TQ Racer Fred Stutz Funeral Set for June 5
Ruskin, FL — The family of three quarter midget racer Fred Stutz has scheduled his viewing for 2-8 p.m. June 5 here at the Lewers Funeral Home, 308 College Avenue E.
Stutz, 79, of Riverside, had died of complications from an accident he had suffered while running his TQ midget at Punta Gorda’s Charlotte County Motorsports Park May 13. The five-decade-long driver had been a long-time Florida Midget Auto Racing Association member since moving to Central Florida from the New York City area.
Stutz, in an Oct. 21, 2006 interview at the National Old Timers Auto Racing Club Hall of Fame Induction banquet, said he was born in the Bronx, N.Y. He first raced stock cars on Long Island’s Freeport Stadium in 1954 but soon joined the American Three Quarter Midget Racing Association.
Stutz earned his ‘Fast Freedy’ nickname for racing and winning ATQMRA features in the 1960s and 70s. His victories included those at Pine Brook (N.J.) Speedway and the Island Gardens, N.Y., indoor track. He had competes at Pine Brook and elsewhere against the likes of Mario Andretti in the early 1960s.
Stutz was one of the early FMARA members, joining with the likes of Jack Duffy and other former metro New York drivers. Tony Stewart and current USAC open wheel star David Steele had competed against the likes of Stutz and Duffy on the FMARA tour.
Stutz finished fourth to FMARA champion Ernie Teed, Jr., of Sarasota, last year. He had recovered from a broken neck in a TQ mishap several years ago.
Stutz made occasional returns to New Jersey, including for his 2006 NOTARC HoF induction in Flemington in 2006 and recent Atlantic City indoor Gamblers Classic TQ/600 c.c. micro sprint races at Boardwalk Hall.
Stutz said he was not related to noted car builder Harry.
Stutz family spokeswoman Joan Miller requests that donations in his name be made to FMARA.com in lieu of flowers. Funeral details may be found by calling Lewers at (813) 645-3231.
Sources:Walter Elliott/ Elliott Enterprises PR