row resulted in a sixth place feature finish. "We just got out run tonight,
explained Rich Leighty, "We were getting beat into the corner and weren't as
strong coming out as usual." The Leighty Racing Team will take next weekend off to
attend the 100th birthday of their aunt Bertha Leighty. Next action for the team will
be Saturday, May 23rd, on the tight 1/4 mile at Banks, OR.
4/27/09 - Saturday night, South Sound Speedway was the site of the second race of
2009. Although finishing 6th in the feature, the results weren't what Rich was
looking for. Rich explained, "The car was working well, but I'm having trouble
maintaining my concentration and thus I'm running inconsistent laps." Car owner
Rick Leighty stated, "Dad is being too critical of himself. He was stronger tonight
than last weekend and I'm sure he'll continue to get stronger the next few weeks,
and as he gets stronger his concentration level will improve." The Leighty Team will
take a week off before returning to South Sound Speedway on May 9th.
4/19/09 - Season 50 is officially underway with a top 5 finish at Port Angeles Speedway last
night. The evening started out with 4th quick time. Rich followed that up with a 3rd
place finish in the dash and 4th place in the heat. The invert for the main found
Rich starting outside front row and he used it to his advantage to jump into the
lead where he stayed for the first 6 laps. The 30 lap feature went nonstop. Rich's
post race comment, "It felt good to be back in the car, but boy did I get tired. I
guess I have a way to go in my recovery." Team owner, Rick Leighty was pleased
with the start to 2009 stating, "I'm happy with a top 5. Not many 71 year olds
return to sprint car racing 5 months after open heart surgery. He'll get stronger
as the season progresses." Next action for the Leighty Team will be Saturday, April
25th at South Sound Speedway.
2/14/09 - Today is the one year anniversary of http://www.leightyracing11.webs.com/.
Rich and Rick were just hoping to have a little fun and share some of their racing
memories. In the one year that the website has been up, it has been averaging
over 2,000 hits a month, several racing friendships have been renewed, and
several new friendships have been made. As the Leighty's prepare to enter their
50th season of open wheel competition, they wish to thank you for your support
and kind comments. 2009 is going to be an exciting year for the Leighty family
and they hope you will stop by and say hello, either at the track or in the guest
book. Watch for the "Rich Leighty 50 Season Tour" T-shirts, soon available
and the soon to be made announcement of the 2009 plans and the additions to
the Leighty Racing Team. Take care and enjoy the moment. See everyone at the
track in 2009!
1/6/09 - The doctors lifted all restrictions on what Rich can do. He has been told that he can
do anything he feels like doing. He is healing fine, but still feels pains and soreness.
This will probably last another 2 or 3 months. Several excercises to help Rich get his
strength back in time for the racing season have been prescribed. Rich again wishes
to express his gratitude to all who have expressed their concern, sent get well
wishes, and prayed for him. Thank You!
1/3/09 - Welcome to the New Year. The start of 2009 officially begins Rich Leighty's 50th
anniversary season. Rich is looking forward to another year of going fast and team
owner Rick Leighty has some special plans in the works. As soon as everything is
finalized we will be making some exciting announcements concerning Leighty Racing
in 2009. Until then enjoy the New Year.
12/18/08 - A little over one month since Rich's operation and everything continues on a
positive note. Rich continues to get stronger each day. He has been cleared to
drive and is enjoying his returned freedom. His goal of competing in his 50th
season now appears to be very obtainable and plans are progressing. Merry
Christmas!
11/16/08 - Rich came home from the hospital this afternoon. The doctors are very
pleased with his progress and how well he has responded to the operation. Now
it is up to Rich to gradually work himself back into condition. He is looking
forward to the 2009 season and actually feeling up to getting into the car. Season
50 should be a great one. Thanks again to all those who have called, sent cards,
prayed and just been thinking positive thoughts. It really makes a difference!!!
11/13/08 - Rich's surgery went well this morning. After about 3 hours, the doctors
declared the procedure a success. About 5 hours later, they had Rich up walking.
He will spend the next 3 days in the hospital, then it is expected that he will
recuperate at home for about 2 months. Rich came out of the surgery talking
about racing, so we know he is doing ok. Thanks to everyone for your kind words,
thoughts, and prayers. They meant a lot.
11/9/08 - Good Luck to Rich Leighty who will undergo by pass surgery on
Thursday, November 13th at St. Peter's Hospital in Olympia. The doctors
tell Rich that he will be good to go for his 50th season behind the wheel in
2009. Check back for more info on Rich's recovery.
11/8/08 - Congratulations to Rick Leighty for leading the North Beach High School
Cross Country Team to their highest ever finish, 11th, at the 2008 WIAA
State Championships in Pasco, Washington.
10/18/08 - The curtain official came down on the 2008 racing season with the
WESCO Banquet. Rich and Rick received the second place driver and owner
trophies respectively. Rich was also honored to be the recipient of a new
trailer winch as a show of respect for his years of dedication to racing and
the club. Enjoy the off season and watch for some important news
concerning Rich in the next month.
9/7/08 - Port Angeles Speedway saw Rich end his 49th season with a 5th place
feature finish and 2nd place in WESCO season points. The evening started
with Rich setting 4th quick time followed by a 3rd in the dash and 5th in the
heat. Leighty Racing is looking forward to season 50 in 2009 and hopes
everyone has a great off season. Rich and Gloria plan to do some racing
vactioning starting with the Brownfield Memorial at Elma and including the
360 Fall Nationals at Chico, CA.
8/17/08 - Tenino's South Sound Speedway again proved to be very good to Rich on
Saturday night. The evening started with Rich setting 3rd quick time. He then
followed that with a dash victory and a heat victory. Rich came up just short in the
feature finishing second to Doug McLees. The results solidified Rich's hold on 2nd
place in the season points with only one race remaining at Port Angeles on
September 6th.
8/2/08 - The first edition of the the Limited Sprint Nationals at Port Angeles
Speedway were held Saturday night. Rich picked up seconds in the dash and
heat along with a 5th in the scramble to determine the the first 3 rows of
the feature. A broken rear brake caliper regulated the Leighty Racing 11 to a
9th place finish in the feature, but allowed Rich to remain in 2nd place in the
season points. Next action is August 16th when WESCO makes its final
appearance of the season at South Sound Speedway.
7/27/08 - WESCO removed the wings and joined forces with the USCA 360 group at
Cottage Grove, OR 1/4 mile clay last night. Rich proved that his flat top,
cast iron head WESCO car was ompetitive with its bigger brothers. Starting
17th, Rich moved into the top 10 before losing the handle and struggling to
a 14th place finish. Still this was 2nd in class, as only Brian McLess finished
higher (12th) amongst the WESCO cars. Next on the calander are the
Limited Sprint Nationals at Port Angeles Speedway on Saturday, August 2nd.
7/13/08 - Attending a memorial service for his sister-in-law (Gloria's sister) and then
arriving at the track just in time to qualify didn't slow Rich as he set 7th quick
time, finished 5th in his heat, and then ran a very stout 3rd in the main last
night at Tenino. The Leighty's are now going to take family vacation and spectate
at the ASCS Northwest Speedweek. The Leighty Racing 11 will next be on the
track July 26th at Cottage Grove, OR, as WESCO goes wingless with the USCA
sprints of Oregon.
7/6/08 - A driveline problem put an early end to Rich's Anniversary Race (It all
started on July 4, 1960) Saturday night. The problem has been fixed and the
Leighty's look forward to returning to South Sound Speedway this coming
Saturday.
6/22/08 - South Sound Speedway proved to be an enjoyable experience for the
Leighty Racing Team on June 21st. Rich started his night out with sixth
quick time, followed by a second place finish in the heat. Lining up in the
3rd row for the feature, Rich bolted to the lead on lap one and then had a
spirited duel with eventual winner Craig Deaver for the first third of the
race before finally settling for 3rd place.
6/19/08 - Keeping their fingers crossed for good weather, Leighty Racing is prepared
for Saturday's race at South Sound Speedway. With a couple of weeks off since
their last effort, the car has been prepared, the driver has been recuperating,
and everything looks to be a go for a good night of racing. While the Leighty's
will be competing at Tenino, they wish everyone competing at Dirt Cup a safe
and successful weekend.
6/8/08 - Feeling under the weather, Rich non the less decided to make the trip to Port
Angeles and compete in last nights WESCO sanctioned event. It was a long night
for Rich, made even longer by the fact that his back went out on him after hot
laps. Rich struggled on, eventually finishing 7th in the main event. Hopefully, two
weeks off will help make for a more pleasant outing at Tenino.
5/24/08 - Please join with Leighty Racing as they remember those who have served our
country and those who continue to serve our country. Leighty Racing will be
spectating this weekend at the ASCS Northwest event at Grays Harbor Raceway.
5/18/08 - South Sound Speedway was the site of the third race of 2008. The evening
started off with Rich setting 5th quick time, but it quickly took a turn for the
worse with a tangle in the heat bending up the front end and rear shock. With the
help from other crews the car was repaired good enough for a 6th place finish in
the feature. Special thanks to Ralph and Craig Deaver for their help and loan of
parts to get Rich back in action. Leighty Racing will return to action on June 7th at
Port Angeles.
5/11/08 - Race #2 goes in the books as a rainout. Saturday afternoon sunshine turned to
Saturday evening rain and the program was called after the dashes. Rich did
manage to pull off a dash victory before the rains came. We'll try again next
Saturday at Tenino's South Sound Speedway.
5/4/08 - Rich's 49th season started with a 9th place finish in the Cast Iron Nationals at
Ephrata Raceway Park. Not the results he had hoped for, Rich was pleased just the
same to be back on the track after having his 2007 season cut short by medical
issues. Next up will be Port Angeles on May 10th. Check the Photo Gallery for new
pictures of the 2008 season.
4/5/08 - Two new albums have been added to the Photo Gallery. One shows some of the
visitors to the Northwest that Leighty Racing has been on the track with, and the
second is of Northwest Drivers. Be sure to check out the Bench Racing page as new
stories have been added there as well. May 3rd and the first race are fast
approaching. Keep your fingers crossed that the weather starts improving.
3/29/08 - A new page has been added to the site called Bench Racing. On this page Rich
will share stories from his years involved in racing. New stories will be added
whenever Rich takes the time share with us. Also in the works, a new album in the
photo gallery containing pictures of some of the racers Leighty Racing has
competed against. Hopefully, this album will be up in the next couple of days.
3/16/08 - Thank you to pushinthecushin.com for having Rich Leighty as the Driver Profile on
the front page of their website. Click on the yellow link and check it out. Also,
thanks for the many comments and compliments we continue to receive about the
website. They are greatly appreciated.
3/9/08 - A new Photo Gallery page has been added. More photos, galleries, and comments
will be added as time permits. Unfortunately, we do not have many action shots. If
you have action shots containing Rich or Rick that you would like to add to the site,
please click here Leighty Racing.
3/3/08 - The anticipation is growing as the countdown begins until Leighty Racing officially
hits the track for their 49th season. Only 2 months remain until Ephrata Raceway
Park will be hosting their 3rd Annual Cast Iron Nationals. 2008 will be Rich's first
Cast Iron Nationals. Although entered the first 2 years, extenuating circumstances
prevented the Leighty Team from making the trip. Extra effort is being expended
this year in order to insure the team is present and accounted for. Parts are being
checked, massaged, and replaced where needed. The spares are being
replenished and plans are being made to get in some pre-season practice to
knock some of the rust off.
3/1/08 - Thank you to everyone that has shown an interest in this site. In the 2 weeks this
site has been up it has received over 1000 hits from over 750 different individuals.
Rich and Rick never dreamed there would be this kind of interest in their team.
Keep checking back as the site continues to be updated.
Good friend Axel Walker took his Walker Motorsports mount to Las Vegas February
28 & 29 to race with the USAC/CRA 410s. The first night out saw a 21st place
finish, and night 2 saw an improvement to 15th. Believe it was the first time for
Axel at the Las Vegas dirt track.
2/14/08 - Leighty Racing is proud to announce the launch of their new website. After nearly
50 years in the racing game and numerous requests from fans, the Leighty's
decided to share some of their past. The site will also keep fans up to date on the
present activities of Leighty Racing. Join the mailing list and receive instant
notification when new information has been added to the site.