Some
History of Dave Halliwell
"Papa"
(PD) Dave Halliwell
 |
 |
 |
|
"The Crew" #23 Sams Car
l-r: Foster Rathbone, Joe Roberts,
Harry Roberts,
Dave Halliwell driver, Kenny Fyfe
|
Papa Dave Winning the
"Crew
Chief of the Year"1998
|
Papa without his hat on ! |
Dave Halliwells
Racing Career !
He has been a racer and racing fan since Merrittville started in 1952.
He raced at Merrittville the day it opened and continued going there
until his death from heart problems in January 2008.
If he wasn't
driving a race car he was working on one.
Dave crewed for Orville Kelly, on the #3
Modified, in 1952.
In 1953, 1954 & 1955, he drove the #89 Sportsman, which he built
with Bruce Van Dyke and was sponsored by "Bunting Garage",
in Port Dalhousie.
In 1956 to 1960, Dave drove the # J-15 Jalopy car, which he
built with his brother-in-law Howie Roberts. Ray Stevens sponsored
this car at the "City Service Garage". Dave was the
"Jalopy Champion" of 1958, in the #J-15, winning over 10
features and many trophies.
At the end of the 1960 season, he was forced to move up or take a
season off.
Choosing the later, Dave stayed involved in racing by being
elected safety man and tech inspector for 1961 and 1962.
He
also worked the inside corners at Merrittville during that time.
In 1963 to 1967, Dave drove the #23 Sportsman, built by himself and
sponsored by "White Rose Gas Station" & later by
"Sam's Auto Service".
Dave also met his wife Lillian (Roberts) at Merrittville. Relatives
Howie Roberts worked at Merrittville selling tickets at the front gate,
Harry Roberts did track preparation and Tom Roberts crewed for Davey
Moore and Darren Rodgers.
He received a "Crew Chief of the Year" award from
Merrittville in 1998, while crewing for his son Brian Halliwell, who
raced for almost 15 years at Merrittville and other tracks. Brian was
also a tow truck driver at Merrittville, crewed for Jimmy Hatt and was
Pit Steward and Race Director at Ohsweken Speedway.
His son-in-law Rick Agnew is presently working at Merrittville , as
Pit Steward, along side one of Dave's best friends (as a result of his racing career),
Bob St. Amand Sr.
Dave passed on his knowledge to many different drivers including Todd
Zelichowski,
Jeff Cook and Jay Tries. He also assisted the race teams of Kory Howe,
Dave Gifford, Rick Baker and Jack Cassell.
Dave was admired and respected by all who knew him. I really think it
is an honor for everyone, especially his family, to see his name
on Merritville's wall of fame. It
truly was his favorite place to be.
He will be remembered with love for his strength, knowledge, patience
and sense of humour.
" We will miss you Papa Dave....Go Fast and
Turn Left " The
Racing Story Continues!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Congratulations Dave 2008 Merrittville Speedway
Wall of Fame Inductee !
50th
Anniversary Merrittville Reunion Photos
LINKS
PAGES
Website Portfolio
Click HERE
Papa
Dave's Racing Memories
|
