News

A great and beloved New England auto racing icon has died.

Ralph Cusack has passed at age 87. He was an early star at Beech Ridge Speedway, and became a twelve-time champion. His first championship was earned in 1953, the last in 1980. He won championships driving underpowered coupes with flathead engines all the way up to insanely powerful supermodifieds.

He purchased the track from Cowboy Cal Reynolds in 1981, the year after he won his final driving championship, and later sold it to his sons Andy and Glenn who have run the track ever since.

Much more than a track owner, Ralph was a strong family man who with his wife Jane raised two fine sons. He was a man people admired and looked up to.

Ralph was inducted into the NEAR Hall of Fame, Maine Sports Hall of Fame and Maine Motorsports Hall of Fame. In addition to his driving championships, he received many awards for his operation of the track.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name are welcome to the Maine Vintage Race Car Assoc., 6 Lookout Ln., Windham, ME 04062 and the North East Motor Sports Museum 922 NH Rt. 106 N, Loudon, NH 03307.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, services will be private.