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I don't believe I've seen any mention of this on our forum; not sure that any of today's fans would really care, but to many old timers, this is another friend, another valued piece of racing history lost; so for those to whom such things do have some meaning, here's what was released by Donna Wollman, Director of The Auto Racing Legends.
IN MEMORY OF SAMMY PACKARD
March 24, 2003
The Auto Racing Legends sadly announces the passing of our esteemed member
Sammy Packard.
Sammy passed away at his home after a long illness on Sunday, March 23, 2003.
Sammy's racing career began in 1937 as a midget car driver in Fall River, Mass. After hearing about the racing on the beach, Sam came to Daytona in 1938, driving a 1937 Buick and won a priliminary race. As the first "Yankee" to invade the south, Sammy raced on the beach for several years before WWII.
Proudly, Sammy Packard was one of the 36 racers who assembled at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Fla. in 1947 to form what is now NASCAR.
In 1959, Sammy, his lovely wife Lee and their two daughters, Rhoda and Priscilla moved to Daytona permanently.
Sammy is a member of the Bay State Midget Association, a lifetime member of the Williams Grove Old Timers, Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association and a charter member of the ARL.
In 1998, he was the first individual to receive the highest honor given by the Auto Racing Legends....ARL Legend Emeritus.
As a friend and valued member of this organization, Sammy Packard will be deeply missed.
IN MEMORY OF SAMMY PACKARD
March 24, 2003
The Auto Racing Legends sadly announces the passing of our esteemed member
Sammy Packard.
Sammy passed away at his home after a long illness on Sunday, March 23, 2003.
Sammy's racing career began in 1937 as a midget car driver in Fall River, Mass. After hearing about the racing on the beach, Sam came to Daytona in 1938, driving a 1937 Buick and won a priliminary race. As the first "Yankee" to invade the south, Sammy raced on the beach for several years before WWII.
Proudly, Sammy Packard was one of the 36 racers who assembled at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Fla. in 1947 to form what is now NASCAR.
In 1959, Sammy, his lovely wife Lee and their two daughters, Rhoda and Priscilla moved to Daytona permanently.
Sammy is a member of the Bay State Midget Association, a lifetime member of the Williams Grove Old Timers, Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association and a charter member of the ARL.
In 1998, he was the first individual to receive the highest honor given by the Auto Racing Legends....ARL Legend Emeritus.
As a friend and valued member of this organization, Sammy Packard will be deeply missed.
