Devil’s Bowl Speedway Founder C.J. Richards, 1937-2012
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Charles “C.J.” Richards, who passed away on Thursday evening, February 9, 2012.
After a brief driving career in the late 1950s, C.J. became involved in promoting local stock car races in and around Rutland, Vermont under his Champlain Valley Racing Association (CVRA) banner. C.J. built Fairmont Speedway in Fair Haven in the early 1960s before opening the brand-new Devil’s Bowl Speedway in nearby West Haven in 1967. He later brought Albany-Saratoga Speedway and Airborne Speedway, both in New York, into the CVRA fold.
C.J. was an innovator in short track racing, and introduced the revolutionary “358” Modified engine in the early 1980s as a cost-saving measure. The engine package quickly became the benchmark for northeastern dirt track racing and remains strong in many areas today.
As Devil’s Bowl Speedway has moved into a new era with asphalt racing in 2010, NASCAR sanctioning in 2011, and new ownership for 2012, the track comes full-circle as the 358 Modifieds return. The 2012 season will be a tribute to C.J. Richards, a visionary, a leader, a family man, and a friend.
We will miss you, C.J.
MEMORIAL INFORMATION
Services:
Monday, Feb. 13 — 11:00 a.m.
First Congregational Church
2 North Park Place, Route 22A
Fair Haven, VT
Reception:
Monday, Feb. 13 — 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Fair Haven Inn
5 Adams Street
Fair Haven, VT
Full Obituary, Charles James “C.J.” Richards — CLICK HERE
Sources: Devil’s Bowl Speedway
(Photos courtesy Bill Ladabouche/catamountstadium.com)