Leighty Racing Sprint Car Team
Rich Leighty, Washington Econo Sprint Car Organization #11
Our History
Leighty Racing was born in November of 1959 when Rich Leighty and Bill Booth started work on a 1936 Dodge coupe. Rich first hit the track on July 4, 1960 when he towed his "new" jalopy to Forks, Washington. Rich did not set the world on fire in that first race, but the racing fire was ignited and now, entering his 50th year, continues to burn strong.
Rich had planned to race at the 1/2 mile dirt track in Elma, Washington, but racing at the fairgrounds speedway was temporarily disbanded before Rich could make his debut. Plan B was formulated and Rich began towing to Silverdale, Longview, and Chehalis. When racing finally resumed at Elma in 1963, Rich was one of the first to sign in and he became a steady fixture at the speedway for the next 20+ years. Rich didn't restrict himself to just Elma and ventured to most every track in the Pacific Northwest through the years gaining fans and friends wherever he raced. Known to be one of the last to leave the pits, Rich loves to talk to the fans and can often be found signing autographs and giving out souvenir pictures.
Racing has been a family activity for the Leighty clan since the beginning and in 1981, Leighty Racing became a two car team when Rick joined his dad on the track. In 1985, the team decided to concentrate on racing with the traveling Washington Open Wheel Association and left the confines of Elma. Father and son continued racing wheel to wheel with each other for 20 season, until health problems forced Rick to retire from driving and concentrate on running the team.
Rich continues to be competitive despite the fact that his total years behind the wheel often double or triple the ages of his competitors. He has picked up feature wins in five decades on both dirt and asphalt, with and without wings. Despite not feeling well for much of the season and ending up having by pass surgery after the season, Rich's 49th campaign ended up with a second place in season points.
Rich says that season 50 in 2009 will be his last. People just smile and shake their heads when they hear him talk of retirement. They've heard that story before! No matter when Rich finally decides to retire, the racing experience has been worth it and Rich says he would do it all again. Thank you to all the racing family, friends, competitors, and fans for making the last 49 years so fun and celebrate with us as we enjoy number 50. See you at the track in 2009.
The Driver: Rich Leighty
Hometown: Pacific Beach, Washington
Marital Status: Wife Gloria (53 years)
Family: Son-Rick; Daughter-Wendy; Grandaughter-Megan
Occupation: Retired Shingle Weaver; Retired Volunteer Firefigher
Age: 71
First Race: July 4, 1960 at Forks, WA
Activities: Attending North Beach High School Basketball Games;
Watching Seattle Mariners
