ESTEVAN — The Estevan Motor Speedway recognized two people for their many contributions to the track by inducting them into the Wall of Fame at the Nov. 1 awards night.
Cam Martin and the late Richard Mann were this year’s honourees. They joined a list of luminaries, including drivers, builders and volunteers, who have been enshrined since the Wall of Fame was established in 2013.
The large crowd at the Beefeater Plaza gave both inductees a standing ovation.
In Mann’s case, track president Brad Pierson lamented that in life, you sometimes have to lose someone to truly appreciate them.
“We always knew what Richie meant to the speedway, but it took losing him to realize what he actually meant to the whole deal,” Pierson told the crowd. And that’s sad. It truly is. I knew what he had done out there for many years. It became a no-brainer that he had to go into our hall of fame.”
Pierson told the crowd that Mann was synonymous with joy – a man who could light up any room with his “infectious” smile and laugh.
“Life was always a bit lighter when he was around,” said Pierson. “He had a way of bringing happiness with him wherever he went. He could solve any problem with a short conversation and a cold drink, and could leave a person feeling positive and just a little better than they were before. He was truly a joy to be around.”
The track president noted Mann moved to Calgary to pursue his welding trade. There he found two loves: his wife Sharon and auto racing. Mann raced in the Calgary area until he moved back to southeast Saskatchewan in 1984 with his race car. With the help of his brothers, he raced at the former Estevan race track location for many years and in North Dakota.
He had a hobby stock until 1995 and then upgraded to modifieds.
“Through the years, many competitors turned into lifelong friends that remained part of his life and story,” said Pierson.
When Mann moved to modified racing, his nephews took his hobby stock and started racing. His passion for racing inspired others; Pierson listed 13 members of Mann’s family who were involved at the track.
“Although the cars change over the years, racing was always part of life. Always part of the family. Being at the track on summer weekends was a given, and many late nights were spent in the shop with friends and family, twisting wrenches, some days visiting more than working, but that was a big part of it, too.”
Mann was the owner and operator of Richard’s Welding and knew the importance of being involved in and part of the community. When plans were announced for the current Estevan Motor Speedway, Pierson said Mann was involved in making the facility what it is today. He was at work bees, was a speedway board member and volunteered on race days, when he wasn’t racing.
“He donated his time and talents to build and upkeep the facility, like the grandstands, for instance, and sponsor the kids’ club,” Pierson said. “Richard’s life touched every aspect of the facility. His legacy will forever be cemented in every foundation of the speedway.”
Mann’s death has been felt by many family members, friends and people in the racing community, Pierson said. His widow Sharon and son Corey accepted the induction on his behalf.
Martin was honoured for his years spent volunteering on the track preparation crew. Pierson noted that people who don’t know what goes into building a track don’t realize the amount of time it takes. The effort might start three days earlier.
“They might be out there any day of the week, prepping that track. Cam just goes and goes and goes, and has the best attitude in the world, and is just an all-around great guy,” said Pierson. “He’s in a great team with his great friend Ed Turnbull, and Larry Mack is out there helping him out. We’re trying to get some other people involved to take some stress off them.”
Martin is the most easygoing person in the world, PIerson said, and doesn’t get fired up.
Turnbull noted Martin and his wife, the late Judy Martin, joined the speedway as volunteers in 2007, and Turnbull said he doubts Cam Martin has missed a day when needed.
“Sometimes I know he isn’t feeling good or maybe had a little flu for something, but he always seems to get better when it’s time to get to the track,” said Turnbull.
“Cam, your invaluable contribution of time and effort, and a lot sweat, has played a huge roll in the success of our events,” Turnbull added. “I don’t know how I could find a volunteer to help me that has the time that you have and the dedication.”
In the spring, when they start the track preparation for the upcoming season, Turnbull said they’re usually dealing with frost in the first and second turns, a wet front straightaway and numerous other undesirable conditions.
“As we work the track, it starts to dry out, and pretty soon we’re adding water, and Cam is there where we need it, morning or night.”
Martin's attitude is great, Turnbull said, and even when they run into adversity, Martin is dedicated to anything they need him to do.
“During the season, Cam is chomping at the bit to get the racetrack prepped for the next weekend, and he can't wait to get back out there.”
Turnbull estimates Martin will spend 20 hours on track preparation in a normal week and at least 40 when necessary.
“From maintenance to filling gas pails, he’ll do just about anything around the track that’s needed without being asked. We can always count on Cam. He’s been a godsend for the track surface at the speedway and a volunteer in general. When the track is dusty and not very racy, I can tell that Cam, he’s not happy. And neither am I.”
Turnbull said Martin’s induction is very fitting.
Pierson said the speedway hasn’t rushed to induct people into the honoured club. The track wants to induct the right people, so it might go for a year or two without an enshrinement. They decided to inform the inductees in advance, rather than surprising them the night of the event, and he believes it was the right move because of the members of the Mann and the Martin families in attendance.
